A ton of gunsmithing questions

[Taraczkozy]

I have a rifle that has a lot of sentimental value. So I know it would probably be easier and/or cheaper to go a different route, but that's not an option on this one.

It is currently a trued rem 700 long action with a standard bolt face. It has spent its life as a 6.5x284 so everything is set up for that case.

It was originally purchased as a elk rifle for a trip that didn't get to happen in time. The current barrel is shot out and I'm looking to go with a caliber more suitable for a long shot on elk. I'm leaning towards a 7ss or 7 mega. I already ordered a 7mm 8 twist 26" proof carbon barrel.

Questions
1. Can a gunsmith open up my current bolt to except a magnum case?

2. Will I have any trouble feeding a short mag in a long action?

3. Will I just change out my bottom metal to accept a magnum mag?

Also, is there anything that I may be missing that could be a issue? Thanks

 

[Dusty Stevens]

1. Yes
2. The length wont be the problem
3. The bottom metal is the same its the follower and feed rails thats different.

Why not just use the 6.5x284? Is a heckuva long range ctg and you could go to a straight 284 with your new barrel and wont even have to get new brass. I wouldnt change to a short mag over a 284

 

[tobnpr]

Agreed.
But if you're set on a 7mm, absolutely nothing wrong with the 7 mag- except it ain't as "sexy" for those that insist on the latest (and not greatest) cartridge hype. There's a reason the 7 mag is still a mainstay.

Tweaking receiver feed rails can be challenging for some conversions depending what you go with.
DBM setup is often a solution.

 

[Taraczkozy]

I'm not 100 percent stuck on a sherman, but I like more challening calibers that will test me a bit. My reloading room is my get away.

I'd like to push a 180- 190 gn bullet about 2900 + fps. Not because I think it'll make me any better, I just want to set a goal try to get there.

I just love the loading part more than the shooting part.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If it has sentimental value id get something else built, preferrably with a magnum action, then go 28 nosler

 

[Taraczkozy]

You have me thinking about the 284. Maybe that would be the way to go.

The sentimental value isn't only the rifle. It's the rifle my son and I put together to go one our first elk trip. So that rifle being on the trip is just as important.

 

[Judd]

I’m with Dusty…

284 or 280ai (ballistically not that much difference) but very likely will take a 28 Nosler to get the speeds you’re looking for.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

You have me thinking about the 284. Maybe that would be the way to go.

The sentimental value isn't only the rifle. It's the rifle my son and I put together to go one our first elk trip. So that rifle being on the trip is just as important.

You wont be undergunned to just take the 6.5-284. That way you can have it just the way you originally intended. A 6.5-284 will put the smack down on an elk

 

[Taraczkozy]

The current 6.5x284 is shot out and I already have a 7mm barrel coming. Maybe I'll just do a straight 284. I was running the 6.5 at 2850. From what I'm reading, I should be able to do that with a 284 with a heavier bullet?

 

[LVLAaron]

1. Yes
2. The length wont be the problem
3. The bottom metal is the same its the follower and feed rails thats different.

Why not just use the 6.5x284? Is a heckuva long range ctg and you could go to a straight 284 with your new barrel and wont even have to get new brass. I wouldnt change to a short mag over a 284

Occam's Razor, put simply, states: “the simplest solution is almost always the best.”

 

[tobnpr]

.284 Win should push 160's at around 2800.

My 7mm barrel is coming Monday, building myself a 7-.300 PRC for ELR.
If ya want to burn some powder (and the throat with it)...

 

[Walt Krafft]

I would go 280AI.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I would go 280ai as well.

 

[Kck]

I haven't met the gents above but I hope to and buy them a beverage of their choice. I have to agree 100% as the 6.5-284 and straight 284 are both fine choices and the 280AI is a sweet one. I'd leave the bolt as is and go with one of the aforementioned options.

 

[Karlandco]

I'm looking into 7-6.5PRC...different application nevertheless Berger Hybrid 180 gr 2930fps. Hybrid may not be your bullet of choice for Elk but there many other 7mm to choose from. I say consider your bullet choice first then reverse engineer the delivery system, whether that be 7abc or 7xyz. Sounds like a memorable project!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I'm looking into 7-6.5PRC...different application nevertheless Berger Hybrid 180 gr 2930fps. Hybrid may not be your bullet of choice for Elk but there many other 7mm to choose from. I say consider your bullet choice first then reverse engineer the delivery system, whether that be 7abc or 7xyz. Sounds like a memorable project!

A 7prc is a beautiful thing

 

[jnm300ultra]

I had a 6.5x284 and sold it for a 280 Ackley. I wanted a larger bullet diameter. I couldn’t be happier. It’s the easiest conversion. Wanting the speed of the 180gr you will need a 28 Nosler or something like that.
Good luck with your build,
Jason

 

[LVLAaron]

Be smart and make sure you can get brass for it.... things might be tricky for a while. Not a good time to go start something "new" to you.

 

[Mark W]

Be smart and make sure you can get brass for it.... things might be tricky for a while. Not a good time to go start something "new" to you.

Not a good time, but it could also be the best time depending on what’s to come.

 

[Taraczkozy]

I have several hundred pcs of 6.5x284 I can neck up and a bunch of powder. I try to keep a pretty good stock of what I use and/ or may use.