The more I read about the 416 Taylor the more I think I have to have one. I have a Browning A-bolt chambered for 7mm Mag and would like to rebarrel it to 416 Taylor. Is this possible or the the action for this rifle too light?

Cfore, the Browning action is strong enough for the 416 Taylor, which developes no more chamber pressure than the 7MM mag. The draw back to your Browning , if you intend useing the Taylor for dangerous game is, it is a push feed action. I would keep the 7mm mag, for my plains game hunting in Africa, or deer/moose/Elk hunting in North America, and build the 416 Taylor on a 98 Mauser, late Mod 70 Win,Whiteworth, or CZ 550 action, which are CRF actions, and better suited to hunting animals that bite back!

[ 09-08-2002, 21:28: Message edited by: MacD37 ]

Cfore,
It's about $400 to have smith do it and BLUE IT back. please make sure to put iron sights on it, too.
It's a great conversion, and if you are happy with a pushfeed, then use it. this from the guy with exactly 2 push feeds in his gun case...
jeffe

If it is a stainless A-Bolt II, the threads on the barrel will gaul or seize with the receiver threads when the barrel is removed. This essentially destroys the receiver threads and requires recutting of the receiver threads. Sorry, but this is a result of improper assembly at the factory with no thread lube.

Another disadvantage of the A-Bolt II is the small 0.937" barrel shank. Plus you have a non adjustable trigger.

And, if it is a DBM, check the max overall cartridge the magazine will take. Not much point in building a large caliber rifle if the bullet has to be seated way down in the case.

So, the A-Bolt II does not have much favor in the gunbuilders' opinion.

As long as you're talking pushfeeds anyway, why not a Howa 1500? These are rock solid, cheap, and a great action to begin with.

Yet another 416 Taylor option, dirt cheap and EASY, is a Savage 110 in any belted mag -- buy a replacement barrel in 416 Taylor (www.midwayusa.com), already chambered and blued, along with the barrel nut wrench & belted mag GO-gauge, then you can install and headspace the barrel yourself and save gunsmithing expenses. Figuring ~$200 - $225 for a used 110 sans scope, $130 for barrel, $40 for wrench and gauge, and you have less than $400 into a 416 Taylor, plus you still have a 7mm mag. If you really like it, then have one built on a Mauser 98 with a really high quality barrel.

Todd

[ 09-09-2002, 02:30: Message edited by: Todd Getzen ]

John Ricks,

The problem with the galling threads...

Does that extend to the original (not the 'II' version) of stainless A-bolts?

As far as magazine length, I've been using a 375H&H version of Brownings magazine in my 300 Win Mag for years. Works well, easiest way I know to get the extra length needed to 'kiss the lands'.

Still, like most folks here, I'd recommend using another brand rifle.

Brian, I have not had one of the earlier A-Bolts in the shop to find out.

Darn, been thinking again (With me, this is extremely dangerous!!!): I will have an Oehler M43 in the shop in a couple of weeks. Ever get any pressure testing for your 416 Taylor loads? I am real interested in just where the Taylor is with pressures. I have had a couple of inquires about 416 Taylors, if I get to the point of ordering a chamber reamer I am thinking about chambering up a pressure barrel and running some tests.

If Paul Hail chimes in, I will be running your 500J across the Oehler M43 also.

John,

Give me at least another four to six weeks, and I'd be willing to send you my rifle for your pressure tests.

Brown bear season opens on the 15th of this month. It goes through December, but when the salmon runs dry up, it's pretty much over for me. I'll wait until next Spring, if I don't find one in the next few weeks.

I may try and talk you into a rechambering job though. You've got a Howell reamer, and I'd love to switch to the fine Doctors cartridge.

I wonder how the 416 Taylor shooters have survived without the Oehler M43? Of course the George Hoffman should not be mentioned.

If we had them in Australia at a reasonable price I would get one. The Oehler 35 cost enough.

But it would be for enjoyment...my loads would not change.

How could they. If I loaded cases that had been annealed on the heads, would I keep increasing the load because the "pressures" were "OK".

Mike

for what it's worth, the m35 does NOT measure pressure into anything meanful, directly. It measures a value of strain.. but, the m43 sure does
jeffe