Remage barrel set ups

[TurdFerguson]

Probably should dump this in the stupid marksmanship questions form. I'm thinking of setting up a 700 to use remage barrels. I see mostly positive things but no negatives. Can I run multiple calibers with a remage set up? Like 308, 260, 6.5 ect for example if I have the corresponding barrels. Is it worth having the receiver trued if going with a remage set up? I know the factory threads are left the same. Also when replacing the barrel, does the bolt timing need to be changed? Are there any major issues that I am missing that would limit the gun when compared to a factory set up?

 

[Steel head]

No and no.
Barrel nut is versatile system.

 

[spife7980]

The only downside is ~.025" of shoulder width for a few inches and having to set it yourself.

Im fine with that so I have a couple on both a remage-trued and factory action and with a good barrel they both shoot great.

 

[jcmullis2]

I really like the remage setup. I wouldn’t worry about truing your action. You can always get that done later if needed. Keep in mind that sometimes the threads are changed when you get your action trued and then you can’t use remage barrels. You might wanna lap your bolt lugs while your barrel is off but that can wait to if you want. You didn’t mention headspace gauges for each chambering and you’ll need gauges. However some gauges can be used on multiple chambers from the same family such as the 243 win gauges can be used on the 308 win or the 6.5 creedmoor gauges are used on the 6mm creedmoor etc. It’s been my experience that my rifle shoots better with a remage barrel than when it had the factory barrel. I cant see why you’d need to time your bolt unless it’s gotta timing problem already.
I recommend you leave your bolt and action the way it is. Grab a Criterion remage barrel, nut, gauges and screw it on. Take it shooting and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ll be glad you did at use the money you save to buy more gun stuff.

 

[hereinaz]

Barrel nut system is a very cool way to switch up your rifle without lots of expenses. Northland Shooting Supply is the go to place for everything you would need including one of his "trued" Rem 700 actions. You can call and he will walk you through everything. Me and a buddy screwed together a .223 rem with parts from Jim, and it shot .5 moa out of the box. The prefit barrels are uniformly better than a typical factory barrel.

I like to use red loctite on the barrel nut/barrel and witness marks when I headspace a barrel. Then, I don't have to set headspace every time I change a barrel. I just make sure that the nut doesn't move on the barrel by looking at the witness mark. Some guys tap a hole in the barrel nut for a set screw.

Its not as nice as my gunsmith chambered rifles, but dang close. And, I learned a whole lot doing it.

 

[TurdFerguson]

Thank you all for the responses.

A couple of more questions. Was there any stock modification required for the barrel nut? Also would it be possible to use multiple bots with this set up? Like say I have a spare 700 bolt with a 223 bolt face and another with a 308 face. If I had the corresponding barrels set up could I do it all on the 1 receiver? I have a spare 700 bolt off a 22-250 I got at an auction several years ago. I would assume I would just have to get it worked to fit the action right?

 

[spife7980]

It’s fine in theory but in reality it’s going to be a pain compared to not doing it and you won’t switch near as much as you imagine.

 

[Steel head]

It’s fine in theory but in reality it’s going to be a pain compared to not doing it and you won’t switch near as much as you imagine.

I was gonna go the switch barrel route.
Put together another rifle instead and don’t regret it.

 

[hereinaz]

It’s fine in theory but in reality it’s going to be a pain compared to not doing it and you won’t switch near as much as you imagine.

Agreed. Unless it is a switch once a year for a different hunt or something, the switch barrel thing is kinda overrated.

Sometimes the stock needs some relief for a barrel nut.

All you should need to do is plop in the new bolt and headspace the barrel to it, if the bolt is not somehow messed up.

It only takes a few minutes to change the barrel but then you have zero confirmation, etc, etc.

Like steel, I just ended up building a new rifle if I really wanted to shoot a caliber.

 

[spife7980]

Id have the new bolt fitted to the action and make sure its timed right and everything to match the first bolt.

Id really just get a second action.

 

[LawnMM]

You can do a lot of the receiver truing stuff like squaring bolt face, lugs, action face, etc. without changing the receiver threads.

I did that on a Remage and it was a hammer.