So I sent my win 70 to get converted into a single stack mag configuration.

In the process the shop opened up the front of the receiver at the feed ramp.

Is this still safe to fire? Any early signs of failure to look out for?




Thanks!

they did that so it would feed.
changing the rifle to a single like you did changes the approach angle of the round and the round would just bang into the receiver right there.

it's not a safety issue.

The ramp angle wasn't actually changed, just the magwell lengthened to accept the 5 round AI 338 lapua magazine.

The mag presents the rounds a bit higher than an unconverted rifle and it feeds great.

I'm just concerned about the trimmed ramp?

Here's a pic of the unmodified next to the converted one.




Looks okay?

It should be fine. You didn't lose that much material off of the ramp and lug seat. The wisdom of a single-stack detachable mag in a classic action is what I would question though To each his own.

Wondering why the conversion, also..

Because in the win 70, my 458 Lott rounds will release the rounds off of the feed lips if the bolt is worked hard. A wider magazine box staggers the rounds more securely but presents the rounds real low and the bolt can ride over sometimes.

This set-up is more foolproof IMO.

It now takes detachable 5 round magazines.

I bet it can feed solids turned backwards now.

I’m not a smith of any sort. But could someone explain why this modification wouldn’t be safe to fire? I’m not seeing where this makes the receiver any weaker?

quote:

Originally posted by Quickstrike:
Because in the win 70, my 458 Lott rounds will release the rounds off of the feed lips if the bolt is worked hard. A wider magazine box staggers the rounds more securely but presents the rounds real low and the bolt can ride over sometimes.

This set-up is more foolproof IMO.

It now takes detachable 5 round magazines.

I bet it can feed solids turned backwards now.

My 375 used to do this consistently. I went nuts trying to figure it out. Then I wondered why Winchester changed the follower so drastically between the Safari Express and safari classic (2005). Then I bought a safari Express follower from Midwest, fitted it and it solved the problem 100%. That rifle fed 100% after that, fast, slow, upside down, flat noses solids, empty cases. And never had a rentention problem after the follower change. Probably not what a competent smith would have done, but the fact is it worked.

I do like the magazine idea though...kinda neat...

quote:

Originally posted by Fourtyonesix:
But could someone explain why this modification wouldn’t be safe to fire? I’m not seeing where this makes the receiver any weaker?

When you fire a round, something like 60,000psi of pressurized white hot fire is developed in the chamber and barrel of the rifle. This pressure pushes in all directions, including the back of the bullet, the sides of the chamber, and straight back towards your face. So what stops it? Nothing stops the bullet. The sides of the barrel stop the sides of the case. The case head holds the back, and what stops that? The bolt face, and what stops that? The bolt lugs, and what stops those...?

Basically: yes, that receiver is not as strong as it was. However it's probably not a problem. Many receivers have been notched out worse than that without issue. Fortunately there's a decent safety factor built into these things. I'd just be careful with your reloads. If that lug abutment does move back much, you'll probably notice a change in headspace, maybe how the bolt feels, etc. $0.02

I'd check to see if both bolt lugs were bearing evenly in their seats. I'd be nervous if the lower one was taking most of the load in your rifle. Some unmodified Model 70s have lugs that do not bear evenly.

I always heard that it was unwise to convert a standard length (30-06, etc.) Pre-64 M70 receiver to H&H Magnum by the same modification done to your rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by vicvanb:
I'd check to see if both bolt lugs were bearing evenly in their seats. I'd be nervous if the lower one was taking most of the load in your rifle. Some unmodified Model 70s have lugs that do not bear evenly.

I always heard that it was unwise to convert a standard length (30-06, etc.) Pre-64 M70 receiver to H&H Magnum by the same modification done to your rifle.

So what is your answer to equal lug contact?

I had a 375 pre 64 in the shop a while back with the lower lug set back I think a combination of the lower lug bearing first and the fact that most of the material on the H&H length actions behind the lug is removed contributed to the set back. Hot loads in reality caused the problem but people are going to do what they do. The sloppier the bolt to bore the more the upper lug will lift off the seat as well. My solution to salvage it was to blueprint and sleeve the rear of the bolt to hold it evenly against the lugs. It should be noted that hardness was checked right behind the lower lug and well within spec I don't remember the specific number but it was above 30Rc and actually 35 if my memory is correct. Looking at your photos I think you will be fine it appears that there is more material in yours than a factory H&H.

Tom Burgess claimed that Winchester did a different heat treat on the "long action" and he too was of the opinion that one should not open up the standard.

Been done lots, however, and never heard of an issue