Im getting ready to build my 1st custom big bore rifle. The caliber is going to be .460 Weatherby. I would like to find a stainless steel finished action to start with. Im gonna use a Pac-Nor Super-Match Grade Stainless Steel barrel. I thought of useing a M700 Ultra Mag SS action but I wasnt sure it would house the .460. What action would you all suggest I base this project off of?

The Rem 700 is certainly the basis for many accurate rifles, but there are reliability issues that make it unsuitable for a dangerous game big bore like the 460 wby, in addition to dimensional considerations.

It would be quite easy to get a CZ550 action set up for 416 Rigby and add a 460 wby barrel. The only other thing to do is tighten the extractor, then put on your favorite stock.

Granted the action is not stainless, but it is controlled feed which is a great advantage over a stainless pushfeed.

...in my opine...

Trapshooter,

I would not do a 460 on a Rem 700 for a couple of reasons. As 500 grains has mentioned the conversion will be difficult if the desire is to have a reliable repeater. In addition the metal thickness left on the bolt face counterbore will be very thin.....if you dropped the bolt you would need to make sure it lands on an air mattress.

The easiest and cheapest for a stainless rifle would be to start with a used 300 Wby Stainless as conversion from the 300 to any of the 378 based Wby calibres is simple.

But if you wanted a "classic big bore" then I would agree with 500 grains and go for the CZ and start with one in 416 Rigby. In such a rifle I would prefer a 450 Rigby or 450 Dakota to the 460 Wby. No difference in ballistics but to me the Wby calibres just don't go hand in hand with classic style rifles. One practical advantage the 450 Rigby or Dakota will have over the 460 is that the 460 has huge freebore and this does not make it as user friendly for very reduced loads.

As a by the way, if you have not been involved with big bores before you might just find that initially a CZ in 416 Rigby is all the big bore you need, especially if loaded to maximum loads

Mike

I'd use the stainless MRC (Montana) magnum length action.

Has anyone tried the big actions that Oly Arms produces? I'll second the MRC action, they're very nice.