If I rebarrel one of my factory 7BR's with a factory 35 Rem. take off barrel will I have to alter the bolt face for the smaller case or should it work alright ?

I'd like to try the 35 Rem. but I'd like to be able to backup again if I don't care for it.

Ike

Ike,
This may go against your purpose of getting your barrel, but how about this: Instead of having your bolt face altered (I'm not even sure if you would need to but I would suppose {emphasize "Suppose"}), why not have the 35 rem chamber opened up to a 358 Winchester (35x308)? Your bolt face wouldn't even be an issue and would be able to take advantage of the XP's strong action and get more horsepower to boot.

Of course that opens the door to the 358 Ackley Improved, 35-284 or the 35 Whelen also.

Just my mind going to wandering again.
xphunter

As I understand it the 7BR was AKA 7 IHMSA, Which was really 7mm 08 x 1 1/2"

The 7BR and 7IHMSA are not the same round. the 7 BR is a 1.5" long .308, but the 7 IHMSA is a 300 savage necked down, and trimmed ~1.8".

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Thanks to a couple emails I have found out that Remington only made two bolt face sizes in the centergrip XP, small for the 221 & 223 cases and large for the 308 head size cases which they also used for the 35 Rem. so apparently it'll work without alteration of the bolt face.

When I decide to take the plunge I may get with Paul and get some of the .35 Remington pointed soft point bullets he did a bulk order on, how do you think they'll perform on game at handgun velocities ?

Ike

Ike,

I'm sure you have already though of this but just in case you haven't, be sure you check the headspace of the new barrel before shooting.

Just because it is another factory barrel does not mean it is set the same as your 7mm BR.

I.m sure you knew this but just covering your back.

In all honetly, I feel you really will not gain much going with the 35 Rem over the BR. The BR shoots flatter, penetrates deeper and is just a more accurate design then the little 35.

Xphunter has a good idea about the 358 Win. It would be head and shoulders above the 35 Rem.

The Rem is a good round but for the game the 35 Rem was designed for, the BR will do just as well.

Of course, if you get both barrels set up for the same receiver, then you'll have a switch barrel set up.

Good Shooting!!!

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