Open BF and re-chamber

[Uglybird]

I have a barely used (110 rds) f/tr rifle in 308. Built by Clay Spencer before he retired, on a 700 action. Sort of a sin, as prelim load development already has her in the 1's, but I'd like to open up the boltface to magnum, and either re-chamber my 308 barrel to 300 RUM throated for 215's, or go with a new barrel and chamber to 300 RUM, throated for 230's/245's. Action was trued, but bolt does not have a Sako extractor. Rifle is single-shot.

Can the boltface be opened up without re-truing the action, i.e., can I just send the bolt out to someone, or will they need the rest of the action? Barrel decision(s) depend on this, as I don't have a local smith, so I'd be shipping a 24lb rifle, or at least a 14lb BA. Thanks!

 

[Dub]

24lb F/TR???

 

[Dub]

18.2lbs maximu, weight

 

[Uglybird]

I don't compete, just enjoy shooting. 10lb heavy fill A5. Any idea about my Q?

 

[Dub]

nope

 

[Dub]

I know and have shot with Clay Spencer was the reason for my question

 

[Uglybird]

^Awesome - I'll upload some pics of the rifle - guy I bought it from was in his 80's and never got her broken in. She's a beast for sure.

 

[Uglybird]

Put her next to a 700 5R for reference - and a shot of the bolt in case anyone can help with my Q.

 

[Uglybird]

 

[HTSmith]

Yes it is a sin. Please build yourself another rifle for the magnum.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Just buy a PTG bolt and keep or sell your existing bolt. If you sell yours, it'll pay for most of the new bolt but it'd be nice to have both, if you can. If you keep it, I'd definitely go with a new blank. This would give you two fresh bbls and a bolt that can be swapped when changing bbls.

 

[Uglybird]

Yes it is a sin. Please build yourself another rifle for the magnum.

Yep, I bought it with a change to 284 Shehane in mind, but seeing the build got me thinking of a re-chamber instead. Tough to tear her apart at all though, as she's really a nice package. Maybe I'll try to sell as is and build / buy a magnum.

 

[Uglybird]

Just buy a PTG bolt and keep or sell your existing bolt. If you sell yours, it'll pay for most of the new bolt but it'd be nice to have both, if you can. If you keep it, I'd definitely go with a new blank. This would give you two fresh bbls and a bolt that can be swapped when changing bbls.

Doesn't that require the new bolt to be trued to the action as well?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Doesn't that require the new bolt to be trued to the action as well?

IME, their bolt is very true but it will have to be fit to your barrel/action when you replace or rechamber the bbl. I've used several of their bolts with good results. They have a one piece and a two piece bolt. Your smith should know what to do with either. I like to use the 2 piece and then time the handle into place. More than one way to skin that cat but I think it's your best option, just buying a bolt rather than spending more money on yours. It's worth an easy $100 stripped or it's worth more than that, or would be to me..to have the ability to go back and forth between 308 bolt face and magnum cartridges, with just a bbl and bolt swap. They can make the bolt in different diameters to better fit your receiver, as well...and some cool fluting options. I like the medium diamond. Check out their web page. You can also get other options like different extractors, firing pin tip diameters and handle styles. If you go with a smaller fp tip, you'll need a new firing fin. I'd just get a new fp assembly and be done with it.

Here's a link
http://pacifictoolandgauge.com/remi...piece-short-action-sa-remington-700-bolt.html

 

[Uglybird]

^Thanks very much, lots of good info. Probably see about selling her to someone who wants her as a 308. If not, I'll work up a load for the Berger 208 and smoke N540 until the barrel goes the way of the dodo! The RUM conversion might've been nice if it was simple, but this way my wind reading will just have to get better haha.

 

[ebb]

Is this 308 rifle on a short action or long? Ive read through but did not see it mentioned. In the side by side picture the loading port on the out side rifle (I think the 308) looks longer but the other gun is further away so it could be perspective. If this is a long action gun it would make a lot more sense. No way in the world I would want a RUM on a short action, even though that's the way the Remington custom shop makes their RUMs. I would not have a rifle that I could not unload with out pulling the bolt.

 

[Uglybird]

It is a short action, single shot. Has a side-bolt release. Probably past the RUM idea now though.

 

[msalm]

Open it up to 30-284. It’s a great cartridge and will give you ‘some’ of the extra velocity you’re looking for.

 

[HTSmith]

as prelim load development already has her in the 1's

If I had a rifle doing this, I wouldn't even take the barreled action out of the stock much less rechamber it--but that's just me. Good shooting.

 

[Uglybird]

I bought a PTG bolt with Sako extractor, fluted and coated by LRI, in SA mag face. Going to shoot her as is, but get a new barrel ready to go in 300 RUM for later. Nice to have both bolts.