I have always liked model 70's, though I've only owned two, a pre-64 270 in a fiberglass stock (now gone) and a new haven Coyote in 270 WSM. I've thought a big bore project would be fun on a stainless classic action and I'm looking for some of your guys's wisdom. I found a new haven ultimate shadow hunter in 270 WSM, it's stainless classic action in a camouflage dipped plastic stock. How much is a fair price for this donor gun and what is the best big bore based on the WSM case? Some sort of short 404? I would be happy with peep sights or a fixed 1.5x or 2.5x scope. My other big rifles are a nice but slightly heavy Wheatherby MKV in 375 h&h and a Remington CDL in 35 Whelen.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Well, there was a factory offering in .325 WSM. Beyond that is a wildcat, which I considered inn 9.3. But after realizing that meant custom dies, reamer, barrel, etc., I decided the novelty wasn't worth it when I could get a 375 Ruger from CDNN for less than $900 in left hand.

Still, I'm your fan if you want to do the WSM.

I was going to do a .458x2" on a stainless SAUM action, I even had the barrel ordered. The dealer messed up on my barrel order and after waiting 6 months, I cancelled my order and bought a Ruger Alaskan .375 Ruger.

I like the idea of the .458x2" as you can use easy to find belted magnum brass and .450 Marlin dies. No expensive custom equipment required.

I did a .358 WSM on a stainless classic action, in a McMillan Hunter stock. Shoots great but I don't really use it.I'd let it go for a fair price if you're interested. Along with dies and 325 brass.

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/9111029801/p/1

One of my good customers bought a Stainless Classic 70 .270 WSM from us and sent it to Hill Country Rifles for conversion to .450 Marlin. The finished product makes me very envious...

450 marlin

Some great ideas guys! Any help on a reasonable price for a stainless donor model 70?

I saw on one of the forums, don't remember which one, a fellow cut the wsm case off at the shoulder and seated 50 cal bullets. seemed like a good idea for a thumper.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/10828999/Searchpage/1/Main/707736/Words/micky/Search/true/Re:_450_Marlin_Bolt_action#Post10828999

Shooter42, what did the "cut off at the shoulder" case headspace on?

the case mouth like the 9 luger and 45 acp. I believe he called it the 510 wsm.

The answer to your question is at the Accurate Reloading forum..
Here is a link to get you started..

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/9111029801/p/1

edit: Ah, I now see mrfudd has already given the link that I posted..
No sense trying to renvent the wheel as all the info you need is given on the link above..
gunsmith
brass
loading data

.450 Marlin sounds like too much of a good thing to me.

But terminal performance should be something! You gotta really itch for an odd caliber to beat the .375 Ruger already discussed.

Wait, what am I saying, and where am I saying it ...

.411

Not really a big bore but my vote goes .350 Rem Mag.

I think x-verminator on here had one built on a wsm length crf m70 action. Check the blueprint thread.

It's like the Whelen in a slimmer 3" action rifle. Then sell the whelen classic and buy a magnum length action to build something big: .458, .416, etc.

Yep. IMO, the highest and best use for an M70 WSM action. I've contemplated doing one since the WSM appeared.

I know there was a 375 WSM floating around the 'Fire some years back.