Changing the caliber of your rifle?

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

So I got a 30'06 from a buddy who passed away. I won't sell the rifle, but I want a .300 mag or .338 mag as I already have 2 06s. Is it possible to have a gunsmith turn this rifle into a 300 or 338? Would would it take and cost? A new barrel, action ect? It's a remington 700 adl. I want to use the rifle because I has sentimental value but it would
Be nice if it was in a caliber I don't own. Or would it just be cheaper to buy a new gun?  Thanks

[JimmyHoffa]

I think that it would require the magnum action (long).  The '06 comes in standard.  So a new action and new barrel and new magazine.  Unless I'm all effed up.  Probably easier and cheaper to get a new gun or choose a shorter new cartridge.  You can use shorter cartridges in a longer action but don't think the reverse is true.

[Bofire]

The action is long enough for a 300WM, but the bolt face would need to be opened up and the barrel rechambered or replaced.
How about a 338/06? or 35 whelan? mabbe 270?
Carl

[brokenvet]

A .300 Win Mag barrel from midway is $229.99 + shipping
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=843149

Open up bolt face for mag caliber $55
Install the barrel $100-125
Shipping to gun smith & back  $50

http://www.skaggsgunsmithing.com/index.shtml

I have sent my bolt rifles to this guy in Oregon and he does excellent work with about an 8 weeks turn around time.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

The action is long enough for a 300WM, but the bolt face would need to be opened up and the barrel rechambered or replaced.
How about a 338/06? or 35 whelan? mabbe 270?
Carl

Tell me more about this 338/06, sounds interesting. Is it a 30 06 necked up to a 338 bullet? I want a dedicated large game rifle which is why I was thinking 338 mag. Would the calibers you mentioned be cheaper to convert too?

[carpsniperg2]

Yes the 338/06 is just a 06 necked up to take a .338 bullet. It is a great round!

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I just did some reading on it, sounds pretty cool. So I could just get a new barrel installed and my action would work fine? How about the reloading process? Just fl resize a 06 shell in the 338/06 dies? Or is the process different when necking up?

[whacker1]

Your other option is to go down smaller than .30, such as 25-06...

[carpsniperg2]

I think most people just FL the 06 brass in the 338/06 dies. I think a few companies make the 338/06 brass as well. Your action should be just fine with going from the 30-06 to the 338/06. I have shot 2 diffrent rifles in the 338/06 and liked both. Never handloaded for them. But with the bullets out there, it would be a great caliber to have in the safe

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Im jacked, it sounds like an awesome elk rifle and it's unique! And it will be cheap to shoot!

[JimmyHoffa]

One of the other cartridges listed above is the .35 Whelen.  It is also a necked up '06, this time to .35 caliber.  Like a .338-06 it would only require a barrel change, the rest stays the same.

[carpsniperg2]

Im jacked, it sounds like an awesome elk rifle and it's unique! And it will be cheap to shoot!

Well it depends on what bullets you are shooting

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Yeah I think .338 cal bullets are cheaper
And easier to come by than the .35, but I'll look into it as
Well. 

[carpsniperg2]

They are about the same, just looked threw noslers news price list. They both run right at 1.00 each.

[Bofire]

 :)I am glad I could help.
Carl