[Martin]

Hello:

I'm looking to build a sniper/target rifle and have decided on the .308 as my caliber of choice but would like a bit more gusto to take it hunting for elk.

My question is, if I have a custom rifle built could the same short action Remington Model 700 fire both rounds if I had separate barrels chambered for each?

If so how easy would it be to switch the barrels back and forth?

 

[CM2k]

You need a Magnum bolt face for the .300 WSM, and a Standard for the .308. You also need a long action for the .300 WSM, but it can use the .308 as well. Switching barrels back and forth is not the best idea, if you want percision. If it's the smallest bit loose, or if the barrel is not perfectly screwed back on, you're looking as some shitty shots. Also, this would cause some HEAVY wear to the threading on the barrels, and would result in a loss of accuracy fairly quickly.

 

[Jeff_850]

CM2k is right about the barrel change stuff, probably dont want to change out the barrel every other range time and the barrel would have to be properly installed every time... be more of a pain that it would be worth
.300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) is a little longer thant the .308 but i think should fit in the Rem 700 short action
either get 2 guns or choose between the 2 calibers
id go with the .308 since it is powerful enough to hunt elk and kicks about 1/2 as much, also match ammo is readily available since you want it to be your target rifle, barrel life should be a lot longer too

 

[Jeffvn]

I'm going to disagree with Jeff and CM2k regarding barrel swapping and its effect on accuracy. If the barrel is properly installed, there is no effect on accuracy.

First, Benchresters have been hauling and swapping multiple barrels to matches for years. If it remotely affected accuracy, these guys would NOT be doing it. Additinally, I've seen F-Class shooters carry and shoot 3 barrels during a single multi stage match (using each barel for only one segment of the match).

My custom is a swap barrel .308 and 6.5x284. Changing barrels is a pain (I only do it with my barrel vice on my bench), but it does not change your accuracy if you have your barrel indexed (so you can get it tightened to the same spot each time) and your zeros carefully noted in your log book.

JeffVN

 

[CM2k]

First, Benchresters have been hauling and swapping multiple barrels to matches for years. If it remotely affected accuracy, these guys would NOT be doing it. Additinally, I've seen F-Class shooters carry and shoot 3 barrels during a single multi stage match (using each barel for only one segment of the match).

Yeah, but he's not going to have a barrel vice out in the boonies while hunting, is he?

 

[Jeffvn]

Probably not, unless someone volunteers to carry the reloading bench for him.

I don't think swapping barrels at a benchrest competition is close to the same thing as hauling your butt around the boonies while hunting, at least not at the ones I've seen. The benchrest comps I've been to the shooters bring their comfy stools/chairs, reloading benchs and equipment, and handload their ammo seconds before shooting their relay.

The issue I addressed was whether swapping barrels had an inherently negative effect on accuracy - I said that it does not.

If I recall correctly, at least version of the TRG sniper system is designed as a swap barrel, where you pull the barrel and put on the spare after shooting X number of rounds through it (akin to the M-60 machinegun that was used in the USMC by the infantry).

 

[boisedarc]

Here is something to consider, how about the savage? Sharpshooter supply sells a nice savage barrel nut wrench, the savage barrel swap is a heck of alot easier to do than the remington. You can get the savage "medium" action so length wouldn't be a bit of a problem. Just food for thought.

 

[Scopes]

You need to consider the .30-06 rather than the .308 or .300

If you want a potent combination for hunting and target shooting. You can get velocities out of the .30-06 that come very close to FGGM .300 (190gn @ 2900 fps +/-) without the kick. That way you have everything covered.
Or you can buy an AI that is designed to swap barrels in the field, of course they are only around 5K, and that may change soon.

 

[Martin]

Thanks for the info thus far.

With regards to changing the barrel, I plan to shoot the .308 the large majority of the time due to reasons mentioned already, barrel life, expense, and recoil. The .300 WSM would probably only get swapped in a couple times a year if that. As such I would hate to get a whole other rifle and optic system set up for gun I won't shoot very much.

The 30-06 is probably the most rational suggestion, but I "just want a .308 because that's what the military uses" and I want a 300 mag because "it's a 300 mag" and to a lesser extent to make that long shot on big game. I just want a Remington too, but I'll take another look at the Savage.

Regarding the bolt face difference between the .308 and .300WSM; can that be purchased individually or would I need another bolt? How about the magazine and loading, any problems there? Last what goes into properly swapping out the barrel on a 700?

 

[Dan]

HS Precision offers a take down rifle that can be supplied to work for two calibers. I've seen pictures of their lock up system and it looks pretty industrial strength. Yet another option for you to consider...hopefully it helps.

Here's their link.

http://www.hsprecision.com

 

[mele]

The bolt face difference can be a real problem. Its not normally advised to swap out the bolts in an action because the bolts are normally fitted to a specific action. Many companies (Tikka, Sako, CZ, etc) actually number the bolts with the last 3 digits of the serial number from the action. Now, I think you can get around this problem by doing some bolt lapping on each of the two bolts....

just some thoughts

MEL