A freind of mine has a Colt light rifle in 30/06.He would like to rechamber it in 300 WSM using the factory barrel.What would it take to make this happen?It the Colt worth rechambering?I have heard good and bad things about this rifle so I really don't know if it is worth doing.

Dumb move.

The purpose of the WSM is to give increased performance in a short (medium-length) action. The Colt has a long action.

Rechambering would require:

(1) Setting back the barrel, possibly requiring reworking the barrel channel of the stock

(2) Opening the bolt face

(3) Opening the magazine feed rails for the fatter cartridge.

(4) Loosing one, or more likely, two cartridges in magazine capacity

(5) buying a new stock of (more expensive) ammunition or brass and new loading dies

If the desire is to increase velocity, your friend would be much better off by simply rechambering to an Ackley Improved, which would provide velocities within 50 to 100 fps of the WSM, or simply sell his rifle and buy one chambered for the cartridge of his choice. The fact that he is considering rechambering for the WSM indicates that he has fallen victim to the advertising hype accompanying the new round. There's nothing particularly wrong with the WSM, but there's nothing majic about it either. It falls somewhere in between the .30-06 and .300 Winchester in velocity, and if you want this class of performance in a short action and don't mind sacrificing magazine capacity, it is a logical choice.

WHOA!!!
step away from the lathe....

The colt light rifle, a la Ultra lite arms, barrel is WAY WAY WAY too light to setback and rechamber. The 30-06 is 2.494 case length, the wsm is 2.1. you'll have to set it back nearly 1/2 an inch to cut a vigin metal chamber. The gun can be had in 7 mag for next to nothing
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=4344895

IF you are going to do anything with this one, you might just have it knocked out to 30-06 ackley improved, or rebarrel it to 338-06, 35 whelen, etc.

The idea behind this gun is the lightest commerically viable rifle.. and, it didnt work out.

The improved 3006 will be best, or a whole new barrel.

It's a great rifle, but, the 300 wsm can be had on a savage or m70, for less (considering selling the 30-06) than a good rebarrel and reblue will cost.

jeffe