Question about the new Model 70 and action length. Are all of the standard length cartridges (ie, 2.5") and long Magnum rounds (ie, .375 H&H) based on the same action? I know as of a few years ago, the .375 H&H receiver was longer than say that of a .338 Win. Just curious, because I heard someone mention that those actions are now built to the same specs.

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com

I have several of the new M70 Classics. The length of the action is the same on all of them that are based on 30-06 length or longer cases. Where the difference comes in is the magazine box, the length of the ejection port. and the bolt stop. Rifles in calibers like 338 Win mag, 300 Win mag, 7mm Rem mag have the shorter ejection port. Calibers based on the full length 375H&H case like 7mm STW, 416 Rem Mag, 300 RUM, have a longer ejection port. You can tell quickly by looking at the scope base mounting holes in the rear receiver bridge. The rifles with the long ejection port have a hole spacing of .330 inch and the short ejection port models have a hole spacing of .860.

David,

How much work is it to change a 300 Win Mag Classic action to 375 or 416? (besides a new barrel in the cal. you choose.)

The work needed to be done to convert your 338 Win Mag to say 375 H&H. are as follows.

Remachine the rear bridge, this opens the top of the ejection port for loading the magazine and ejection. A new scope mont hole also needs to drilled and tapped in the correct spot.

A new magazine box for the 375 H&H or the 416 Rem.
A new bolt stop is in order, or simply shorten yours. If you go to 416 Rem, then maybe some minor rail work due to the larger shoulder.

A new barrel in the caliber you want, fitted and headspaced.

Winchester designed this action so very little change was required to change calibers. Simple stamped parts to be replaced, and you have a new caliber action.

J Wisner

Not much else to say about what's need for the conversion and you said it much better than I could have.

Well, I don't recall exactly, but I measured my ejection port a few weeks ago, and it was something like 3.7" or so.
Are you sure you have to machine the receiver?
Winchester sells bolt stop, ejector for mags, and my magazine just has a spacer welded on the back.
Replace the ejector, bolt stop, knock out magazine spacer, and you have magnum-length action.
Some body correct me if I'm wrong.

Bwana-be,

I have two current production, unmodified, M70s in front of me right now. One is a Classic Sporter LT in 300 Win Mag, a long action, and the ejection port opening measures 3 1/8". The other is a Classic Safari Express in 375 H&H, an express action, and the ejection port measures 3 3/8". The overall length of the two actions are the same and the bolts are the same. You might get away with not opening up the port when converting a long action from 300 Win or 338 Win to a caliber with a full 375 H&H case length, but I would think with the rear receiver bridge hanging over the rear of the magazine, it might be a little more difficult to load and there is always the chance that there may be problems ejecting the full length cases, especially loaded rounds. I am sure that, when Winchester decided to to the extra work to make the express action for the longer cases, there must have been a good reason or they would not have gone to the extra expense in the manufacturing process.

oops, I doubled up on the posts.

[ 05-10-2003, 11:16: Message edited by: David ]