Build me a rifle....

[Blacktail Sniper]

Okay, I did an AR-15 and enjoyed it quite a bit, now I think it may be time for something else.

This will be kind of long, but please bear with till the end....

Recently picked-up a 1978 Winchester Model 70 in .300 Win mag. Had a Weatherby 3-9 on it which is now off and sold, bringing the cost of the rifle down to under $200.00 out of pocket, which just makes me want to do something cool with it.

Now, since I have wayyy more time than money and good sense, this build would not be as quick as my AR went, so I have time to research and hunt parts and get work done here & there, so that opens up a lot of possibilities.

I don't reload, so need a factory round.

Want to not have to do any work on the bolt/bolt face if at all possible (other than lapping/squaring up in receiver as needed), so first choice is a cartridge that has a base size in comparison to the .300 mag.

Not going to be carrying it in the woods or up & down mountains, so something to reach out and punch holes in paper and make some noise on steel....wayyyy out yonder!!

Now, for the fun part!!!

Caliber?
Barrel brand?
Stainless steel or ?
Barrel diameter:
Barrel length (try to stay under 30"):
Trigger:
Stock:


That sounds like a good starting point.  I would like to hear from folks who have or use the componet they recommend and their thoughts on it and performance.


Also, since there will be some machine work needed during the process, who should do the work and why? 

Keeping in mind this is a rebuild, so looking for those that are willing to work on customer's rifles and not just sell their own builds.

So hit me with your best shots...and maybe in the next year or so, we can take the old Model 70 below and turn it into.......

[huntnphool]

Rebarrel with a 26" Hart, Jewel trigger and make a 7mm/300

I'd leave the stock, I like the old model 70 wood.

[2labs]

6.5-300 win mag. yea do it!....

[CAMPMEAT]

6.5-300 win mag. yea do it!....

My friend just did that in 6.5x300wsm....yikes !

[Blacktail Sniper]

Rebarrel with a 26" Hart, Jewel trigger and make a 7mm/300

I'd leave the stock, I like the old model 70 wood.

Well, this has got my attention!!!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jx4D0ZBcd0

[huntnphool]

Rebarrel with a 26" Hart, Jewel trigger and make a 7mm/300

I'd leave the stock, I like the old model 70 wood.

Well, this has got my attention!!!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jx4D0ZBcd0

 You did say you wanted to be able to reach out.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Time to dream big and see what happens.....

[Simcoe hunter]

Kenny Jarrett does a 7/300 cartridge for quite q while now.

[RadSav]

I don't reload, so need a factory round...

Caliber?
Barrel brand?
Stainless steel or ?
Barrel diameter:
Barrel length (try to stay under 30"):
Trigger:
Stock:

Factory ammo I'd stick right where you are!  Dang hard to beat the 300 WM for long work!  IF you wanted more "cool" factor, though not easy to find good factory ammo, I'd probably look at the 264 or the original RUM...8mm.

I also like that Winchester stock.  But, I also really like my laminated thumbhole stocks for long range plinking.  Some great ones out there for the 70 without much pain in the wallet!

Barrels are like Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Toyota.  Ask four different people and get four different answers.  All claiming they are the best 'till their dying breath.  Pick a barrel smith and go with their recommendation.

I'm a Timney fan.  Nice thing about them is cost, readily available for the 70 and easy to install yourself.

I like shorter barrels.  Not sure what barrel taper I would chose off the top of my head. Probably go 26" fluted heavy contour.  I like Remington's Sendero barrel.  Think the muzzle on that is 13/16".  Stainless is cool, but not sure it is needed on a plinker.

Sounds like a lot of fun!  Good luck.

[Wanttohuntmore]

264, 7mm, 300win, 338, all would be nice.  I'd opt for a long barrel, 28".  You can easily and cheaply shorten it later but you won't be able to add inches.

[Skyvalhunter]

Your probably better off with this!!! 

[coachcw]

Ok paper puncher huh ?   Id start with a 7mmor 300wm since you don't reload . If you go with a 6.5 hand loads are a must and they are barrel burners . Id go with a Hart barrel 28/30 inch with a break in a number four contour. i'd use a timmey trigger for the money every bit as good as a jewel . as far as a stock id go with a pillar bedded tactical of some sort like  something from stockeys if wieght isnt a issue and cost is a factor  you will be more accurate than the wood one though its purdy. set the front end on a extreme bipod . as far as glass pick a budget and go from there but nightforce , huskima, ziess, and leupold in that order . or just pick up a cooper or savage long range hunter and be done !

[Blacktail Sniper]

Thanks all!

I really do like the .300, it is the second one I have owned.

Being limited to factory ammo choices, I kind of figured there wouldn't be too many options out there.

If I were to take-up reloading again, what would your sugguestions be then?

I have to say, that 7mm-.300 sure looks like a good one! Is that just a variation of the old 7mm STW??

And is there a significant amout of difference to give it the nod over the STW?

Are any manufactures still producing factory 7mm STW ammo? I believe Remington did for awhile, do they still?

[coachcw]

no reason the 7mm rem mag gives you a world of choices . you may want to get a hold of the shooters shop in ghram.

[rbros]

Either a 7rm or 300wm would fit the bill.  28" rem varmint would be plenty stiff for long range work.  If it was a Remington I could help ya out with the build, but I don't build off winchesters unfortunately.