Can a gunsmith convert a new Model 70 from .300 win mag to .458 Lott or .458 win mag? Is it realistic to do this?
Thanks

No problem with the Win Mag (same action length), but the Lott requires a few extra steps. Although the action bottom can accomadate it the H&H lenght actions have a slightly larger ejection port. It can be made to work (and has been done many times) but should really be done on a H&H length (375 H&H, 300 RUM, 7mm STW were the factory uses for this action and in the case of the later two your idea is a much better use for the action). Good luck

Another thought is that a Nieder Notch might be in order also! vangunsmith

It is interesting that Tom Turpin, in his book on the David Miller Company, states that Miller buys all of his actions in one size, which is the 30-06 size, and then makes everything from that action. Turpin explains that Miller does this so that he can control the exact size of everything.

So, if Miller makes his .375s and 458 Lotts out of 30-06 actions, there should not be any trouble whatsoever making those out of a magnum action.

yes,
easy job..

winmag, everything but the spacer below

take out the spacer, put a lug on the newly rebarreled friend, inlet and bed

2xbolts and a wrist rin

oh, and change the recoil pad

quote:

Originally posted by 22WRF:
So, if Miller makes his .375s and 458 Lotts out of 30-06 actions, there should not be any trouble whatsoever making those out of a magnum action.

That's because the standard/short belted magnum and H&H length magnum M70 classics are the exact same action. They only differ in in loading/ejection port and magazine well dimensions..

Jeff nailed the list. But if it were mine I would open up the ejection port to the longer H&H length dimension. The bolt stop should be shortened too.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Can a gunsmith convert a new Model 70 from .300 win mag to .458 Lott or .458 win mag? Is it realistic to do this?
Thanks

Assuming you're starting with the Classic the process is not at all difficult to convert to standard 458 win mag, just add the right barrel and chamber......the Lott takes a bit more work but is totally doable!