I have a new Mark X action - 30-06 bolt face and magazine length.

Is it a reasonable endevor to convert this to accept the 300 H&H. By reasonable - I don't mean cost - because I know about what it will cost. Blackburn bottom metal and trigger, three-position safety, etc.

I mean is this a safe thing to do, especially given that some of the metal will need to be removed behind the bottom recoil lug - - the feed ramp - - to accept the longer magazine?

I mean "reasonable" from the aspect of the final product. Will this become a slick and refined action, if done right by a good Smith? I certainly don't want to spend a lot of money, and end up with junk.

I would prefer to just buy an action ready made, but can't seem to find one. Any alternative suggestions? I thought of buying a Vanguard in 300 Wby, and just rebarreling it.

KB

It is reasonable if that is what you want. I would think though you could find either one that is ready to go for less. Check Gunbroker and Auction arms regularly. They both have a saved search option that alerts you by email when something is listed that meets your search. If you can find a m70 it is easier to convert. I believe Vapodog did one awhile back.

Yes it can be done. The MKX Whitworth was done all in the front. Not sure if the blackburn is front and rear. I have a 375H&H Whitworth. While I've seen the same action in hotter long rounds I pass.

For the same money probably less I would pick up a used M70. If you need longer than 06 take the spacer out and do a little grinding on the ejector and bolt stop. Already has the 3 position.

The Vanguard would work. The threads are metric.

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:
Not sure if the blackburn is front and rear.

For the same money probably less I would pick up a used M70. The Vanguard would work. The threads are metric.

Blackburn - front and rear - Good question. If I have time, I'll try calling and ask if all the extra length is taken in the front, or if the Blackburn magazine robbs a little from the rear too.

I'm very close to certain the Vanguard would work with no modifications to the ralis, ramp, length, or bolt face, and it's cheap too. I just hesitate because of the safety, and it's push feed. Of course the safety/trigger could be replaced easily with a Timmney, which would pretty-much solve that problem. I don't like the bottom metal either, but I hear that steel may soon be available from Williams.

I tried feeding some 300 H&H rounds through a 300 Wby Vanguard, and it was about the slickest feeding push feed I have ever tried. No glitches. I think it is a sturdy action too, and it's design appears that it would very likely be accurate.

Another advantage of using the Vanguard, is that it is likely I could get an acceptable stock with the donar action.

KB

I know where there is a genunine Mark X Whitworth with a beautiful .378 Weatherby custom Barrel (Beautiful sights) and a extra cartridge bottom metal on it for about $600.

378 Weatherby in Mark X action?

Someone please correct me if I am misinformed.

I was thinking the 378 Weatherby cartridge required a bolt face larger than .532. If this is true, I don't see how the cartridge could safely be used in the Mark X action, regardless of its beauty.

Feed back please?

KB

quote:

378 Weatherby in Mark X action

More likly a 375 Wby

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:

quote:

378 Weatherby in Mark X action

More likly a 375 Wby

I was thinking the same thing. It's an easy mistake to make - confusing the 378 Wby with the 375 Wby.

But I was momentarily confused, and had to use memory recall about the differences in the two cartridges.

Am I correct? The 378 is a much larger cartridge than the 375 Wby? And would not be suitable in the Mark X action?

It's one thing to hijack a thread, but to do it with misinformation - a zinger - well I dunno.

KB

Pardon me.

I wasn't attempting to hijack the thread. The gun isn't mine. All I was trying to point out was that if a weatherby cartridge could be used then certainly an H and H cartridge could be used.

The 378Wby case is 2.908" long and 3.687" OAL with a .582 head and .603 belt. Give or take. No not a MKX chambering.

For you 300 H&H lovers.....I know where there is a M-70 XTR in NIB condition but it's not.....it's like 99.9% with 24" barrel and has a redfield scope on it.....

Guy wants too much ($800) so he still has it...but still a lot less than a custom.

If you want a sweet push feed M-70 300 H&H PM me and I'll try to help you get in touch with the guy!

BTW....if I saw an Interarms chambered for 378 weatherby.....I'd walk away fast!!!

If you are starting with a standard action you can open it anyway you like. To my knowledge, the factory Zastava .375 is the only bottom opened to the front. Most others open rear or rear and front.

I went through this drill years ago when I needed a drop-box for a re-stocked Whitworth 375 H&H. I don't think anything has changed.

It was not long ago that I saw a rifle like 22WRF described for sale at Cabelas. And it was .378 WTBY just like he said. I am sure he knows the difference between the .375 and the .378. And as Rigby made a few .416R's on standard length actions, it is not impossible to convert a Whitworth to .378, maybe not advisable, but then again, you do not have to load it to the max. Converting a Whitworth to 300 H&H is not a problem.

Lee

Actually, Cabelas is where I saw it. It had a very light custom stock and a leupy 4 x Scope on it. - Kabluey, you are the Zinger for accusing me of purposefully attempting to provide misinformation. Lee is correct. I know the difference between the letters .378 and the letters .375.

quote:

If you are starting with a standard action you can open it anyway you like. To my knowledge, the factory Zastava .375 is the only bottom opened to the front.

Yep Just like the MKX Whitworth. The rear is thinned down but the box is extended to the front and a lot of metal taken off the feedramp area.

22WRF not a doubt you knew the difference just thought you might have fat fingered it like I do all the time.

Someone with far more knowledge would have to comment on the ability of the conversion to 378Wby. I know Jeffe uses a 416Wby case in a mauser to make his 500. If my data is right the pressure for the Rigby was 47125 for the Wby 63825. Heck of a difference.

quote:

Originally posted by 22WRF:

Pardon me.

I wasn't attempting to hijack the thread. The gun isn't mine. All I was trying to point out was that if a weatherby cartridge could be used then certainly an H and H cartridge could be used.

Lee,
Actually, Cabelas is where I saw it. It had a very light custom stock and a leupy 4 x Scope on it.

Kabluey,
you are the Zinger for accusing me of purposefully attempting to provide misinformation. Lee is correct. I know the difference between the letters .378 and the letters .375.

22WRF,
I was about to accept your apology, then I read your subsequent post. Calling your post about the 378 Wby a zinger is not the same as calling you a zinger. Actually being called a Zinger may be a compliment - Thanks.

There is no way I could know whether you knew what you were writing was correct or not. I simply called your post misinformation because my point was that I didn't think a 378 Wby was appropriate for that action.

Therefore, I'm not so sure that the existance of a Mark X action in 378 Wby proves the worthiness of the action, or if it shows the extent of the foolishness some gunsmiths will go. On that particular action, in 378 Wby, only time will tell to see if it will come apart or not. It's not something I would want to participate in.

Actually I do enjoy your posts, until they turn personal, and negative.

Merry Christmas to you too.

Kabluewy