I've got a M70 classic featherweight in 7mm-08 sitting in the safe, and it doesn't get carried much these days. I've got the 7mm slots covered with 7mm-08, 7 rsaum, and 280 AI, so I'm thinking about having a .358 tube spun on as a shorter range thumper. Eastern bears and short range deer would be the targets. I'd be keeping the rifle as close to the same as possible in terms of barrel contour, and the walnut stays. A factory takeoff barrel wouldn't hurt my feelings at all, but I don't recall ever seeing a factory m70 featherweight in .358. Thoughts?

Sounds like a fun plan to me. I've only owned one .358 (a BLR) but it shot great and was easy to load for. If it's what you want - build it. Have Pac-Nor or someone else that will dup that contour make you a barrel (assuming they will do so in a .35 caliber) and rock on.

i tend to remember that the 358 was chambered in relitively very few winchester featherweight guns.i like the cartridge but i find myself now without one now.

The .358 is an excellent cartridge, in addition to .35 caliber rifle bullets you can shoot a broad range of other bullets. These include .35 cast bullets, .357 pistol bullets both cast and jacketed. That is a big part of the .358's appeal for me, I have owned pre '64 Winchester M/70 Featherweight and M/88 lever actions chambered in .358. Currently I am shooting two .35 Whelen's based on pre '64 M/70's. I would recommend reboring as the most practical option, I have used Randall Redman to rebore and rechamber one of my Whelen's. I can recommend his work without reservation.

wolf, My 1st thought was "WHY NOT! - What a great idea"

Also, thought of the rebore vs a rebarrel since your want to keep the original contour. I don't remember the tip diameter ot the feather weight barrels. I personally would want a barrel tip thichness of no less than 0.125" after the rebore - You may not have that much left. But since you want to stay close to the original contour this could also apply to a new barrel.

Good Luck and post us some pics

I really like the .358. You could try the rebore and have an inch or two shortened if it was way to thin at the crown...shortening it would get you a little more thickness there (not sure how much) and would have very minor effects on the .358...it is pretty efficient.

I dunno if it will be the case, but if you remove that much barrel steel, will the rifle handle funny?

There is that chance...balance point will change for sure...could be better or worse, but the front end will be a bit lighter.

I like my 338 Federal. Might be another option.

I'll have to pour a beverage, settle in with the rifle and calipers and just see what's what. You folks may be right about just how much meat there is in the barrel.