I have a '51 M70 in '06, standard sporter, open sights. I don't need an '06 and am interested in either a rebore or re bbl to another caliber. I wouldn't mind another 9.3x64, but what I really want is a 10.75x68. I know what you're thinkin', why the 10.75? Because I don't have one
The existing bbl is .620 at the muzzle and Lother-Walther does .375's on their sporter wt bbl. The rebore should give .127 wall thickness on the 9.3. It will be for open sights only. Which of these two options? Or just sell the rifle the way it is and put the $ towards a Mauser custom Thanks, Bob

The .127 barrel wall thickness will be adequate, but the rifle will be a kick'in son of a gun. Especially, if it will retain the factory stock.

Strip it...part it out.
Sell me the action.

I just had an older .30-06 with a worn bore rebarreled to .338-06.

My gunsmith said it was the easiest "conversion" he had ever done. Nothing in the magazine or feed rails had to be touched and his work consisted of only swapping the barrels and and opening up the fore-arm for the new barrel which had a slighlty larger diameter.

As for performance all I can say that if it had the magic word "magnum" in the title it would be a run-away best seller. LoL With mine I have very managable recoil in a 6 1/4 pound (bare) rifle that is able to take the largest elk or moose without any problems.

Just a note to say that the 9.3x64 cartridge in a 6.25# rifle would be a whole different animal than the 338-06.

ScrollCutter,
I have a CZ550 in 9.3x64, rechambered from 9.3x62. I don't know how much it weighs with a 3-9 Leupold, but the recoil is not a consideration. Not loading real hot--286gr Partitions over 70gr of 4350. I've been working up loads off the bench and it's not bad. Of course, my point of reference is a .416 Remington and a .460 WM Thanks for all the replys. Talked to Ray, and I may just go the .404 route. Bob

How about a 35 Whelen AI or 375 Whelen AI?

If find it unusual that a person would not "need" a 30-06!

I would put a scope on the rifle and go hunting.

The first M70's built in 375 H & H were built on the standard weight barrel. Not too many of those barrel weights were used. I assume the recoil was a smidge more intimidating than a fair maiden's kiss. The next barrel they chambered the rifle in was on the #4 medium heavy straight tapered "Target Model" barrel.

Of course it's your rifle and your choice, but you might want to consider a little less cartridge or a little more barrel.

Thanks guys. Johnly--I have a .35 Whelen AI on a custom Springfield. I measured the muzzle on my CZ 9.3x64. It's .610. This rifle with scope is just a little lighter than the '06 M70 with scope. The heaviest bullet I have shot in the 9.3 is a 286 Partition. The 300 Swifts or the 320 Woodleighs might provide a wee bit more push I am sorta leaning back to a rebore to 9.3. Bob

I question the wisdom of making custom rifles on un molested pre 64 model 70s. It has been nearly 40 years since the last ones were made. Yours is just over 50 years old. I think that they are going to appreciate dramatically as the supply runs out. We are now questioning sporterizing military stuff. I do nottice that the run of the mill reworked M-70 is not as desireable as one that is left alone. They are great actions but, there are other good choices out there. Heck, some are thinking twice about M1917s. I think we will regret using M70s in the future. A Dakota might be a good choice. The bottom metal is already there. If you had to buy good steel bottom metal the price would be close.

I strongly agree with this, however, I will and do use 70s that have been modified and I will re-finish rifles that need it from extensive use. I bought an unfired Alaskan in .338 in 1968 and re-finished the stock last year as it finally cracked.

I have found many 70s with minty metal, but, with cracked or cut-off stocks, so, I simply re-stock them, cover the metal with black electrical tape and hunt them. If, they lose some collector value through this, that's unfortunate, but, they were made to be used, IMO. I have a couple of minty ones that I am careful with, but, they do get shot and hunted.

I have a Dakota, as well, and I hunt it hard, rain or shine, because that's what it is for. I would definitely start with a Dakota action for a custom rifle, however, as I prefer the bolt release and gas handling properties to a Pre-64, but, many do not and want 70s, each to his own.

VFR,

What about a .338WM? To me, it "fits" a bit better in the M70 than the metric cartridges that you are talking about. Not "fit" in the sense of dimensions, but in the sense of what seems "right". Not sure if that clears up my point...

The M70 is an American classic and I picture it being used for classic American cartridges, not European ones. European cartrides "belong" in Mausers. I have nothing against the European cartridges, the ones you've listed are all-time greats, this is all more on a conceptual level.

FWIW,
Bob

A M70 should be a .270win 30-06, or 35 Whelen

The .338-06 is the way to go in world.

Scot's post got me to thinking, but the rifle is not an original, pristine M70. It was reblued about 10 years ago, but done right by an old timer in PA. The receiver is a fine matte finish and the bolt, bbl and floor plate/trigger guard are a deep polished blue. Open sights are original. Does need new wood. So even if I re-bbl or rebore/rechamber, it's not like destroying a collectors piece. Perhaps selling the rifle as is and putting the funds into a custom Mauser might be the way to go. I know it can be done, but I have never cycled a surplus Mauser as slick as this Winchester. Bob

If, I were in your position with that rifle, I would have the present barrel removed and save it-this can be difficult with re-blued 70s-so, get a real pro to do it.

Then, I would have it re-barreled with a 23" tube in .35 Whelan and have a High-Tech stock put on it; this, will give you a rifle which you can use on any North American game and also use pistol bullet light loads in for practice.

The original barrel can be installed on the action again very simply.I would not bother re-working the action to a short magnum as this is expensive, if done correctly.

Kutenaymtnboy,
If I didn't already have a Whelen, I might go that way. Might consider a 9.3x62 if that could be done w/o having to modify the receiver/bolt. What I really want is another 9.3x64 or a 404, but then the action would be irreversibly changed. The 9.3 would probably work fine with just a little opening of the bolt face and another mag box, but there would be no going back with the 404. Bob

The 9.3x64 Brenneke will require feed rail and bolt face mods in an action chambered for the .30-06 and the dimensions are unique to the cartridge, thus, once done, it's done for good. A shooting companion just had a commercial FN C-ring action in 8x57 redone to 9.3x64 and this is what had to be done. I favour American cartridges in Pre-64s, of which I have owned 33 to date and some metric rounds in good Mausers, such as '30's DWM and "Banner" actions and old Brnos,

If, you are going to modify it, go for broke and get the .404, that is a really neat cartridge and honestly useful in B.C. and Alaska as well as "darkest" A. Frankly, I do not see the slightest advantage in the 9.3x64 over my .338s and the brass is both difficult to get and pricey.I would far rather have a .404 in big bear country and may even get one, myself.

These decisions are so stressful, a person just has to do his best!

It's interesting that some might think that metric cartridges would be in any way inappropriate in the pre-64 M70. After all, this rifle was factory chambered in the 7mm, 7.65mm, & 9mm mauser cartridges.

Yup, you're right and I should have thought of that! Of the literally hundreds of these fine rifles that I have examined over the many years that I was severely afflicted by Mod. 70-itis, I have seen exactly two 7mms and have never seen a 7.65 or 9mm.

I have seen one done in Germany in 9.3x64, though, but I just don't see that cartridge for me, for the reasons I mentioned earlier. I do want a 9.3x62 and will have one built next year as I think that it will be the ideal carry rifle for solo trips in northern Canada, in bear country.

I cannot think of anything that will give 5 shots with that much stopping power in a light, portable rifle that can be easily handled for repeat shots.The stress of planning these rifles and getting feedback on them is just horrific, the good aspect of it is that my wife has seen this forum and now understands that I am not alone in my rifle insanity.....

The only problem with the 404 jeffrey is the same problem with 9,3x64 and that is that the brass is even harder to find. One of my buddied has rat-holed all of RWS 404 brass he could find there may or may not be much left in the states. I would suggest that before you build the rifle buy the brass!.

kutenaymtnboy,
A lot of us share your illness. I have a prewar in .270 that was shot out and was stocked with some abomination that likely came from Bishop in the 70's. It is going to get a new life in some other form. I have been leaning towards the 9.3 X 62 also. I am going to build a 9.3X64 but it will be on a Mauser 98. I am not that concerned about the price of brass for that one. I can get 100 for $120 from Great Western Scrounger but they only get it once a year. I have 50 already. I also have the dies and chamber reamers for the 9.3x62 and the 9.3x64, just itching to get used.

I solicited some load information here some time ago for the 9.3X64 and can pass it on if you like.

djpaintles

Tell your friend and any other 404 owner that Norma's representatives has brass on the shelf. During my last trip in USA, I had no problem obtaining 404 brass, dies, bullets..


Cheers

/ JOHAN