Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Rebarreling a Montana 8400 WSM with a heavier profile...

While looking for the perfect stock for a M70, I've tried several but haven't found that "just right" one.

I love the fit and feel of the Montana stocks, so have just about decided to rebarrel one with a heavier barrel. I have a 7wsm Montana already - 7lbs all up with Talley ltwts and VX3 3.5-10. Thinking of a used WSM Montana, and rebarrel with something that between barrel and heavier scope/mounts (SWFA 3-9?) will end up abt 8-8.5lbs - maybe like a Brux #3 or Bartlein #2b. Probably another 7wsm (have my own reamer with less tolerance in the neck to not overwork brass).

This will not cost much more (if any more) than buying an Extreme Weather M70 and restocking with a McM, etc., and I get a stock that I know I like and a better barrel.

Thoughts? Anyone done similar?

Brux #3 is a fatty, you need to look at my twisted 223 again next time I am down.

I don't think there's any way you could shoe horn a barrel as thick as Bart 2B into an 8400 WSM stock. I could be wrong though...

Tanner

I've had a few re-barreled and I just ask the barrel maker to duplicate the contour out to the end of the forearm, and then taper to .600" (rather than .560) at the muzzle. Works well and doesn't add too much weight. The cost for a custom contour is nominal compared to the total cost of a re-barrel.

Hmmm, thanks guys. I hadn't really thought enough about it yet to measure stuff. I'll measure a stock at several places tonight to get a better idea on fit.

PS, not everyone will do a custom contour. I know that Pacnor will.

I will send you a pic of the 7WSM beside the Brux 223 tonight.

Thanks for the pic!

I also took a few measurements, and looks like the Bartlein 2b or Brux 3 would fit with some sanding, not too much tho - might fit as is (minus the shank area) but would be touching all around.

After thinking some more though, and looking at weights, looks like a Brux or Bartlein 2 would put me closer to where I want to be weight-wise, but a Lilja (or other maker) with a straighter taper as smokepole mentioned is probably a safer bet (same shank, etc so only modifying straight taper portion of the stock).

I think a Brux #2 contour would work well.

Measuring my son's .243 with Brux #2:

1" shank
22" barrel
measures .780" at 6" forward of recoil lug
measures .622" at muzzle

I converted my 8400 WSM (300 WSM) to .308 Win with a 1:10 twist barrel which was even more involved since it required a different bolt and extractor. I have three rifles built on the 8400 action and I much prefer the larger action over the 84M/84L. Kimber used to offer standard long action chamberings built on 8400 actions before the 84L was offered, but I wanted a .308 Win built on an 8400 WSM action. The barrel is the standard WSM outside profile but cut down to 22" and it has a recessed target crown.

I haven't worked up a load for it yet but it shoots Federal Vital-Shok 165gr Trophy Copper into sub 1" groups so I'm confident that it'll be a tack driver once I get around to it. Here's the rifle after the conversion.

How did You get a different Bolt?

Thanks,

Jerry

The bolt/extractor is the one used in the 8400 Tactical .308 Win/6.5 CM rifles so I called a friend at Kimber and he got me one.

My measurements of the factory barrel:

1.250" for 0.125"
1.100" for 1.115", then taper to 0.800" over 1"
Diameter at 6" - 0.755"
11" - 0.700"
24" - 0.565"

Here's what I ordered from KS Arms:

1.260" shank
0.800" at 3.8"
0.700" at 11" (end of forearm)
0.600" at 24"
3" shank, 28" OAL