Ruger Bolt Question

[kyreloader]

I have a M77 Ruger Long action Tang action that currently wears a PacNor barrel chambered in .25-06. I am considering getting it rebarreled and would like to go with the 6.5 RSAUM (4S). This rifle is my primary hunting rifle and plan to use it some for occasional tactical competitions (set up that way now).

My question is related to going from a 0.473 bolt face to a 0.550 bolt face. Is it an easy job to open up or do I need to find/order a new bolt?

If difficult, might go to 6.5SLR or 6.5x55 GWI.

What say you gunsmiths?

Thanks.

 

[Dans40X]

There are numerous options available compared to an investment cast Ruger 77 action.

They are evidence that a turd can be polished & blued.

 

[kyreloader]

Dan, thank you for not answering the question.

There are multiple reasons, that I plan not to go into, that I plan to go this direction.

Thanks.

 

[JRS]

Your best bet might be to sell, or trade the bolt. Nothing wrong with your investment cast receiver. Investment casting is nothing more than a simpler way of producing it. Everything takes place at the foundry, rather than having to go from the foundry, to a mill

 

[Dans40X]

Anything is possible- it's only money!

Open the bolt face from .473" std face to .532" mag face.
Modify the extractor or purchase an OEM Ruger .532" extractor.(if available)
Open the action feed rails & lengthen if required.
Feed ramp may require work.

$2 to $300 bucks invested in machine/welding work
Barrel
Reamer
Facing & chasing receiver face & threads
$5 to $600 bucks more investment

As a hobbyist to accomplish/gain experience- priceless!
Asking a 'smith to work/rebarrel your Ruger - penny wise & dollar foolish!

You're almost done with the project!!

Resale value-$6-$700 tops.

 

[Gundoktr]

Your best bet might be to sell, or trade the bolt. Nothing wrong with your investment cast receiver. Investment casting is nothing more than a simpler way of producing it. Everything takes place at the foundry, rather than having to go from the foundry, to a mill

He was just trying to have a little less impact! The other guys are giving you some sage advice; get a different action!

 

[Gundoktr]

Dan, thank you for not answering the question.

There are multiple reasons, that I plan not to go into, that I plan to go this direction.

Thanks.

I think he was trying to be gentle, go with a different action.

 

[kyreloader]

Dan, thanks for your input.

Might just turn it into a 6.5x55 GWI. Same bolt face, Lapua brass, less work.

 

[Larryh128]

To answer your original question, yes it can be done. You will have to open up the feed rails. I converted a friends 06 to a 7mag. Not hard to do as long as you have the equipment. Re-barreled with a Shilen #2 w/radial brake. One hole cloverleafs at 100yds with factory ammo. Not bad for a turd.

 

[Larryh128]

The bolt lugs will need to be trued for sure.

 

[JRS]

Dan, thanks for your input.

Might just turn it into a 6.5x55 GWI. Same bolt face, Lapua brass, less work.

If you don't have the reamer, I have an unused (new) 6.5x55 BJAI PT&G reamer I won't be using.

 

[Tozguy]

I have a M77 Ruger Long action Tang action that currently wears a PacNor barrel chambered in .25-06. I am considering getting it rebarreled and would like to go with the 6.5 RSAUM (4S). This rifle is my primary hunting rifle and plan to use it some for occasional tactical competitions (set up that way now).

My question is related to going from a 0.473 bolt face to a 0.550 bolt face. Is it an easy job to open up or do I need to find/order a new bolt?

If difficult, might go to 6.5SLR or 6.5x55 GWI.

What say you gunsmiths?


Thanks.

I'm not a gunsmith and you may have changed your mind by now but when considering a change like this I would want to know how much more bolt thrust there would be. Sure the Ruger 77 action is plenty strong but I would still like to know how much more thrust the lugs would have to hold.

 

[Raythemanroe]

Turds get polished all the time, those rattle traps they call Savages..

Doesn't PTG make Ruger bolts now?


Ray