Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Browning SS w/BOSS .300 Win Mag opinions

Hey guys, I hope you don't think I'm too wishy-washy but here goes. I'm in the market for a new rifle. I've had some interest in the .308 and asked your opinions in the big game section (sorry, now I realize it fit better here). I haven't been able to find a .308 in my area in a model I like.



However, in my search I have found a good deal on a Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker with the ported BOSS system in .300 Win Mag. I keep thinking about it and reading reviews on that caliber and rifle.



I don't really need this rifle ( <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />) but I am interested in it. I elk hunt every year and I know it would fill the bill on that front and then some. I've also learned that you can load it down a bit to 30.06 specs for target shooting throughout the year.



I can always get a .308 later but the .300 could be bought now with enough time for some practice and hand-loading before October. So I'm looking for opinions on this rifle, the BOSS system and the caliber. A specific question is does the mussle-break on the BOSS actually make much difference on recoil?



Thanks ahead of time.

That rotten BOSS is far and away the most wretchedly loud brake I have ever had the misfortune of being around. One of my hunting partners has one in 270 and it rings my bell even with double ear protection in. I won't spot for him when he shoots because I have both of my hands clenched tightly to my ears, otherwise my ears ring for a week after he touches that C*$@ Su#$#r off. Unfortunately he won't get rid of it because it shoots so darn well.

Both my father-in-law and my brother in law have synthetic stalkers in 300 Win Mag with the BOSS. It makes a noticable difference in recoil but is also much louder. After shooting it for a couple of years my fil got a CR (non-ported) BOSS from Browning and switched them out. I'd rather put up with the recoil any day than deal with all that noise. He's been very happy with the rifle and it shoots great with the BOSS tuned in.

Don't take this the wrong way but it sounds like you've got the hots for a new rifle "right now" In general, impulse buys or good deals on the (maybe) wrong item are almost always a costly mistake.



But, if you can honestly say yes to all three of these questions.....then this impulse may work out. If not, then wait for the more practical choice. I can't believe that you can't find a .308 that you like. There are more choices available than you can shake a stick at.



(1) If the 300 winny suits your wants and needs as well or better than a .308..........go for it.



(2) If you like the Browning as well or better than the other rifles around in 308 (ie: Rem M-7 or 700 or Win 70 or Ruger 77)........then go for it.



(3) The Boss, or any muzzle brake are items of personal taste and conviction (generally, at least @ the campfire, they are often not favored) But, if you like the idea and are not put off by the potential negatives.........then go for it.



Last thing...."the art of the deal"



Go out and look at brand new .308's. What is the "deal" really going to save you, $100?....$150? Is it really worth it????



Good luck......JimF

Yes Jim, I definitely have "gun lust" or "new gun fever" whatever you want to call it! I haven't bought a rifle in a while so I'm primed and ready. So I hear you on the impulse buys.



I live in a city of 200,000 people in West Texas. I've hit the gun shops and retailers and other than a Ruger #1 or a flutted-barrel Rem.700, I can't find a .308! One owner said, "That's a great caliber but we just don't get much call for them around here." There are many .270's, 30.06's, 7mm mag, etc... but not much of a choice in .308. I'm talking new or used. My only option in that caliber is to order a new one, which I am considering.



So I am at a crossroads here. I don't have to buy anything. I could buy the .300 or I could order a .308. As to your questions, the .300 would definitely take care of the upper end of my hunting needs (I have other smaller caliber rifles for the lower end so the 308 would not be a big stop up in power, just a fun shooter). I've not owned a Browning rifle yet, so I don't know about #2. It seems fine though. The big question is the Boss, good reviews in the rags, but I'm looking for the practical advice of guys who've used them, and I appreciate the comments so far. They are really loud huh?

I would have them order something...It could probably be there next week.

The Boss is extremely loud..I would never fire a rifle with one without ear protection..

Mike

Yep, VERY LOUD. Have you looked around on the internet? Try www.gunbroker.com or www.gunsamerica.com Should be able to find something you like in 308. I would rather wait a couple of weeks to get the rifle I wanted rather than buy something I didn't really want.

I've heard good things about Browning A-Bolts and the .300WM is a fantastic cartridge. I have a .300H&H that I love.

However, the BOSS-system, while it does help some shoot better, is loud and unnecessary. I was sighting in my deer rifle two weeks ago next to someone with a .270 with a BOSS. After two shots I decided to fidle with something else until he got down. Being at the next station was too close.

just wanted to put my .02 cents in. i have a browning a-bolt II in 300 win. mag with the boss barrel system. i love the rifle. it is accurate and loud. while at my range i have never heard anyone complain about the noise. it really doesnt bother me either as long as i am wearing ear protection. the boss works but i dont think that it is necessary for recoil or tight groups. if you are not a handloader then it may work better for you. i reload all my ammo so it isnt that much of a factor. i plan on rebarreling that rifle anyway and i will not be putting a muzzle brake back on it. but if it is a good price on the rifle you cant go wrong imho.....

Willard,

I have an A-bolt .270 Winchester with a BOSS. Yup, very loud.

If you are a handloader, there's probably not much of an advantage to the BOSS, except for the recoil reduction. All the accuracy adavantages a BOSS provides can be duplicated through optimizing a load for the rifle.

If you use primarily factory ammo, the BOSS can be the best thing since white bread. I've yet to find a factory round that couldn't be 'tuned' to 1.5 MOA using the BOSS.

I handload and wanted the BOSS mainly for the recoil reduction, and it definately works. It tames the .270 down to about .243 levels. The .270 is not that much of a kicker, but after firing 75-100 rounds in a t-shirt I'll take all the reduction I can get. For hunting purposes, the recoil reduction is not a big deal.

As for the A-bolt, I love it. My .270 is a blue and wood "Medallion" and might be too flossy for some folk's tastes, but I think it's once the nicest looking rifles available.

My experiences with the BOSS have all been NEGATIVE. You couldn't pay me to hunt with one. I refused to hunt with my buddy any longer until he finally bought the BOSS CR. The muzzle blast is absolutly brutal <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Furthermore, the darned thing adds 3" or so to the length of your barrel. A 30-06 or 308 with and 26+" bbl give decent velocity with a lot less muzzle blast. The money you will spend on a hearing aid will far exceed the extra loot required to get the rifle you most desire. Get the 308.

280_ACKLEY

I bought a used M 70 Super Grade in 300 WM with the Boss system. Right off the rifle was very accurate and then it went sour. I hope it's the scope and I am waiting for some new ones to come in.

Mine came with both attachments and since I lothe muzzle breaks I have only shot it with the solid part in front. The rifle itself is so nice and it's worth a lot just for the action and stock. That's something that you won't get with Browning!

Keep in mind that this "barrel" is over 26" long but the real rifle part is only a 24" barrel.

If mine does not want to shoot I will just have the barrel replaced as it has all the basis for a beautiful rifle.

I now carry ear plugs in the front seat so that when I get to the club I can put them in before I open the door. There is no gun more annoying that those 16" AR's with a brake and a 30 round clip.

Browning rifle =PIECE OF SH*T. No other explanation needed. I would buy a used Remington 710 before I even considered a browning.

Encorefan: Why are you so down on Browning rifles? Did you have a bad experience with one?

I believe that the new Brownings come with both the break and CR on the boss equipt rifles. I have a friend who recently bought a Browning in 270 and i convinced him to use the CR.
I have a M70 in 264WM with the boss and i can't get it to shoot for S$%#. I'm not patient enough with the boss thing to get it where it needs to be. i'm thinking about having the barrel cut down and recrowned. I've only tried 2 factory and 6 handloads through it. arround 250 rounds? maybe? can't shoot any better then 4 inches and that's on a good day. i've scewed the thing in and out all the way. Just haven't tried it with the boss taken off yet. might do that next week end? or i might go hunting? who knows?

I think that i just got a lemon! But i wouldn't trade it for anything! The wife bought it for me for our aniversary and it has the best looking piece of wood i've ever seen on a mass produced factory rifle!!!

Good luck and i hope you enjoy what ever you decide to buy!

Paul

Slightly. Bought an a-bolt in 300wsm 2 years ago. Trigger was junk. Fit and finish were poor. Gun shot patterns instead of groups. And the recoil or should I say muzzle jump due to too much drop in the stock was terrible. Did manage to kill one deer with it though. Got smart and put it off on the first sucker I found and bought a new savage. Another 300wsm and I LOVE it. That accu trigger is bad ass. Great accuracy and very mild recoil.

Encorefan: Wow! You are the only person I have ever heard who actually had an A-Bolt that did not group extremely well. I suspect the poor fitting was putting heavy pressure on the barrel at some point, which is supposed to be free-floating.
Now it's the next guy's problem. Glad your Savage shoots well.

I am trying to find a way to get rid of the Boss on this nice Supergrade that I got for fun. I have it off just now and am going to shoot it like that. With that lump gone it changes the personality of the rifle and it's a little more handy. As you know the newer M 70 Supergrades are kind of big and heavy rifles already.

The barrel measures about 27" long with the Boss on it depending how far it's screwed in or out. With the Boss off the barrel on this .300 WM is 23.75" long. The threads as cut on the end of this barrel are 1.0" long so if I cut the threads off the barrel will be only 22 1/2" long on his magnum. It's a good thing I did not pay a lot for this rifle.

Some competative .22 LR marksmen put weights on the ends of their barrels as you can't load for a rimfire. For a centerfire the Boss on a game rifle seems too long and heavy.

Now I am looking for a cap for the threads or a tap to make one. Cutting the Boss down might work but it's a little too short in that section to cover all of the threads. It would be nice to find an aftermarket cap.

I'll jump in and give my 2 pennies worth. My brother owned a .300win Stainless stalker with the boss. He loved it. And I'll admit I loved it too. It shot very very well. we could get the 3 shot groups to touch most of the time. I'll admit the muzzle break is loud.. But I only found it to be louder when I was standing next to him. When I shot it I didn't feel it was that much louder than with the CR on.. So If I bought one and wanted a muzzle break. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Browning. Good luck