Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors H&H built actions

Any significant issues with converting an action originally built for a 300H&H to a standard mag cartridge, or a 375 H&H? I am thinking there should be no issues going to 375, perhaps some mods necessary for proper feeding going to a std mag cartridge.

The 300 and 375H&H had the same exact receiver and components, except for barrel (of course) and stock. There were different barrel contours for the 375H&H over the years and it also didn't have the sight boss. Well, they only made 10 with sight bosses, but it's likely you'll never see one of those in person. I like what the H&H receiver brings to the table, especially with my 338 win mag built on one. My 338 also feeds excellent: Smooth and effortless like it should, with absolutely no glitches of any kind. Let us know what you have in mind and some of the more knowledgeable guys can probably help.

I may have a line on a 300 H&H that has been refinished, sights removed,stock refinished, etc. If it did not shoot well I'd look to rebarrel it, probably either to another 300 H&H or some 7 Mag. I have no practical use for a 375 but it would be a heck of a great base for one and it would be a nice moose rifle in grizzly country!

I like the way you think. Just a little tidbit on the H&H receiver. I've seen original receivers with original bluing sell for $1,000.00+. The most I've seen one sell for was $1,075.00. That was a complete receiver with bolt, trigger, bottom metal etc. You'll easily be able to find a good original 300 H&H barrel if you know the right people, but good luck finding an original 375 barrel and be warned that when you do find one, it will probably be re-chambered to 375 wby or 375 H&H AI. An original barrel with original sights will most likely cost around $1,000.00 with installation. However, you could always have a custom tube put on for less money. Your idea of turning it into a 375 H&H is perfectly acceptable and a great idea if you ever plan on going to Africa. If just sticking around NA, a good ol 300 H&H or 338 win mag is all you need for the big critters.

I've used pre 64 M70 300 H&H action to build custom rifles in 300 Weatherby, 300 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag,358 STA,and (of course), 375 H&H.

No problems with function at all,and the longer box can be used for more flexible bullet seating with the shorter mags like 300 WM or 7mm RM.

I'd most likely go with a 7 mag if I had to rebarrel it as it would get a lot more hunting time as a 7 mag than anything much bigger.

If you get the gun make sure to check it over really well. 99.9% of the time your just fine, but every once in a while you run into a big problem. I bought a long action not too long ago and checked it over figured it was fine. Found a good barrel and dang if it didn't headspace without any smith work. However when my smith checked the head space he noticed something wierd on the back of the lugs. Turned out someone had ground on them wierd and they were only bearing right at the bolt body. You can imagine how bummed I was. Anyway all the ideas here are great, you have lots of options have some fun. Good luck

guy brings up a good point. With pre 64's the entire actions were heat treated,so there may be some warping. They were set up to work with the factory tubes but when changing barrels sometimes only one lug will bear so they have to be ground for full lug contact, and other smithing tricks they use putting barrels on.

I've run into this when dropping a new barrel onto not only magnum but standard actions as well. Problem is if you do this your old original barrel might not fit anymore so be prepaid for that possibility.

Im commenting not as a smith but as a customer who has had to pay for the work.

None of this would stop me from using an action though LOL!

Someone else wanted the rifle more than me so I'll continue to keep an eye out. 300H&H are pretty common up here but being common doesn't mean they are cheap!

Not worth bothering with. Here is a wonderful alternative>>> Modified commercial Mauser from Herstal Belgium in 9,5x73mm...

I don't see any oxidation spots on or adjacent to cross bolts, therefore, it looks like it is good to go. Excellent alternative to pre-64 .375H&H.

Nice old Browning there, but, it's a push feed and NOT on par with any pre-64 model 70.

Good point Gunner.

lol, I've got an old 1962 year model safari grade long extractor 458 WM that will shuck and jive wit the best of em.

Gunner, I've heard that they were pushfeeds after about 1965. They then went to a sako type extractor? Is yours pushfeed as well or by long extractor you mean CRF?

Yea BSA, mines a fully, controlled round feed claw extractor just like the pre-64's, just a euro FN version of same.

500 gr Woodleigh protected point weldcores backed by the 450 gr BBW-#13 solids at 2180 and 2230 fps respectively should get it all done.

Oh BTW, think most of the Sako extractor guns were made for 222 rem and the like.

Ain't nary need in throwin marshmallows at em, eh BSA?

Ha ha.. Not nary a reason to do that my friend.. Just plow them to death with a big heavy freight train of a lead pill...

Yes, and aint it gonna be a sad day when we have to sell our heavies due to decrepit-ness?