CDNN has the Model 70 S/S 375 H&H on sale for $739.00. Purchased one with the thought of converting it to 375 Weatherby. Does any work need to be done in order for proper feeding or should it work as is. Also in theory if it shoots well as an H&H should it shoot the same groups when rechambered.

BigB

quote:

Originally posted by BigB:
CDNN has the Model 70 S/S 375 H&H on sale for $739.00. Purchased one with the thought of converting it to 375 Weatherby. Does any work need to be done in order for proper feeding or should it work as is. Also in theory if it shoots well as an H&H should it shoot the same groups when rechambered.

BigB

BigB,
I have done that and that rifle shot the loads on Saeed's reloading page under .375 Weatherby.

Usually there is no extra work to feed, but all factory Model 70 Classics need to have their barrels pulled off and have the extractor cut touched up to remove any sharp edges or points, and polish any surface that the bullet nose is going by, so as to assure smooth feeding and jam prevention. And the entrance to the chamber should have a slight bevel/polish anywhere the brass goes sliding by, but that goes for any rifle.

Mine shot as well or better after the rechamber by the gunsmith using a Dave Manson reamer of current specs, with 0.3700" freebore and 1 degree 2 minute leade.

It is the simplest conversion possible, and the best too. More versatile than the .375 H&H, and includes using .375 H&H ammo to good effect.

Rip,

Thanks, I think I will send it down to McGowen and let them do the work. It should make an excellent all weather rifle with the addition of a better stock.

BigB

Take a look at the D'Arcy Echols "Legend" stock. McMillan makes it as a proprietary item for Mr. Echols. That combination will take you anywhere you need to go.

lawndart

BigB,

Please post an update after you shoot your modified H&H. I have the same rifle/cal. and for some time have been contemplating the change over to wthby mag.

-Ron

quote:

Originally posted by Ron Petersen:
BigB,

Please post an update after you shoot your modified H&H. I have the same rifle/cal. and for some time have been contemplating the change over to wthby mag.

-Ron

Ron,
As I said. No sweat. No lose proposition. Win-win proposition. How much are you going to lower the resale value of a milk jug stocked M70 Classic Stainless?

Lawndart,
I am going to get two of those Echols McMillan stocks, one for my .375 Wby, the other for the .416 Dakota. I have run out of Brown Precision stocks, and the McMillans are better buys if Echols doesn't jack up the prices over the standard McMillan.

Another thing to think about is the McMillan Sunny Hill stock for a drop box M70 ... nah, just get the better magazine spring and stick with the stainless bottom metal. The 300 RUM M70's that I converted to .404 Jeffery and .416 Dakota have the flat spring without the stopper bump in them.

H4350 is the powder to use in the .375 Wby, the new Extreme stuff, not the old stuff. It seems to match Weatherby factory ballistics easily, and more accurately with weighed charges by the handloader. Start at 80 grains and work up, way up.

Rip/BigB, Is there a particular gunsmith you would use for the change or would the smiths up here (AK) do? I talked to D'Arcy Echols about his legend stock and he recommended Penrod for the fitting-maybe have him do the change at the same time? I do have someone in mind for the stock work up here, I have yet to talk to him about a change of chambers. Would you use a new barrel or the factory one?

What sight height (NECG) would work best with the legend stock?

You guy's might get me off the tetter-totter, I've been hemmin & hawin over this for a couple of years now.

Great topic-Ron

Ron,
First, just rechamber the existing .375 H&H to .375 Wby.
Mr. Penrod in Northern indiana is great I am sure, but for something as simple as this, Wild West Guns or any competent smith will do.

See how it shoots and how you like to load it. Then consider other refinements.

You could rebarrel right off the bat, and save the old barrel to be able to go back to H&H

Just be sure to get them to use a reamer with .3700" freebore and 1 degree 2 minute leade. Don't let anybody use a 3/4" sloppy freebore on your rifle.