USRAC just called and told me the .338 Win Mag Left handed model 70 I sent in to them in the middle of July is unfixable. They're offering me a replacement, but they no longer make the .338 WM in Left Hand. I'm irked I bought brass, bullets, and dies, but so be it.

Anyway, they've offered .300WM, 7mmRem Mag, 30-06, .270, or one of the WSM's. I'm leaning toward the .300WM, but my favorite .30 cal bullet is the Nosler Partition, and there's some sort of caveat about max OAL sometimes requiring use of the protected point. Is the OAL a concern in the Model 70? Is it driven by chamber size or magazine length?

Any other opinions on the replacement? I'm looking for an all-around caliber that'd do in a pinch for a bear.

Steve

I called again today and indicated my angst, and a new guy said he thinks he may be able to help me. He's looking at the possibility of rehabbing the original gun. He indicated at the end of the day that there was a problem with the barrel as well as the original problem with the scope holes, but he still might be able to do something.

Thanks for everybody's input.

Steve