Help/advice on a project please. . .

[slm9s]

I have a Mark V in 270wby sporter that I never use as I have lighter hunting rifles, but its got a SMOOTH action, great trigger, and I shot my first elk with it so I don't want to sell it.

I'm thinking of transforming it into a heavy barrel switch-barrel setup. One in 7RM and one in a 338 cartridge, I'm currently thinking 338 RUM. The use will be long range practice with maybe elk hunting.

I'd order two CM barrels, around .8 to 1" at the muzzle. A local gunsmith built it as the 270wby. He said he could set it up as a switchbarrel. I'll get an inexpensive Mark V stock as I'll have to really open up the barrel channel (I already have a line on one).

Will a single Mark V action feed these 3 cartridges reliably? (270wby, 7RM, and 338RUM) I could go 270wby, 7wby, and 340wby; but the brass cost is out of control. The 338RUM seems to be the best value in big 338s. I already reload for the 7RM.

When you change barrels on a switchbarrel, do they usually come closed to holding zero, or do you waste a few rounds each time sighting it in?

Anything I'm missing?
Other thoughts?

 

[Kingfisher]

That action should handle all of those fine. The feed lips for the box MIGHT be a little bit of an issue but there's no way to know without testing it. I don't think it'll be a problem and if it is a little tweaking here and there would probably fix it quick. As for the switch barrel and changing zero. Assuming you get it screwed back into the same spot, and it's consistent every time, the rifle SHOULD maintain it's zero.

 

[scott_at_vortex]

Unless you get extremely lucky, the two barrels will have a different zero(not sure if that is what you are asking). After you have established and recorded each rifles zero with said scope you should be able to come at least very close to that each time you switch.

That being said, pretty much everyone I know(including myself) with switch barrels very rarely actually switch barrels. The extra barrel usually just turns into the barrel I put on after the mounted barrel is shot out.

Everyone is different though so,YMMV.


Best Regards
Scott