"Bushing" a Rem 700 Boltface

[HTSmith]

I'm considering re-barreling a Rem 700 in 7 Rem Mag with a Sako extractor down to 280 Remington. Is it a reasonable gunsmith job to close up the bolt face? Thanks for tolerating my stupid questions.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

No problem

 

[centershot]

I had a bolt that was bushed and it would not stay in place. :-[ It basically ruined a great, accurate rifle that I had.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Ok- no problem for some. Send it to gre tan

 

[swd]

Just put it in the classifieds for a swap for a standard bolt face bolt. I see it there pretty frequently.

 

[carlsbad]

Lots of answers on this thead that make me wonder if they are answering this question or a different one.

The OP isn't asking to bush the firing pin.

To install a sako extractor the smith had to silver solder a ring of (hopefully good quality CrMo) to the lip of the bolt after the groove for the Rem extractor had been machined out. This will have to be removed and a new bushing installed to accommodate the smaller rim diameter. Then the groove will have to be re-machined to a lower depth to match the rim.

There are several different manufacturers and sizes of sako extractors. Often the 308 size is good for magnums too so it is likely the extractor used is good for a your new cartridge. However, PTG makes a magnum Sako extractor and if this is used, I'd say it isn't worthwhile to try to modify the bolt to use a smaller extractor and the larger extractor may not work well with the smaller cartridge.

Feel free to DM any questions.

--Jerry

 

[centershot]

In my case, it was to install a Sako extractor. Another gunsmith told me, after the fact, that the bolt face did not to be opened up and then bushed. This was for a .223.

 

[carlsbad]

Centershot,
Sorry to hear about your bad experience. The bushing is needed. To install without bushing is sloppy. I guess you could get away with it on the small rimmed 223 but I wouldn't consider it "right". Additionally, It needs to be silver soldered in. It it was coming loose, it wasn't adding the strength that it was designed to add.

I believe almost all of the bad rap that sako extractors have received over the years comes from poor/amateur installations.

Anyone wants a professional installation, I am available. I know there are other good gunsmiths here but some have chosen not to do sako extractors.

--Jerry

 

[Eric Leonard]

whats the easiest way to get a PPC boltface for a Rem 700,,open a 223 or bush a 308,,I would be happy with either extractor,,even the Rem factory extractor if it could be made to work,,I am still debating on what to do for a 100-300 yard rifle,,,

I would rather go 6mm for the more available quality bullets but the 30BR is starting to look better as all I would need is a barrel and chamber job,,

 

[Dusty Stevens]

A mini m16 in a 308 boltface will snag a ppc just right plus itll have better resale when you want to upgrade to a custom action. Id go with a replacement coned bolt from ptg.

 

[carlsbad]

whats the easiest way to get a PPC boltface for a Rem 700,,open a 223 or bush a 308,,I would be happy with either extractor,,even the Rem factory extractor if it could be made to work,,I am still debating on what to do for a 100-300 yard rifle,,,

I would rather go 6mm for the more available quality bullets but the 30BR is starting to look better as all I would need is a barrel and chamber job,,

Lots of other choices that use the 308 bf. I like the 6br a lot. It's only real problem to me is wind effects beyond 300 yds. If you want more muzzle velocity look at the 6xc or even just the standard 243 win. 6mm Rem. Or go with the 6.5 mm chambers: 260 rem, 6.5 creedmoor, or the 6.5 SLR which is what I chose.

--Jerry

 

[Rustystud]

Look at the BORDEN Rifles web site. It has the procedure to bush a bolt face described.

Any competent gunsmith should be able to do this procedure. Greg Tannel has it down to an art.

Nat Lambeth