Removed 700 Barrel

[Richard Jones]

So I have a 700VS in 222, made in 1994. Barrel is toast. Here's what I did to remove the barrel from the action. I realize that this is no big deal for you smiths, but this was my first one, so some trepidation was present.

• Strip action
• Place vertically in vise, muzzle down.
• Place empty soda bottle or similar over muzzle to catch drips.
• Insert front action screw (to prevent oil escaping)
• Insert front scope base screw (to prevent oil escaping)
• Plug pressure port (to prevent oil escaping). I used a cut off piece of bamboo skewer.
• Plug chamber (to prevent oil escaping). I used two foam earplugs stuffed into the chamber.
• Get Kroil into the space around the threads in the action. I used a syringe, needle, etc.
• Heat gun MAY help Kroil to migrate into threads, as the heat MAY loosen the factory sealant. Observed Kroil bubbling, but it could have been the foam plugs leaking a bit.
• Soak for 24 hrs, topping off if it leaks down below the threads. Shouldn’t be necessary if prepped properly.
• After 24 hrs., remove as much Kroil as possible. The syringe comes in handy for this.
• Remove screws and plug.
• Install action wrench. Don’t overtighten, as too much may compress the action around the threads, acting as a lock.
• Place barrel in barrel vise, wrapping with drywall tape prior. Tighten bolts really, really, really tight. Tighter. Tighter. That’s it.
• Whack action wrench handle with dead blow hammer until loose. I didn't have to use a BFH. I didn’t have to use a cheater bar, came off pretty easy. I did have to tighten the vise bolts more. (See above comments re: tight)
• Go get a beer (optional)

Cast of characters: Kroil (thanks, USPS, for sending it from the neighboring county in Central VA to Phoenix AZ and then back again. I believe the extra mileage got it broken in well.)
#2 Action Wrench.
Viper vise.
Task Force deadblow hammer.

I firmly believe that proper prep saved a lot of headaches. Don't skimp on the prep. Special thanks to Dusty (treasure trove of knowledge if one does a proper search) and The Viper (didn't need but 1, Mr. P, thanks so much). Anyway, my hopes are that some other schmuck like me can tackle this for a Remage project.

Now to figure out what to do with it................ Leaning hard towards a 6x45..............

Thanks for listening.

 

[Kermit in Va.]

I think you'll love the 6x45...
I do...lol

 

[Richard Jones]

^^ I have an AR in 6x45, but I don't think it's reaching its potential due to mag length rounds.

 

[LarryDScott]

Or you could have used a "GREAT SCOTT" Ultimate Barrel Vise and it would have separated easily/quickly in time for that second beer LDS

 

[jepp2]

I don't think it's reaching its potential due to mag length rounds.

What OAL are you loading to? By "windowing" your magazine you can gain at least 0.100" OAL.

 

[Richard Jones]

^^ Understand. Done this, and normally use ASC mags. My BTO calculator says that even with an OAL of 2.376, an 80 Berger is still too deep into the shoulder. This AR barrel has way more freebore than it needs..........
A Berger 65 BT works great.

 

[rjtfroggy]

I put a 6x45 on a Savage action, using 95gr. Sierra's shot like a laser. I never chrono because I was going for accuracy not speed.

 

[Kevin Taylor]

Or you could have used a "GREAT SCOTT" Ultimate Barrel Vise and it would have separated easily/quickly in time for that second beer LDS

But they show out of stock.......

 

[Shawnba67]

I truly believe at least a statistically significant amount of folk having tremendous trouble have way over tightened the action wrench and are causing some of there own issue. I will acknowledge the extreme PIA the action wrench slipping and marring the finish would be though!

 

[LarryDScott]

But they show out of stock.......

The UBV is back in stock. LDS

 

[hoz53]

I truly believe at least a statistically significant amount of folk having tremendous trouble have way over tightened the action wrench and are causing some of there own issue. I will acknowledge the extreme PIA the action wrench slipping and marring the finish would be though!

i know that an action wrench will squeeze the action enough to make the barrel tite if tightened to tight. Ive proved it to myself. Setting it at the torque the action wrench manufacturer recommends has worked for me. I havent had one slip but a barrel wrench-- yeah plenty.

 

[75vmax]

What kind of beer

 

[carlsbad]

TLDR.