I have finally gotten the chamber measurements I needed for comparison and here they are for anyone who is a reloader and interested in a 300 WSM. The SAAMI spec for the 300 WSM is for a 2.860 OAL. The T-3 averages approximately 0.200 longer OAL. What this translates to is if you intend to shoot nothing but 180 gr or larger bullets in the T-3 you are OK if you reload to a standard of at least one bullet diameter in case at 0.010 off the lands. However, if you intend to shoot bullets less than 180 gr, then it becomes extremely unlikely you will able to keep one diameter in the case mouth. I was not able to do so when I tried to reload 165's in my T-3. Not even close. This will result in velocity loss (gas blowby), increase fouling at transition zone, loss of accuracy due to bullet is less stable coming out of case mouth etc. If you shoot very little and shoot nothing but 180's it is a so what and no big deal. If you reload and want to maximize performance it is definitely a big deal. The Savage 16FSS, for example, is reamed for 2.860 OAL which will alow us reloaders to meet normal reloading practices. Velocities would tend to be greater in the Savage or any other rifle that is cut to 2.860 OAL just because blowby is minimized. More efficient transfer (capture) of powder burn is always going to result in higher performance when comparing like loads in different rifles. I will keep the T-3 for just 180's for my son but I do have a Savage 16 FSS in 300 WSM coming to shoot the 150-165 weighted bullets for deer. The T-3 was suppose to be a nice carry rifle for hunting deep in the Adirondacks but I wanted it for lighter weighted bullets. So bottom line, if you intend to reload, measure the chamber before you buy it. I used to do that but didn't do it for this rifle so now my son gets a new rifle and he is very sad about that :-D and I get to buy another rifle which also makes me sad... :-D
Also, once I get the Savage, I will order a Boyds Ross Thimbhole stock in pepper laminate which should make an awesome combination. Adds a little weight and LOP which I need anyway. Will post up picture once I get it together.
Muddyboots
