Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Spare M70…what to do?

Having killed and seen killed a number of things with a .30-06 and 220s as well as the 9.3x62 and .375 I can say there’s absolutely a difference in performance on large animals. The ‘06 will surely kill, but no as well as the other two on anything big, tough, or mean. The 9.3 and .375 are simply a whole ‘nuther level.

Definitely .35 Whelen, if you don't already have one. In my opinion. Especially if you happen to be a cast bullet shooter, which you didn't say anything about but it is a major factor in my choices.

Have it reamed 30-06 but barrel stamp it "300 WHELEN".

In all honesty, you have the middle bores covered well (270 Win to 9.3x62) .You don't need anything else; but, ...it you insist:

257 Roberts

1-9 twist (if you want to shoot 120 grain bullets)
10" twist, (for 100 grain bullets)
24" barrel

I use to have a Mauser 98 in 257 Roberts with a 10" twist, 24" Douglas sporter contour barrel. It was pleasure to shoot. It would put five 100 grain flat base Hornady bullets in a dime-sized group at 100 yards, over 45+ grains IMR 4350. I'm still trying to figure out why I sold it.

I prefer an unfluted heavy sporter contour, 0.68" at the muzzle, but I like muzzle-heavy rifles.

Another option, or approach: precision / accuracy.
Optimize accuracy of your current 270 Win platform. Buy what you consider the best barrel in 270 Win, maybe with 1-9" twist if you want higher sectional density bullets for long range shooting, and heavy sporter contour, 24" barrel. Have the action trued, bolt lugs lapped, action bedded well. Shoot it. There is a true sense of appreciation for a piece of machinery that is precisely made, and performs at peak levels of performance (accuracy parameter in this case). You currently have all the bases covered for calibers, just tweak /upgrade your very useful 270 Winchester system. No need to have another collection of reloading supplies in another caliber. Put your time and money into improving a current and useful chambering, and not "getting something different" that really isn't all that different, and may not be that accurate. Chase precision.

My 2c.

6.5-06

.300 Win Mag

7 PRC, handles all of your 270, 7mm and 308 cal chores!

Sell it to me!

I'd love to have it and build a fast twist .270, for 155 LRX bullets, regardless of what @JMR40 says. He has a solid position, it just isn't one I find fun. I love the .270 Win and it hammers most things in the lower 48 with ease. If grizzly ever gets delisted, I wouldn't be afraid to use the .270 there.

I like the .30-06 and it's a stapel in my arsenal, but it's not as enjoyable as my .270 or .308 to shoot. @Brad and @beretzs have me interested in switching the stock to a Miller. I bought a used Hunters Edge fill and dropped my SS Classic FWT in it, and it is just over 7 lbs all up. Nice to carry, but it isn't enjoyable to do load development with.