Quest about a Remington 721, and 30-06 penetration

GunnyFreedom

Some several years ago, I inherited a beautiful Remington model 721 30-06 from my grandfather, and I have long considered doing some work on it. I want to preserve the original stock and receiver due to the fact (by it's serial number) that it's an early model, rare, and most likely collectible.

But, at the same time, I would like to (for everyday use) attach a composite stock with a sling mount. The original stock has no sling swivels and I don't want to drill into it. Not to mention I'd like to freefloat the barrel, and have a composite stock with a camo pattern. I have been told that a model 700 stock will not work on a model 721 without some modification of the stock. Any advice at all along those lines would be greatly appreciated.



My second question has to do with 30-06 ammo. I have some GI M2 AP; but I have heard that there are modern non-AP rounds that have greater steel penetration than M2 AP. What is the maximum penetration I can get in a 30-06, and what round should I be looking for? I am certain it will be great for the 721, but will it still be OK if I get that Benelli R1 I've been drooling over?

Many thanks,
Glen

RCrosby

Glen,
Just how much steel are you hoping to penetrate? At what range?

perry shooter

Hello I am sure that others will chime in but I believe the action screw holes on the 721 Will line up with a 700 Long Action. The barrel channel most likely will not be the same but if you buy a new stock and state you want a heavy barrel stock then it will have a LARGE barrel channel and your rifle will be FREE FLOATED. as far as penetration I am somewhat puzzled by your question Hunting ammo you want to expand and if possible just barely have energy enough to exit . I can't think of any shooting that you want to have extreme penetration.[:0]edit Sorry gunny [:I]I feel like a [:o)] did not intend to question your need just did not know your intended use. Lets all hope on this day and all others days that the fine men and woman that served in our arm forces will will keep you from ever needing that AP stuff.

GunnyFreedom

I don't really have a specific number in mind for the penetration, because I don't have a specific target in mind. I'm looking to get maybe a box of 50 rounds to set on a back shelf somewhere and collect dust in the event of a worst case scenario - Chi Comm's in BMP's, MS-13 technicals, Al Qaida in a stolen APC, who knows? I sure don't expect anything along those lines to happen, but it's better to have and not need than it is to need and not have, no? (Maybe that's just the Former Marine in me speaking...)

I'm just looking to have a small number of 30-06 on a back shelf with absolute maximum armor penetration, in the highly unlikely event that the whole world goes stupid and throws a Red Dawn at us. Hope that doesn't sound as stupid on that end as it feels coming out on this end. I seriously don't expect to ever need them. But if for some bizarre reason I DO, then that would not be the proper time to start looking for them.

Same reason I have 50 lbs of rice in the pantry in sealed vacuum bags that I never plan on needing. *shrug*

GunnyFreedom

Perry Shooter - I know well and good that high penetration AP rounds are less lethal to a living body than a shock round. I have ballistic tip softpoint rounds for game. The penetration round is just something to keep on a shelf in an emergency, and to hopefully pass on to my children and grandchildren when it turns out I never have a use for them.

nononsense

Gunny Freedom,

I think you'll find after doing some research that small caliber, hypervelocity cartridges exhibit better penetration than do the standard AP ammunition.

Here is a file that covers the topic:

http://www.argospress.com/jbt/Volume3/3-3-2.pdf




3/4" mild steel against .30 caliber AP

As far as the M721 is concerned, I would use an M700 ADL and inlet the safety lever. Otherwise you have to buy BDL bottom metal which I think is a waste of money in this situation.

Bell and Carlson has the Carbelite line of stocks that isn't too expensive and will hold up to field use. Otherwise you can look into some of the plywood stocks that Boyds and Richard's MicroFit sell.

Best.

GunnyFreedom

Outstanding! This is great data nononsense, and good info from all of you about the stock. I really appreciate the help.

allen griggs

gunnyfreedom, this proves that great minds run in the same circles.
I have two cases of surplus 30-06 AP machine gun ammo that I bought two decades ago, for the same thing you are describing. I haven't needed it yet, but you never know.
The stuff is on canvas belts, every fifth round is missing, as they removed the tracers.

GunnyFreedom

Allen Griggs - OOHRAH! There is just something motivating about knowing there are folks out there who are prepared for anything this crazy world might think to throw at us. The world might go to heck in a handbasket, but as long as there are folks like us, there will always be an America. And that's why I love Thomas Jefferson. Semper Fi brother!

dcloco

700 ADL or BDL stock will fit just fine.

You might also change your original safety lever to the newer style...and not have to worry about fitting the stock.