Winchester Mod 70 338 Imperial Mag Problem - 03/21/16
338 Imperial Model 70 Winchester Problem
In an impulse buy a few years back I picked up this orphan before doing my online research. At the time I had more idle time than brains and bought a $900 problem from someone else. Not wanting to dump this rifle off on some poor unsuspecting sole I have decided to salvage what I can and move on. As-Is it has a 27" heavier than factory profile custom barrel in 338 Imperial Magnum. I have the dies and some 404 Jeffery brass. I determined that the extractor was shot when I could not extract light loads from it at the range. At this point I have some parts lying around ( super grade stock and bottom metal) and would like to put something together I can use for Elk hunting. YES I know I can just go out and buy a nice 338 WM or 340 MKV Weatherby but would prefer to use what I have for now if I like it. Here are my questions for you Model 70 experts.
1.) would it be possible to use the current barrel and some how shorten it so I would be in 338 RUM? I don't have chamber drawing on the Imperial so I am at a loss.
2.) since the action was a 300 Weatherby Model 70 post 64 Classic CRF could I just pick up a factory Winchester take off barrel in 338 WM and have it rechambered to 340 Weatherby?
Ultimately I would like to have a good 338 RUM or 340 Weatherby for less than a new rifle if possible.
Thanks Brad
In an impulse buy a few years back I picked up this orphan before doing my online research. At the time I had more idle time than brains and bought a $900 problem from someone else. Not wanting to dump this rifle off on some poor unsuspecting sole I have decided to salvage what I can and move on. As-Is it has a 27" heavier than factory profile custom barrel in 338 Imperial Magnum. I have the dies and some 404 Jeffery brass. I determined that the extractor was shot when I could not extract light loads from it at the range. At this point I have some parts lying around ( super grade stock and bottom metal) and would like to put something together I can use for Elk hunting. YES I know I can just go out and buy a nice 338 WM or 340 MKV Weatherby but would prefer to use what I have for now if I like it. Here are my questions for you Model 70 experts.
1.) would it be possible to use the current barrel and some how shorten it so I would be in 338 RUM? I don't have chamber drawing on the Imperial so I am at a loss.
2.) since the action was a 300 Weatherby Model 70 post 64 Classic CRF could I just pick up a factory Winchester take off barrel in 338 WM and have it rechambered to 340 Weatherby?
Ultimately I would like to have a good 338 RUM or 340 Weatherby for less than a new rifle if possible.
Thanks Brad