Well you still are gonna be spending money on having the bolt face opened, feed rails are gonna need some work. I would think that a 338 is gonna prob be used on thisgs that bite back so PERFECT and PROPER feeding is essential.

FWIW I have never shot or used a pre-64 I am not familiar with their action nuances in regards to OAL and the ability to fit a 338 into a 06- action. According to my Nosler #4 they have the same OAL's but I am not sure if this translates into real world compatability.

I do know that I have asked several times on converting my Ruger M77 in 30-06 to 300wm - I have been advised to buy a new 300 as I would be money ahead. Basical steered away from it and that would be less of a jump than going to 338 I would think.

If I owned this particular rifle - I would have her done back to a 30-06 barrel by whomever. Then I would look for a new pre-64 style M70 in 338 (supergrade would be classy IMHO).

I am not saying it can not be done - most anything can be done if you have enough money. Economicaly the conversion doesn't make sense when you combine all the costs - bolt face work, feed rails (and not just any gunsmith can really work their magic in this area - Mr Echols sells plenty guns and his LEGENDARY ability to make a rifle feed properly and perfectly is part of that- it ain't cheap to have it done right.) and then the new barrel.

It's a pre-64 Model 70 so by AI'ing it I destroyed any collector value. I know if it is re-barrelled it will probably shoot better than a standard factory rifle, my 8mm mag sure does. What do you think?

Is the above conversation feasible? If so so will I have a regular .338 or will it be "improved"? Thanks-Karl

You would need a new barrel and some action modifications - enought that you could probably be way ahead to just buy a 338 and be done.

I say go for it. It is a classic action that already has been custom chambered. You will enjoy your 338 more if you have the alterations done to this action.

And I sure aint one to call noone crazy about spending money on actions especially Springfields. I got three in the works now.

Not to start an argument, but I TOTALLY DISAGREE. It is a pre-64, so the money you put into it to make it a custom or semi-custom is going to be worth it because you will have a fine rifle. If it is an 06AI what is the point in spending the money to go back to 06 standard? If you want to change it to something you would rather have do it. You aren't looking at that much really to get it into 338.

Figure it this way, local shop here will put a douglas tube on your gun, chambered and all blah blah, for 350 including the tube. Now, better the gunsmith the more you will pay. You send it to pacnor and can get them to install a chrome molley tube for 450, including truing action and lapping lugs. Plus you have some work on the extractor and rails, maybe a bit more stuff. then bluing. maybe you put 650 into it. depends on your smiths and where you find what barrel.

Now, on a standard modern off the shelf rifle you are better off in just buying a new gun, cause you could probably get it cheaper. You could get a Weatherby Vanguard in 300 weatherby mag for under 450. but it won't be a pre-64. And it'll be sporting a factory barrel.

just my thoughts on it. Then again I am spending the money to have a 03a3 (had to get 03 bolt and bottom metal for it) taken to 416 Taylor complete with cut-rifled barrel and other great stuff, most would say I am crazy.

Red

Red

Sure - if you are looking to make a nice custom (big $$ walnut, metalwork ect.) then go for it but if you are just looking to have a 338 and this is on the donor block because it was AI'd then he is not saving any $$ by using this action - its still gonna cost some $$ to get the rails right and bolt face done. That is on top of any blueprinting and the cost of the barrel.



Sure if you are looking to build a "bespoke" type or classic style of rifle go for it - I just pointed out that it is gonna COST some $$. Now if you are just looking for a 338 to use - why spend the $$ on that nice action to go 1/2 way.



I am not anti-pre64 just looking at it from an economical point. Pre-64 is not the end all be all start for a nice custom.



He doesn't have to go back to the standard 06 - I said I would as for me I don't see the need for a 06ai. I said if it was me I would go back to 06 and buy a normal 338 ---- nor for me if we are gonna make a fine rifle out of it - go for it no problem there just realize that it all costs $$$





I guess this all goes back to the original poster -- what is the intended use for the 338 or what are the intended palns for the rifle? - heirloom or very nice pass to your kids type of rifle or a "truck gun"???

This would be a working gun to use during hunting season in Grizzly territory. I also own an 8MM Mag but am concerned about the increasing lack of availability of components. I am not looking for a collector type with fancy walnut stock etc. It would wear the stock it now has and would be stock except for the modifications necessary to turn it into a .338 Thanks for the input.

Ok - givin that I still say you would save money by buying a Win/Rem/Ruger in 338 and be done. A barrel from teh likes of Krieger, Hart, ect will be pushing 300 and you still need to have it chambered, installed, and the action work done.

Keep the pre-64 for a future "heirloom" piece (if you want) and go new IMHO.

Good luck and let us know what happens to her!