Question about rebarreling FN Model 70

Roger London

New member
I have a Winchester Model 70 and a Remington 700 Mountain Rifle, both in 7mm-08. The Remmy is considerable more accurate than the Winny, though the Winchester is plenty accurate for any deer hunting chore I would ever assign it. It is a consistent 1.75" gun and I really like it. But since I have two 7-08s and this is the less accurate of the two, I am kicking around having it rebarreled. Maybe. If I did, what is the largest caliber the short action bolt face would take. Could it be rebarreled to a WSM caliber? A 300 or 7mm WSM would make a interesting addition to the arsenal, as 7-08 is currently the most powerful rifle I own. Maybe even a .325 WSM just for grins.
 
I don't think you can do any of the WSM cartridges without changing the bolt. Someone more familiar with the WSM can tell you for sure.

.308 maybe or there are a lot of other choices.

Myself, I'd keep it as is. Nothing wrong with owning 2 rifles for the same caliber.
 
If I can't make a pretty significant step up in power it will remain a 7-08. I am a big 7-08 fan, and quite frankly, unless I get drawn for a bull elk tag, my 7-08s will do anything I need to do. It's that whole want vs. need thing.
 
How about a 338 Federal? Its basically a 7mm-08 with a .338 pill. It has about the same muzzle velocity and power as a 7mm Rem Mag or 7mm WSM with similiar weight bullets but has less recoil and uses a lot less powder.
 
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338 federal would be a good choice. Mark Gordon at short action customs and moon a crescent customs both do great work on the winchester actions, moon actually built my 6.5x47.
 
338 Federal had crossed my mind. I need to do some research into how well that caliber has caught on to get a feel for long term availability of brass etc., though I guess you could make brass from necked up .308 brass.
 
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