Rebarreling 1 of 3 M70s to .300 H&H. Opinions?

10 February 2006, 06:09

It's been a long time since I was here last - I posted this thread back in 2002.

Anyhoo, here's what's going on: Sometime back I had one of the popular semi-custom rifle builders build me a "safari" style .375 H&H on a left-hand Model 70 originally in .300 WM. He had to open up the ejection port and magazine box, and the work was very well done. While I was waiting for it, I managed to get my hands on 2 actual left hand Model 70 Safari Expresses, both in .375 H&H, so now I have 3.

It turns out I don't care for the custom gun. It's too light. This particular builder specializes in light rifles, and it's as heavy as he would make it. I don't blame him - it was just a poor choice of rifle builder on my part (in regards to weight; the quality of the work is fine).

So, lately I've been thinking of setting up these rifles as an all-the-same-action 3-gun battery: a .30, a .375, and something big, like a .458. I thought the custom gun would be the right one to use for the .30. I'm leaning toward the H&H for 2 reasons, 1) It's now a long action 2) I don't want or need Magnum power, so I would download it to about .30-06 level (I would rather have a .30-06, but that would mean more conversion work, or another new gun).

So - anybody have any thoughts on this? Which .300 downloads easier, H&H or WM? Can a controlled feed M70 be redone in a smaller head size (.30-06)?

I already have a good, plain .30-06 (the one I used in the thread I linked). Thanks!

10 February 2006, 07:24

KWard

I have a pre 64 Model 70 in .300 H&H and I just love it. The H&H loads so well and feeds like a dream. I handload and you can go from any 30.06 load to any .300 magnum level you want except the weatherby level. My chicoe and I also have a model 70 in .300 win mag is still the H&H. My 2 cents, I like your battery idea. Good luck

10 February 2006, 08:59

Kingfisher

I agree with KWard. Go with your impulse and get the 300 H&H. I have two and altough I haven't shot them much recently because I've been otherwise occupied, I have shot the hell out of both of them in the past and they're some of my favorite rifles.

10 February 2006, 09:43

Leanwolff

I don't have a .300 H&H but my next door neighbor/hunting partner, does. His is a pre-'64 Win. 70.

He loves it, and has killed several bull elk, Mule and whitetail deer, plus one Black bear.

He has other rifles, but that's the one he favors over all the others.

FWIW. L.W.

10 February 2006, 20:07

fredj338

The perfect travelling companion to a .375h&h for Africa. The 3rd one should go .458Lott or is, like me you don't like that much recoil, go .416rm.

10 February 2006, 20:38

vapodog

turning a magnum into a .30-06 is difficult if it can be done at all.....Trade it first because it's cheaper.

I agree with Fredj338.....go the 416 route.

RE: the .300 H&H from a .375 that is too light.
It's grand old cartridge that'll put kudu in the freezer as fast as anything.....I'd say that's a great idea.

10 February 2006, 20:58

low_tech

JJ,
rather than modifying an existing 375 HH into something smaller, why not just trade with me? I have a LH Win 70 in 300WM that is like new, and maybe what you think is is too light I might love....just an idea, if you are interested, PM or email me....if there is interest, we can talk more.

Low_tech

10 February 2006, 21:24

JJohnston

Thanks, but no thanks, low_tech.

Anybody have any sizing/headspacing issues with the H&H's sloping shoulder?

12 February 2006, 09:10

JBD

I love the 300 H&H and intend to build my next one by rebarreling a 7mm STW Classic Model 70. It will load down to 30-06 level beautifully. Just run it at starting loads or a little more and you have a 30-06 and usually very good accuracy.

12 February 2006, 23:55

jens poulsen

quote:
Originally posted by JJohnston:
It's been a long time since I was here last - I posted this thread back in 2002.

Anyhoo, here's what's going on: Sometime back I had one of the popular semi-custom rifle builders build me a "safari" style .375 H&H on a left-hand Model 70 originally in .300 WM. He had to open up the ejection port and magazine box, and the work was very well done. While I was waiting for it, I managed to get my hands on 2 actual left hand Model 70 Safari Expresses, both in .375 H&H, so now I have 3.

It turns out I don't care for the custom gun. It's too light. This particular builder specializes in light rifles, and it's as heavy as he would make it. I don't blame him - it was just a poor choice of rifle builder on my part (in regards to weight; the quality of the work is fine).

So, lately I've been thinking of setting up these rifles as an all-the-same-action 3-gun battery: a .30, a .375, and something big, like a .458. I thought the custom gun would be the right one to use for the .30. I'm leaning toward the H&H for 2 reasons, 1) It's now a long action 2) I don't want or need Magnum power, so I would download it to about .30-06 level (I would rather have a .30-06, but that would mean more conversion work, or another new gun).

So - anybody have any thoughts on this? Which .300 downloads easier, H&H or WM? Can a controlled feed M70 be redone in a smaller head size (.30-06)?

I already have a good, plain .30-06 (the one I used in the thread I linked). Thanks!

Do we really need another .300 H&H to the crowd

? YES WE DO!. You would love the H&H above them all once you have one...trust me