Can I Rebarrel a Winchester Model 70 .30-06 to .308?

[Airborneguy]

Rebarrel a Winchester Model 70 .30-06 to .308?

Long story short, our "inheritance" guns are being handed out and I'm keeping my father's Model 70 and Nylon 66. I already have my grandfather's .30-06 Rem 700, and I really want a .308 and would love to have it on my father's old action.

 

[nortatoga]

I'm sure meke will know!

 

[GOYABEAN]

I don't see why not call Remington 800-243-9700 or ask BulletGuy

 

[Toecutter]

Would a chamber adapter be an option. I'm sure you could rebarrel anything if you really wanted.

 

[nortatoga]

Long action to short action?

 

[spat]

Keep grandad's rifle, and get a new one in .308 ?

 

[meketrefe]

yes you can rebarrel to a number of calibers using the same bolt face including the popular 308w.
If the bore is good you might be able to reuse the same barrel. Is this one with the sights welded?
Threads are 1"x16tpi.

 

[Airborneguy]

Keep grandad's rifle, and get a new one in .308 ?

Grand dad's is my #1 deer rifle, Dad's will be kinda useless so I want to try to do something with it and .308 is what I want next. I guess I could just stick with a long action caliber. Maybe 7mm Mag?

 

[meketrefe]

Would a chamber adapter be an option. I'm sure you could rebarrel anything if you really wanted.

No here. There is not enough material for an insert and in any case accuracy will suck because the rifling is not going to move back for you.

Long action to short action?

If it is a 30-06 it can only be long action right?

Keep grandad's rifle, and get a new one in .308 ?

If he is not going to shoot 30-06 again why not re-barrel. It continues to be grandads rifle after all.
I have more memories from things I have used than things I keep as collection. But everyone is different of course.

 

[carpediem]

Grand dad's is my #1 deer rifle, Dad's will be kinda useless so I want to try to do something with it and .308 is what I want next. I guess I could just stick with a long action caliber. Maybe 7mm Mag?

Or keep it for your children unaltered. Buy a nice new one!

 

[Airborneguy]

yes you can rebarrel to a number of calibers using the same bolt face including the popular 308w.
If the bore is good you might be able to reuse the same barrel. Is this one with the sights welded?
Threads are 1"x16tpi.

Serial is G1221xxx and the sights are screwed on, not welded.

 

[Jaywmustang]

People do shoot short action cartridge out of long actions so they can seat the bullet out farther. A 25-06 is a nice long action cartridge for deer and predator hunting.

 

[carpediem]

People do shoot short action cartridge out of long actions so they can seat the bullet out farther. A 25-06 is a nice long action cartridge for deer and predator hunting.

It seems like Savage used to offer .308 in long and short actions. I went with the short action Model 11 in .308.

 

[meketrefe]

Serial doesn't matter. you might be able to use the same barrel if rifling is good.
But the barrel will have to be indexed and then shortchambered and reamed for a final headspace
that way you can keep the threads indexed for the front sight.
Or sometimes one might choose to shorten the barrel to a more compact and rely on optics.
one can also drill and tap the sights again.
Can even order one that one can rebarrel himself given a savage barrel nut and step threads.
Or machine for a different barrel nut. Some fitting might be required.
The main issue is to break the barrel from the action and w/o the jib it might become very hard
and might end up putting deep marks in the barrel.
If you were closer I would help you wit tools and tips.

 

[Airborneguy]

There is a fairly well known gunsmith around the block from my job, but he is expensive as hell. I'm going to ask a few guys at my gunclub. There's a handful who do pretty good work.

 

[meketrefe]

Thats true. It is a welcome addition to many cartriges like the amazing 284.
Or even for a 7mm SAUM that is a long range beast.
Some of them do great in mid-size actions like the mauser 98 type. This action is perfect for the 284 that might
be one of the best casings ever designed yet one of the most overlooked in america.
Same as the 280 that beats the 30-06 and 270 at everything.

 

[meketrefe]

Ask your armorer. He should be able to at least break it form the action for you.
If you need anything reaming or whatever let me know.

 

[meketrefe]

here I found this FYI....

Rebarreling a Winchester Model 70