Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: outdooraddict on October 15, 2025, 07:16:23 AM
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I have the first gun i bought years ago a model 70 30-06. not a pre 64, nothing fancy, heavy wood stock, big front sight on barrel. i don't shoot it, because i don't have much confidence in it, never spent a lot of time with it. always just was sighted in good enough but have killed some animals with it. i got to thinking, the model 70 is a great tight action, i should build myself a rifle i will love. With that said, should i keep the same caliber or change calibers. i know the list i can use with the same bolt face. and where do people recommend to get a barrel. I'm not a long range shooter, not a competition shooter. but want to "build" my own rifle and have it be my go-to. it would be used for all sized big game in the general area (deer, elk, bear). i already have a .264 that i like. so want to get a different caliber.
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I went with a 338-06, it will just take a reboring and chamber work. This will work for Elk, Deer, Moose and Bear. It spec, are just below .338 win mag by about 700fps. It is easy on the shoulder, bullets are easy to get and there are a great many to choose from. And it maybe less expensive than a barrel change.
Smokeploe
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I had JES in Cottage Grove, OR rebore my old -06 to 35 Whelen. It was the first rifle I ever purchased (used) when I turned 18, and wanted to keep it around so rebored it. I considered going 338-06 as well. Both are good calibers to turn a old -06 barrel into, without having to re-barrel.
If going the rebarrel route, I'd probably go 280ai if it were me.
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I had JES in Cottage Grove, OR rebore my old -06 to 35 Whelen. It was the first rifle I ever purchased (used) when I turned 18, and wanted to keep it around so rebored it. I considered going 338-06 as well. Both are good calibers to turn a old -06 barrel into, without having to re-barrel.
If going the rebarrel route, I'd probably go 280ai if it were me.
I did the same: sent JES a 30-06 and had it rebored to 35 Whelan.
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PacNor and Douglas both rebarrel rifles for a great price. Either are great. 30-06 is pretty hard to beat.
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.280AI or 25.06 would be great options with that action.
RW
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I went full custom and in 7PRC. Had benchmark barrels in Arlington, I think, do the barrel work and they did awesome. Gun shoots! I am thinking of another build but will go 6.5 or 264 or 260. Just for something different.
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My Ace barrel spun up by Unknown Munitions over in Post Falls has been solid.
That rifle is like, 90% UM, 10% Tikka at this point haha. Love it.
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280AI or 35 Whelen are both really nice calibers with that bolt face. Benchmark barrels out of Arlington is who I have used and would highly recommend.
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280ai for the win!
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another vote for 280AI and looks like you are located in spokane, I would use Unknown Munitions and have them do the work on it. I personally haven't had anything built by them but have quite a few buddies that have and they're all tack drivers.
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Think about ammo availability when you rebarrel. The 338-06 is a great caliber, I know I have one.
