I have a almost new Hart barrel chambered for the 280 AI. I would like to rechamber to something with the 7mm rem mag. capacity. Here is the catch-I do not want to set the barrell back to do so. I am putting a rifle togather for my father and have a stock already Inletted for this barrel.The chamber of the 280 is 2.530 from boltface to end of neck which is .030 shorter than most.I looked through and old book and all I can find that will come close is the 7mm Super Masburn Mag. The case capacity of this shows 83.42 as compared to 83.19
for the Remington version. Does anyone know if there is anything else that will work. The neck diameter of th 280 AI is.315-Thanks SJ

I appologize up front because I don't have my detailed case demensions with me. Would not a 7mm mag die clean up the chamber? You could always go to a 7mm-300 or something like that. It would require opening up the bolt but, you wouldn't have to set the bolt back.

7mm STW would probably work for you. - Dan

The magnums require the bolt face and extractor to be modified as you know. Then comes the risk that the magazine will not take nor feed the longer cartridge. Thus there is exposure to quite an expense and the risk that the rifle will be tied up for a long time or something will go wrong as well.

If I had that rig I would use it as it is. On the other hand setting the barrel back to chamber the 7mm RM or the 7mm WSM will freefloat the barrel. That will increase the chances of the rifle staying sighted in which is #1 in my book.

Get a laser rangefinder with the money you save and improve shot placement with the lower recoil the smaller cartridge allows.

Why would anyone would open up the boltface is beyond me! Find a 'smith or person who will swap a magnum bolt with you. The feed rails should not need any work. You may need a different mag follower depending on which type you have. (There are several variations.)

If the barrel is long enough (25"+), then the 7STW would be the most logical choice to ensure complete clean-up.

MtnHtr

What action is this built on? Wood or composite stock.

There are several options available.

The action will be a 700. I have a magnum action to use so it wont need the boltface opened up. That is the reason for going to a 7 mag of some sort. The stock is a B&C that is already inletted for this barrel, that is why I don't want to have to set the barrel back. The reason for not staying with the 280 AI is that my father does not reload and needs something he can buy shells for. That is why I will probably just set the barrel back and go with the 7mm rem. After posting this, the best I can tell, set the barrel back .020 should clean up the 280 chamber. If I have to I can glass in the channel and repaint.I was just wanting to get off easy I guess. The barrel is 24". Would not even think of going to the STW. I am a 280AI fan but I already have the parts and He does not reload. Thanks-SJ

0.020 should be fine.

If your Dad does not reload why don't you work up a load and provide him "custom" ammo?

Stump Jump,
Contrary to the opion expressed, you will be very lucky if you do not need any feed rail work if you go with a belted magnum, even in a push feed 700 if the magazine was sized and the feed rails created for a different case size. The barrel channel work is the least of your problems and just filling in the top edges with a trowel would create a slight free float with the edges closed.

I do not know what you are hunting but I would set it back and go with a .280 Remington. Then you can steal his empties.

[ 11-21-2003, 20:48: Message edited by: Customstox ]

I have a 700 Mag action and a #4 Hart barrel chambered for the 280 AI and a stock for it. I do not have a standandard action so I don't need any work done to the action. This is also why I can't rechamber to the standard 280 and just reload him some ammo.Thanks to all-SJ

There is some serious mis-information going on here regarding the feed rails in Rem 700 actions. In a L/A Rem 700 (non DM), the rail dimensions are the same whether the rifle came from the factory in 30/06 (std) or a magnum(7RM) I have even been told by a very competent 'smith that the Ultra mags have the same rail dimensions but have not verified it myself. What is different is the boltface, you simply swap bolts and re-adjust for correct headspacing if you want a magnum cartridge.

I have a custom Rem 700, 300WM sitting here that started out as a ADL 30/06, the bolt was swapped for a magnum bolt and the action was rebarreled and chambered in 300WM. No mag box, follower or feed rail work was needed.

MtnHtr