FedEx delivered a brand new, still in the wrapper, Browning BLR takedown barrel in 7mm Rem Mag today. This is to become a 338 Win Mag after a trip to JES in Oregon.

The new barrel mates up to my BLR that has a 300 Win Mag barrel. Both barrels will close on a go gauge, both will also close on a no go gauge with some effort, neither will close on a field gauge. I left the extractor and ejector in the bolt head, I am not going to fiddle with the innards of a BLR. The bolt appears to lock in the barrel extension of both barrels. With the bolt closed the barrels can only be pulled off the action with effort. I don't like doing this, but it does indicate some level of bolt engagement.

So, what other checks should I complete before I mail the barrel off to be rebored? Is it worth buying a box of 7mm Rem mag, and firing from a lead sled? Or just do all the checks when I get the barrel back? What am I missing?

Nothing.