Switch barrels on a 700 SA?

[TroyMN]

Is it a crazy idea to use one action for 2 different barrels? My current stock i bedded and 1-2 inches in front of recoil lug. I would probably buy a stock with a aluminum bedding block and use that instead of devcon bedding receiver and the barrel and lug. This way I could play with my new barrel without needing to wait for another receiver, base, scope rings, scope, trigger job ECT! (money)

Would it make any sense to do load development for the new barrel, if at some date I might get a second receiver for that barrel? Does this change the harmonic of the barrel? I have a second bolt face, recoil lug that I need for the other barrel. Just need to change the fire assembly out. I would build my own barrel vise, but purchase a action wrench.
Thanks
Troy
FYI current stock .308 win SPS tactical 20" with 2 good shooting loads
New to me barrel Shilen match select 6.5-WSM 26" HV taper ,bought from forum member with a load (he worked up) with less than 25rd down the tube.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Switch barrels work great with Remingtons. Just have the recoil lug pinned. No real need to buy another stock just because of the bedding in front of the reciever. Just grind it out. You may need to work up loads again, as it could change how your current load shoots.

 

[TroyMN]

I have a question. My stock barrel has the stock recoil lug. The new barrel has a .250 recoil lug, with 2 holes, maybe was pined before? I think I need to change the recoil lug when I change the barrel. Does that sound correct? I saw this tool http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/stock-tools/remington-700-barrel-tool-prod7653.aspx?ttver=1 that might help alinge the recoil lugs however will it work with the action wrench? It looks to me both mount at the same spot...From reading on here the clamp on wrench is prefered to the slide in style. Is that correct?
Thanks for your help
Troy

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

If I were you, I'd let the gunsmith worry about the tooling. If you have it pinned, you simply need a barrel vice and rear entry action wrench. It sounds like your lug is aftermarket. It may be pinned already. The pins will keep it from turning when tightening the barrel. If it's true and undamaged, there would be no reason to change it. If you do, get the same thickness so that headspace isn't changed.--Mike Ezell

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

The question becomes, what type of accuracy do you want?

 

[butchlambert]

I believe you are in over your head. Get with your smith and listen to him.

 

[jsthntn247]

Northland shooters makes a barrel nut for the remington which is just like the savage. If you are wanting a switch barrel, it would probably be best to go that route.

 

[TroyMN]

I probably am in over my head. I am mechanically inclined and very cheap. Thus the desire to use one action with two barrels. Each barrel had its own recoil lug giving that set the correct headspace. If a recoil lug is "pined" like 6.5WSM was before by previous owner. Can the stock lug be drilled with the same hole placement and switched when the barrels are switched. (it is not pressed on, is it?) I am not concerned with POI changing however the match barrel I expect .250-MOA maybe. My SPS tact is .50-.75 MOA
If I only need the action wrench and a home built vise, cool. If I need machining work done, multiple new parts, I need to weigh that vs the cost of a action($350-500)
It also would be a great skill to have. Be able to play with calibers ( barrels) without the whole gun cost.

 

[butchlambert]

You don't have a simple problem. Do you have a bolt that will work with the WSM cartridge? Ok, so you have 2 bolts. I would have a smith headspace both barrels using one recoil lug. If it isn't pinned you can buy a cheap recoil lug locating tool.
I see you are looking at purchasing 1 new bolt and at the least the expense of headspacing one barrel.
I believe in this case you would be better off buying another rifle.

 

[Valar]

Pinning the recoil lug is not a new concept. I myself have a rem 700 sa with recoil lug pinned to the action. I bought this action used and whoever trued up the threads either got them a bit oversized or the action threads are badley worn from barrel removal? I pulled the 308 tight kneck barrel it came with and tried to thread on a stock 243 barrel. I was going to ream and set headspace of course! However the receiver threads are now about ten thousands over factory spec. In short in order to switch barrel I have to use barrel blanks only and. cut custom thread to match. Lesson learned pull barrel and ck thread before buying a factory barrel on ebay.
The biggest savings is one scope for two calibers! Record your zero for numerous barrels dial it in and go. Provided the scope is high quality and will return to previous setting? If the scope will not to me it isnt worth the trouble!
Pinning the recoil lug is no simple task either. I do not know the cost but it gets rather involved with trueing the lug etc. I tend to beleive for a hunting application accuracy will be fine. For competition BR I would have to wonder? Bullet seat depth could vary slightly depending on barrel tourk when tightning? I am no BR guy just a hunter so correct me if im wrong? Just my thoughts on the issue!