Gunsmithing Regular 700 action vs magnum action

3me

3me

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Dec 20, 2010
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#1
In terms of the actual action of a Rem 700, is there any actual physical difference between a regular long action and a magnum long action? I am asking because I have a Rem 700 ADL in 30-06 and I would like to know if it is suitable to convert to 338 Lapua Mag. Thanks
 
#3
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

The bolt face for the 338 Lapua Mag is 0.588", larger than the standard magnum bolt face which is 0.532". Check out Pacific Tool & Guage. I'm planning a 338 Lapua Mag build using a PTG bolt. I too have a Remington 700 action that I removed from an ADL chambered in 30-06 that I'm going to use for my build.
 
#6
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 3me</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What part of the bolt needs replaced? Is it easier to just get a new bolt for the .338LM or can a 30-06 bolt be modified?</div></div>

The bolt nose will need to be opened and bushed, then opened up to fit a .588" case. Then an M16 style extractor opening has to be milled and pinned. You'd be better off with a new PT&G bolt and having the receiver feed rails opened to feed fatter cases. Or sell your receiver and start with an aftermarket and you'd never regret it.
 
#7
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PCR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Or sell your receiver and start with an aftermarket and you'd never regret it. </div></div>

This is really the right answer here.

While it can certainly be done...at what cost? A good R700 action is worth at least $300. Is it worth spending an additional $300-400, and having at least $700 in a modified Remington action when you can buy a custom action intended for the job for $300 more? I think not.

...not to mention the question of whether or not the R700 is even suitable for 338LM use. I've seen it argued back and forth here on the hide. A number of builders refuse to do it at all. Others have them and say they're working fine. I guess I'd say go for it if not for the fact a sweet action designed for the job is only a couple hundred bucks more.
 
#8
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 3me</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What part of the bolt needs replaced?</div></div>

The body.
You can use the old firing pin, spring, cocking piece and shroud.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 3me</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is it easier to just get a new bolt for the .338LM?</div></div>

Yes.
Then you can start re-working the action as well.
 
#9
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

Dont build a 338 on a 700 action if you can afford better.
Ive owned one, built a couple, and after doing it I wouldnt own one on a 700 again.

Sell it and save, build one on your aftermarket action of choice.
At the very least, buy a new bolt for it.
It would be a great rifle. But if you have the choice, aftermarket actions are sweeet.
 
#10
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Keith Johns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are differences in the feed rails.
I just built a 338 on an old 30-06 action and the rounds wouldn't even fit up through the port until the rails were milled wider.</div></div>

Did you feed the LM through the bdl box mag or a dbm? Reason I ask is, would it be possible if using a dbm to remove most of the rails and have them free and clear of the mag?
 
#11
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

The rifle used a DBM once finished.
I wouldn't mill out more of the rails then you need to. For several reasons.
With this rifle, I had no choice. I widened them evenly from center until the rounds fed reliably. Then dehorned everything.

Used a different bolt for the build too. Didnt use the '06 bolt.
 
#13
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

I just went through this. Remington 700 long action bodys are the same they only change the feed lips. I almost did a remy with the bolt opened up, then I was going to get a ptg or tubbs bolt. Now I have a defiance action built for it. What is right for you is what you can afford and is safe, remington makes a lapua on the 700 and they are not going to release something they do not feel is safe(after the trigger problem). I also have an 338 edge and if I was going to do a 338 on a remy now I would go with a 338 rum, no seating problems, no bolt face problems, and still push 300 grain pills at 2750 plus.
 
#14
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

OK, custom action for the .338 LM. Thanks for talking me into it. Now that I have an action barreled for 30-06 and no special love for a 30-06, what will it take to convert it to 300 Win Mag other the a new barrel? Should I start looking for a custom bolt for this conversion?
 
#15
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

Just curious, whats wrong with the 06? I know a few folks here on the Hide that run theirs past 1k without issues. You get beter results with the 300WM is you want to push the 220-240 grain pills. But the 06 has some good loads using stuff up to 210gr. I figure if you got it, use it.
 
#16
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 3me</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, custom action for the .338 LM. Thanks for talking me into it. Now that I have an action barreled for 30-06 and no special love for a 30-06, what will it take to convert it to 300 Win Mag other the a new barrel? Should I start looking for a custom bolt for this conversion? </div></div>

The bolt face needs to be opened to 0.532" and the barrel chambered to 300 Win Mag and you're there.
 
#17
Re: Regular 700 action vs magnum action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Keith Johns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are differences in the feed rails.
I just built a 338 on an old 30-06 action and the rounds wouldn't even fit up through the port until the rails were milled wider. </div></div>
yep, been there... done that, I used a dremel and now my NM feeds well.
 
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