Anyone know what's up with Winchester and .300 WSM brass? I can't find any. Is this a long term thing? I located some Norma brass,and might break down and pay the price, but damn it's expensive.
It has been a pretty long term situation. I've heard second-hand that Winchester is going to offer WSM brass "soon." I've been hearing it for a while, haven't seen it, neither have the people who have been saying it.
I used to be a winchester brass snob ... winchester or nothing. The last batch of 7mm-08 I bought was awful and the '06 a friend bought (both around end of summer, so most recent production) was worse. My primer pockets are wildly inconsistent. Some of his cases won't even hold a primer in unfired brass. I may have to switch to Lapua or Norma if I'm going to keep the rifle I bought.
Given that, first thing I'd do is think twice about buying any WSM-chambered rifle and definitely NOT do it unless I was willing to pay for either Norma or Nosler brass.
Probably not what you wanted to hear.
Tom
Norma will last twice as long, so it's not a bad deal.
TOM to late on the rifle. I found a good deal locally on some factory ammo. Picked up a couple of boxes. I'll probably break down and buy Norma brass, bite the bullet and buy a bunch. I guess over the years I've spent a lot money on stuff I use alot less.
Having just sold all my 300WSM brass I can tell you its in high demand. I should have charged more for it!
Norma will last twice as long, so it's not a bad deal.
Agreed.
Every piece of Winchester brass I ever used would either split the neck on first firing or never make it to the third loading without doing so.
I use Norma, Lapua or Remington...in that order.
I haven't bought any new winchester brass in years. Never had any problem with the old stuff. Guess I'm going with the Norma.
I didn't have any issue with WW brass prior to about the start of 2016. None that I've picked up since stuff started trickling out post-shortage has been up to the previous quality.
I've got some .45-70 and .223 made since that I have not had a chance to mess with so ... it's only a comment based on what I've used so far, I wouldn't want to make a blanket statement about all of it. Guess I'd just say "manage expectations 'til you try it."
I know where there are lots of WSM brass.
Not sure which search device found it I think "Ammo Seek" but it listed a wholesaler in Houston that had lots of hard to find brass like .257 Roberts, 6 Rem. etc. Good prices too.
Once you find it stock up and get the same lot #s if you can.
Because of the periodic shortages each new rifle gets 200-400 cases so I will most likely shoot out the barrel before needing new brass. This greatly simplifies reloading as no work up needed for different cases.
If you can live with 1x fired stuff, look here:
http://www.oncefiredbrass.com/Just scored 100 ct. WW headstamped 300 WSM brass. They have Fed also.
Whittakers had 7mm WSM brass just the other day.