I just acquired a new Winchester Classic Sporter in 300 WBY. Not being a huge fan of the 300 Wby, I am looking at rebarreling to 340 WBY, 358 STA, 375 WBY, or 416 Rem. Will the stock hold up to the recoil of above listed cartridges without the addition of cross bolts? What's the cost comparison between adding cross bolts to purchasing a McMillan stock? Also, will the rails and follower work with these cartridges without modification? Lou

I briefly had a Mod 70 that was rechambered from 338 Win to 340 Wby. It was a bit brisk to shoot off the bench, but the stock was unmodified and showed no signs of problems in the hundred or so rounds I put through it. I wish I still had that rifle...but a 375 double rifle wanted to be in the safe more.

FWIW, I'd glass bed it and consider at least one crossbolt if you have any doubts about the layout of the stock.

The 375 or 416 may need a larger recoil lug maybe ?.

Ask one of the Smiths who do that sort of work .

Can't say about the newer ones, but it's common to see pre 64 stocks that have split/cracked the "web" that separates the mag well and the trigger cutout. I have 2 and both were split there when I got them.

Thanks! How does the recoil from the 358 STA and 340 WBY compare to the 375 H&H? Lou

The Post 64 Stocks have two Crossbolts. They do work loose, so they need to be checked before going to the range. I have Model 70's in .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag, and .458 Win Mag. I have piller bedded them and shoot heavy loads in them. A better recoil pad would help, but I like the looks of the factory pad too much to change them.

My Classic Sporter is a 300 WBY and it doesn't have any crossbolts. I think just the 375 H&H and up come with them. Lou

glass bed the action

Most Classics with wood stocks have a plug in the stock on the right side in front and above the trigger. Behind the plug is a screw that thinks its going to hold the stock together there.

So while you may not have conventional crossbolts, you do have some stock reinforcement.

Back to one of your original questions...I have a Stainless Classic that started out a 300 Weatherby but grew up to be a 375 Weatherby. It feeds fine with no changes. I also have a 375 H&H that started out as a 7mm STW and it took a different follower to feed 100% There are some subtle differences over the years but usually it just takes some parts swapping to get things to work.

Oh, and it will be a damned sight cheaper to have any crossbolts installed than to buy a McMillan.

Gentlemen, thanks for the help.

McCray, did you rebore the 300 to 375 or did you rebarrel? I was wondering what the wood plug was for.

Lou

I re-barreled with a Pac-Nor in a slightly heavier contour. Finished at 26 inches, but I'm not sure that was really necessary.