I have been tossing around the idea of building a switch barrel when money is not so tight. I would like to build a 7 mag and 358 norma combo, but I have some questions hopefully you can help with.
1) Does this method hurt accuracy?
2) Do I need a smith to switch the barrels or can I do it myself?
3) Do I have to full length size the brass each time or just neck size like normal?

Anyone that has or has built a switch barrel please give me the pros and cons that you have experienced. All information is greatly appreciated. Thank you

I think IMHO a Savage is the best set up for this. They have interchangeable bolt faces also.You will not be stuck with the Mag bolt face. You can have a Savage S/S model with an accu-trigger and about half of the extra new barrel for what a new Rem would cost. You need a fifteen dollar wrench and about $50.00 bucks for headspace guages.You can have the gun switched and re assembled while you are getting a Rem action locked into the barrel vise. The Rem will cost $200.-#350 bucks to get the gun set up ( barrel removed and the recoil lug pinned, action trued up, second barrel contoured threaded chambered and headspaced) along with buying the extra barrel. You will be into $450-$500.00. You can get a another match grade barrel for the Savage for what a good barrel vise would cost, plus you still need the headspace gauges. A guy on another baord just switched a 300WSM to a 204 Ruger on a Savage action. Go to Sharp Shooter Supply and check them out. They ain't pretty but they do shoot. There is always an Encore Rifle. I do not know if the 358 Norma mag can be shot of this platform.If someone here does not know then Bullberry Barrels would. For what you will have into a switch barrel, Rem Ruger or Winchester buy the second rifle and be done with it. My two cents more is always better

1) No it wont effect accuracy. Most switch barrel guns have totally free floated barrels so as long as that is true for both barrels accuracy shouldn't be effected.

2) You can switch the barrels yourself as long as you have a barrel vise and a action wrench. Ideally you'd want to torque the barrel the same each time though. With a rifle that has a sandwiched recoil lug (ie: a remington)you'd want it to be pinned.

3)If the barrel is torqued the same when replaced the headspace should be the same each time therefore there is no need for full length resizing.

I usually bed the flat on my barrels so when I use a action for more than one barrel I use a stock bedded for each rifle.