Gunsmithing M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

[blksno]

So yes...like the title says. I was gifted a Win M70 chambered in .243. It never shot lights out and I've assumed it's probably had it's fair share of rounds through it, so I'm working on a re-barrel/re-build project.

Ordered up a new 20MOA SA base for it and I noticed nothing lined up right.

After some poking around online, I come to realize what I have.
A factory LONG ACTION chambered in a SA caliber. Interesting, but it may open some new doors.
The obvious idea would be to take advantage of a long action caliber, or even a short action caliber that sometimes gets restricted with long seating depths.

ANYWAY, that's not the point.
The point is...although I have not started poking around yet.
Does anyone know how hard or how much work would be involved in removing the bolt's "restriction device" that prevents it from moving rearward far enough to accomidate a long action caliber?

It's pretty easy to see how to remove/modify the blind box block and get a new floor follower...but I haven't started pulling things apart enough to find out how to revert it back to a long action capable rifle.

Anyone done it?

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

Push feed, pre-64, Classic, or FN?

 

[Phil Bragg]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

That is exactly the question I have. I have a Win 70 that was in 22-250 that I bought new in 1974.It is a pushfeed. That rifle never shot worth a damn even though I think I tried handloading every popular load that i could find. What I would like to do is to rebarrel it to 284 Win and use the extra length to be able to shoot 180 gr bullets. Sorry to intrude on you thread cbass16

 

[kraigWY]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

It wasn't until reciently Winchester started make short actions (meaning the last 20 years or so, not sure when).

There is no law that says Long Actions cant be made to shoot, in fact they shot quite well.

I built my wife a "semi" target rifle (suppose to be for hunting) on a long post 64 - pre USRAs action, it shoots damn well.

The Model 70 "Across the course" guns used in HP with 308's were long acitons.

The Army's M-24 though a Remington 700 is a long action.

The Army used the 1903a3 actions for their Mann Accuracy Devices (they're long actions of course)

I never could buy the ideal a rifle had to be a short action to be accurage even with so called short action rounds.

 

[treebasher]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

Easy fix, all you have to do is shorten the bolt stop. It is just a piece of stamped steel.

 

[blksno]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: treebasher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Easy fix, all you have to do is shorten the bolt stop. It is just a piece of stamped steel. </div></div>

That's what I was looking for.
I never suggested accuracy concerns with it being a long action, I just wasn't aware of it being one and wanted to know the level of work to get it back to that stage.

I'm perfectly happy keeping and using it as I prefer a M70 over a 700.
I'm looking even more forward to the project now that I'm not restricted to any specific SA mag length.

 

[turbo54]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

I love Win70s too.

Might I suggest either 280 Remington or 284 Win?

 

[Phil Bragg]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

Is there a way to fix the ejection cycle to where it won't make a inch long gash on the case? On my 22-250, no matter how I work my bolt fast, slow. or medium, it always scratches the case. I would like too go with a 284 Win and open the box up to long action dimensions. I figured I would need like 308 follower or would I need a 30-06 length?

 

[blksno]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: one-eyed Lefty Tex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there a way to fix the ejection cycle to where it won't make a inch long gash on the case? On my 22-250, no matter how I work my bolt fast, slow. or medium, it always scratches the case. I would like too go with a 284 Win and open the box up to long action dimensions. I figured I would need like 308 follower or would I need a 30-06 length? </div></div>

I'm no expert on the topic, obviously, but your 250 follower should be the same as a .243 and 308. If you want to step up to the long action calibers like me, the 30-06 follower should be what we need/want.

As for caliber. I WAS going to stick with a .243...NOW I'm reconsidering.
My heavy varmint 26" SS Ultra Match Shilen barrel just got here, but its a 1:8 wrachet 6mm barrel.
I'm thinking its time to build a wildcat. Since I've already got rifles for just about every application...and this will be dedicated hunting with maybe 50 -100 shots a year...a 6-06 AI might be in my future. I've got stick piles if .270 brass .

 

[areaone]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

Chad Dixon with Longrifles, inc, I believe could answer any questions that you may have with that M70 LA, short action??

 

[WTW]

Re: M70 Long Action chambered in Short Caliber

I am also a huge fan of M70's of 700's. Just wish the aftermarket part market support was there. I am actually working on building a little go to rifle in 284 on a long action that is going to be a sweet little rig. Just have to find a floorplate... Good luck with your conversion.