Axel,

The thread on converting M70's from 458 Winchester magnum to a 375 H&H magnum has me concerned. Several of the "gunsmiths" are recommending that the rear bridge be machined. This is to make the ejection slot larger.

I am concerned that this may make the gun too weak. Can you please calculate whether or not the gun will be safe with ALL that steel removed?

Thank you very very much,
Casey

Axel, HELLO!!! Axel WHERE ARE YOU!! I NEED YOUR HELP. THESE IDIOTS ARE BUTCHING ACTIONS, IS THIS SAFE?

Casey

Casey,
I believe Axel left this forum yesterday or the day before, I'm not sure.

To answer your question, quite a bit of material can be safely removed from the rear receiver bridge without fear of effecting the strength of the receiver. Obviously you can overdue it, but the conversion that you are speaking of, is completely safe, without any fear of weakening the action to the point of failure. The real force that is placed on the action takes place at the front receiver bridge and on the bolt lugs, as well as the barrel around the chamber area. Most of the rest of the action is kinda along for the ride.

If it was not safe then Winchester would not be chambering a longer and more powerful cartridge like the 416 Remington and the 458 Lott from their custom shop with their famous Model 70.

Matt is correct that it is insignificant to remove some material at the rear bridge as most stresses are concentrated up front around the bolt and receiver contact areas.

I hope that your concern was sincere and not so much getting Axel to start another conflict.