How hard (what would it take) would it be to convert a standard mag to a 300H&H on a M70 action?

What would be easiest/cheapest way to do it? I would really like to have a mate to my 375... I know I know, I can get a 300WM and be way ahead $$$ wise but it won't be an H&H... Maybe I'd be ahead to just look for a pre 64, probably cost me less in the long run anyway...

Thanks in advance

To give you an idea of price, at www.daverifflegunsales.com there is .300 H&H pre-war model 70 (1956) in excellent condition for around $1,900.

Actually, I am just about to do just that. The easiest way is to find a M70 Classic that was original from the factory chambered in 7mm STW or any other cartridge bases on the full length H&H case (an Express action). All you would have to do is rebarrel.

If you go with a M70 in one of the standard magnums like the 300 Win Mag (Long action), then there is a little more to do. You will need a new magazine box and follower, and a shorter bolt stop. You really don't have to do this next step, but to really complete the job, you should have the front of rear receiver bridge machined to open up the magazine opening to allow for easier cartridge loading (basically convert it to an Express action). If you do this, you will also have to re-drill the scope mount holes in the rear bridge since the front hole will be gone after the rear bridge is machined. You will also have some re-blueing to do, but you will have to do that anyway with a new barrel.

The M70 actions factory chambered for the full length H&H rounds and those for standard magnums are both the same overall length. The only differences are those noted above. When you look for scope bases you will see reference to M70 Long actions and M70 Express action. The only difference here is the hole space for the rear scope bases. Long actions have spacing of .860 and the Express actions have a hole spacing of .330, due to the shorter rear bridge.

I just bought a used M70 Classic in 7mm STW on gunbrokers $435 plus shipping for this very purpose.

Buy a pre 64, you can always use another rifle and this would be one that will appreciate as you use it. Maybe sell the one you are thinking of converting to help with the pre 64. Do not buy one from Riffle at the previously mentioned website. He is way overpriced and most of his stuff has been put together and/or refinished. A good 300 H&H pre 64 can be had from 900-1500. And I could give you a name and number of a reputable dealer in my town of Minneapolis that probably has a few.

Thanks for the replies! To many options... I would like a pre-64, and would probably go that way if I can't get one put together for less. I'll start keeping my eyes open for an express length action.

Don't bother. I posted about a like new orginal pre 64 for sale here in CT for $899 retail. It's gone now but they show up.

Just keep looking thinking of it as hunting. The thing is that you don't really need one but just want one. When one comes your way you will appreciate it all the more rather than a made up one.

quote:

Actually, I am just about to do just that. The easiest way is to find a M70 Classic that was original from the factory chambered in 7mm STW or any other cartridge bases on the full length H&H case (an Express action). All you would have to do is rebarrel.

Good reply....but finding the STW in the used market is easier said than done....Actually any magnum post 64 can be converted by removing the block in the magazine, altering the bolt stop and recontouring the rear acrion ring. This requires a new screw hole as well but it's entirely doable.

I did one a few years ago and it's worked out great. This one started life as a 7mag.

Terry

quote:

Originally posted by TC1:
I did one a few years ago and it's worked out great. This one started life as a 7mag.

Terry

TCI,

Can you post some more pictures of that rifle please?

Yea, Most were taken before the checkering was done, but here goes.





Terry

Thanks Terry,

That's the rifle I wanted to see. I remembered the stock.

When you get a chance take more pictures showing the stock after it was checkered.

Thanks

Terry-

I have said this before but, that rifle is gorgeous. Who did the stock?

It pretty easy and not expensive to open a 06 action pre 64 M-70 to a 300 H&H...Dennis Olson, Plains, Mt. 406-826-3790 will do the job at a very reasonable cost...you can either rechamber the 06 or you can install a new barrel in 300 H&H...

My 300 H&H is such a rifle, except I installed a Win. original 300 H&H barrel on it as I had one on hand that I knew shot very well...

Thanks Ray, and others...

I though about doing that as well. That would probalby be the cheapest way to go actually. I can probably find a pre-64 30-06 for about $650ish and the work would probably set me back about $250-300. Does this sound reasonable? Hell with that much invested, I'm almost to the point of just buying one unaltered in a pre-64... I wish they would just chamber it again so I can get one!!!

I see that winchester is now chambering the 300 RUM in thier M70. Do you think I could get one of these and just screw a new tube on? Would it feed ok, or would the feed rails be opened up to much?

Dang this project is getting expensive in a hurry!

Ivan,

Your cost estimates are valid if your planning on using all your parts and rechambering. If your project includes stock or barrel changes it will cost more.

My experiences with working on guns is yes it is cheaper usually to buy what you want, custom anything ends up costing more than factory rifles. If you have the tools and the know how to do the work yourself that can be mitigated.

I am working on a pre 64 as right now, my action is excellent condition, but my intention is to replace the barrel. Action, fitted with a new barrel and trued is going to be right at $1100 invested so far. That isn't counting opening up the bolt face or any magazine or rail work. This will be ready to drop in the blueing tank reaady to go. You could trim maybe a couple of hundred by using a cheaper barrrel, dropping the trueing, and looking for a cheaper smith. My estimates are using Krieger which are a little pricey on barrels but they have a pretty reasonable shop rate for their services.

That will leave me will a barreld action ready to drop into the blueing tank and stock. I intend to do some other items which add dollars, and replacing the stock has a wide variance but I expect $350 ish for a blank and at least another $1000 at a miniumum. You could save a chunk by using fiberglass or synthetic, but I want a good wood stock.

After I aquired parts and got started on mine, several Biesen rifles have been showing up at gun shows in my region ( yes in pre 64's), looking at this from a practicle aspect it would cost less or the same to buy one of these rifles than to have started my project, not to mention the 18+ months it will take to get mine completed.

I don't know if your heart is set on a Winchester model 70, but about 6 months ago a 300 H&H in an older SAKO sold up my way for a little over $800. My point is if your willing to do some looking you can find a good used 300 H&H, which will definately save you some serious dollars.

I am selling a pre-64 Fwt 30-06 in very nice shape for $550.

quote:

Originally posted by 30 Caliber Mag Fan:
Terry-

I have said this before but, that rifle is gorgeous. Who did the stock?

GAG and Me

Terry