Has anyone ever opened up the bolt face of a Weatherby Mark V for a larger cartridge?

I have a Fibermark in .340 Wby Mag with a shot out barrel. I'm kicking around my options for a different chambering, but am wondering if I am stuck with the 0.512 cartridge base. Looking at the bolt face, it seems the Weatherby design might be a tough one to mill a bit larger. I figured I'd ask the experts before I ruled it out entirely.

What chambering are you thinking of going too?

pre64win,

I'm no expert but pay people to do what I want. I have a Weatherby Mark V six lug that was a .25-06. It is designed around the .473" head. I opened it up to .500" and use a 9.3X63 Berneki case for my 6.5mm wildcat.

By the way the .340 uses a .532" head.

Thanks guys I appreciate the replies.

I actually don't have a caliber in mind yet, but wanted to understand how limited (or open) my options were.

Ringman, when you opened up the face on your bolt, did you have to modify the extractor or ejector at all?

I've worked on a lot of wbys. You can open the standard mag bolt face (257,270,7mm300 and 340) up to the big 378 wby, lapua or Norma bolt face very easily. You will need to change the extractor out as they are different. Also if you plan on going to the bigger wby (378 class) you will need to mill the bolt stop slot in the bolt longer and put the longer mag box in, also very simple. Gotta love weatherbys

pre64win,

Since the case is only about .025" larger it was only about .012 on the radius so he didn't have to fool with it.

Thanks much for the replies! Very helpful for an old Winchester guy who owns just one Weatherby.

And Ringman, I have had family in Grants Pass my whole life. On Timber Ln, off Monument Dr. A wonderful place and I have many great memories there.

Thanks again,

Justin

My current Weatherby Mark V.

.460 Wby


Have owned 4 Weatherby Mark V rifle over the years.

]


The .460, of course, is a great rabbit gun! Nice work leaving that guy mostly intact!

Have the .460 loaded down to where I can handle it. 500 gr Hornady at 2000 fps.

Here it is with factory 500 gr solid ammo.

[img]http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg546/elkhunterinnm/th_IMG_2782.mp4[/img]

I had the bright idea to convert my 30-06 MkV to .416 Rigby.
It wasn't.
Now all I have is the memory of a good shooting Lh 06.

That's a fine sermon there

I think I would rechamber to one of the many cool rounds the bolt face will handle as is.

I'm on Monument. If you get here, give me a note and I will take you for pie and coffee.

Now that's an offer that will be hard to pass up. I will certainly do so! Thanks Ringman.