Thoughts on the .300 RCM and the .338 RCM?
Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:53 am
I know that this post probably belongs in the "Centerfire Rifles" forum, but I wanted to post it here so more people could comment on it.
Just wanted your thoughts on the new Ruger calibers. I own a .270 WSM and my feelings on it have been mixed. I feel that the biggest disadvantage is that it does not feed smoothly from the magazine. One time, it jammed momentarily as I was jacking another round into the chamber after shooting an elk. I am not sure if this problem is inherent to the cartridge or just Ruger's kludgy attempt of controlled round feeding. Also, to get the accuracy, I have to use a mild load so my velocity is not much more than a standard .270 Win.
However, the RCM calibers intrigue me for the following reasons:
1. The RCMs do not use a rebated rim like the short mags do from Winchester and Remington. This may not be a big deal, but if given the choice, a non-rebated rim is best due to feeding reliability issues. A non-rebated rim will always have more "grip" on the back of the cartridge for the bolt to push against while feeding the round out of the magazine and into the chamber.
2. The new RCM cartridges will also not be subject to the Jamison royalties. This has already hurt the current WSM cartridges and, over time, may migrate people over to the RCMs.
3. The RCM cartridges are a little smaller in diameter than their counterparts, possibly allowing better feeding from the magazine.
4. And the biggest reason the RCMs are of interest to me is the anticipation of Ruger expanding their line to other calibers, such as the .264. The shooting industry has been waiting for someone to come out with a rifle in a long-range .264 caliber. Many use the .260 Rem but the preferred caliber is the 6.5x284. No one makes a production rifle in this caliber so it must be a custom gun. The RCM cartridge may be a perfect platform to build the ultimate .264 long-range rifle. It would be very similar to the 6.5x284 but with a little more umph and no rebated rim! I think it could be very well accepted (if done right)!
I know that Ruger is a little late to the dance, but can the small advantages and arguably better implementation of a "short magnum" be enough for the RCM to survive in one form or another? What are your thoughts?
Just wanted your thoughts on the new Ruger calibers. I own a .270 WSM and my feelings on it have been mixed. I feel that the biggest disadvantage is that it does not feed smoothly from the magazine. One time, it jammed momentarily as I was jacking another round into the chamber after shooting an elk. I am not sure if this problem is inherent to the cartridge or just Ruger's kludgy attempt of controlled round feeding. Also, to get the accuracy, I have to use a mild load so my velocity is not much more than a standard .270 Win.
However, the RCM calibers intrigue me for the following reasons:
1. The RCMs do not use a rebated rim like the short mags do from Winchester and Remington. This may not be a big deal, but if given the choice, a non-rebated rim is best due to feeding reliability issues. A non-rebated rim will always have more "grip" on the back of the cartridge for the bolt to push against while feeding the round out of the magazine and into the chamber.
2. The new RCM cartridges will also not be subject to the Jamison royalties. This has already hurt the current WSM cartridges and, over time, may migrate people over to the RCMs.
3. The RCM cartridges are a little smaller in diameter than their counterparts, possibly allowing better feeding from the magazine.
4. And the biggest reason the RCMs are of interest to me is the anticipation of Ruger expanding their line to other calibers, such as the .264. The shooting industry has been waiting for someone to come out with a rifle in a long-range .264 caliber. Many use the .260 Rem but the preferred caliber is the 6.5x284. No one makes a production rifle in this caliber so it must be a custom gun. The RCM cartridge may be a perfect platform to build the ultimate .264 long-range rifle. It would be very similar to the 6.5x284 but with a little more umph and no rebated rim! I think it could be very well accepted (if done right)!
I know that Ruger is a little late to the dance, but can the small advantages and arguably better implementation of a "short magnum" be enough for the RCM to survive in one form or another? What are your thoughts?