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Rebarrelling Winchester Pre-64 Model 70
FredG
Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
I have a Winchester Model 70 Pre 64 in 30-06 caliber. I also have a Pacemaker/Defribrilator combination as of ten days ago. I am not sure how all this is going to work out, but instructions for the Pacemaker/Defibrilator tell me to shoot from the side opposite the Pacmaker, which is fine since I am right handed. What worries me is the Defibrillator part -- I don't want this to go off accidently.
Therefore, I am thinking of shooting something with a lot less recoil. I do not want to sell my Winchester since it is rated about 95%. I would love to rebarrell to a 6.5x55 or a 7x57, but I don't want any feeding problems after the conversion. Is this possible? I would like it to be as good as it is now with the 30-06.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Therefore, I am thinking of shooting something with a lot less recoil. I do not want to sell my Winchester since it is rated about 95%. I would love to rebarrell to a 6.5x55 or a 7x57, but I don't want any feeding problems after the conversion. Is this possible? I would like it to be as good as it is now with the 30-06.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Comments
My condolences on your condition. Not at least getting to shoot on a regular basis would be tough. Chin up to ya[:D]
Next, don't {edit: sell change} what you've got. It would devalue it. and it's worth a lot more to you in original condition. There are a lot of "customized" Mausers for sale here and a bunch of Rem 700's as well as some very good post '64 Winchesters and of course a ton of Savages, Howas, Wby Vanguards, etc. Get a light shooting round like a .243, 6mm Rem, or .260 Rem. If you don't reload 7mm Mauser is a good one as well. The 6.5x55, as you mentioned, is another great one.
Just get on the auction side and see what you might like. For the rifle you have it is going to cost as much to re-barrel as it will to buy a newer less expensive one. Feeding problems could very well be an issue if you rebarrel to a non .308 or 30.06 based case.
If you did, you could back the .30-06 down to .30-30 ballistics and keep your familiar rifle in action.
Do you hunt large or medium game?
If not, go all the way down to a .223 and really cut the recoil. A good .223 is at least a 600 yard rifle.
You don't handload, I gather?
If you did, you could back the .30-06 down to .30-30 ballistics and keep your familiar rifle in action.
+1. You can also try the managed recoil ammo ...
http://www.chuckhawks.com/rem_managed_recoil.htm
Glad to know you're sticking with your passion. Good luck!
Ed
Regarding your rifle and options ... as said by cartod it is your rifle and you can do whatever the heck you want to with it of course.
Personally I would encourage you to keep it, as you indicated you want to do. I would encourage you not to change it about, unless you feel that is your only viable option.
If you can't load down for what you have, or acquire dependable loaded down rounds, it would seem if your fainances would allow you to do so a milder set-up would be indicated. And my gosh then you have all the justification that you'd want to acquire another rifle!
I would personally discourage changing the rifle you have, but if you rebarrel by a dependable gunsmith, I'd encourage yu to keep the original barrel in present condition ... safe ... and sound with that particular rifle. If you pass it on later to family or friend, it will maintain the present intrinsic value. That I believe would be a great thing.
I've noticed many fine, dependable rigs with good chamberings here on GB for very reasonable pricings lately. I wouls suspect that over the nest several months the prices will get even better.
If I may inquire as to what and where you are going to be using the rifle, it can help us with ideas and opinions as to handy chamberings for another rig or rebarreling your Win.
Personal opinion: the 6mms and the 7mm Mauser are great chambering "on the front side" for many applications/situations ... and relatively sweet and tender "on the back side".
I agree with sandwarrior on the fact that you can purchase and outfit if need be a solid, dependable rig with a chambering more to your present wants and needs ... probably for less finacial outlay ... than by purchasing another barrel and having them switched out! You'd end-up with two good rigs instead of the one.
Another big advantage besides the $ and two rifles, is that you'd not be altering or jeapordizing the format and condition of your "pre-64 Win 70. That would at least be a win, Win. win, in my book!
You have picked-up great feedback from the guys Fred, good luck to you and your project.
(PS: I have a couple of more ideas for you before you go one way or the other if you wish, if so email me and I can respond to you later today.)
the best, Alan
I agree completely with FEENIX: Try the Remington Managed Recoil loads. They will reduce felt recoil to around ".30-30 Win. lack of painfulness" without altering your 95% Pre-64 Model 70.
FredG
Semper Fi!