Gunsmithing Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

[fastline]

I have a 700 in Rem .222 that is no good to me. Looking to make this the host for a big bore whisper build. Looking to run heavy grain, sub sonic, 500 S&W. Was looking at the .50AE but not as available but will still consider it if there are brass issues.

I would prefer some type of clip feed on this so might be looking at a bottom metal conversion or, if not too much an issue, rework the existing. I have a CNC machine shop so mods are doable.

I am looking for thoughts and references for the barrel. I might look to rework the bolt myself. I may also consider chambering the barrel. Not yet how how far I want to go into the work on this myself. I remember barrel blanks being out there so I might consider getting a rifled blank and doing the rest. I know precision but I am not really a gunsmith. However, after watching how some "gunsmiths" crown a barrel, I think I can "take it from there"...lol

 

[BK7saum]

Re: Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

Do you have an estimated COL for the loaded round. Just want to make sure you don't run into restrictions on length.

Any particular reason your not going with a wsm case and mag bolt face?

Just curious.

 

[fastline]

Re: Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

Nothing on this build is really set in stone. Nothing bought and nothing modded yet. I was going to look up the specs on the 700gr slug casts that are available. I would estimate that to be the heaviest I would shoot.

I am open to other configurations but will try to stay with the 700 since I already have it. I would consider just getting another bolt if cheap enough but may still just rework my existing. Trying to weight time and money on this. The ejector pin location may be an issue. Need to decide on a case and run with it.

I think the toughest part here is finding a barrel solution.

 

[KYS]

Re: Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

If you want the ultimate in pound for pound subsonic performance that is affordable and can do some serious damage.... go with the 338 Federal in subsonic configuration. It will be a solid 1 moa rifle and there are tons of bullet options.

With the 500S&W you are really limited yourself and going to have to do a form 1 can or find a 50cal rated suppressor. IMHO the 500S&W does not suppress well.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

The issue I would think is feeding. The 500 is a rimmed cartridge, how would you get it to feed when they are stacked on top of one another? Rimlock?

Suppressing a 500 isn't a problem. I have heard several H&R, and Thompson Encores in 500S&W suppressed and they are super quiet.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

It would seem that a cartridge such as the .458 SOCOM, .450 Bushmaster, or .50 Beowulf might be better-suited to this conversion - I think you'd get "adequate" ballistic performance, the cartridge bases are compatible with standard bolt faces, and there's even a chance they'd feed from a magazine (although I'd think that capacity might be a bit limited).

Sounds like a fun project - keep us informed as to how it goes.

 

[cruizer]

Re: Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

on ARF.com there is a bolt action in 458 socom for sale

 

[DMann]

Re: Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

If you aren't married to a big bore cartridge, since you already have a .222 bolt face, why not a simple rebarrel to 300 AAC Blackout? AAC sells aftermarket short-chambered barrels for the 700. Use bottom metal that will take AI (5.56) mags and you are good to go.

 

[fastline]

Re: Rem 700. Major conversion to .500 S&W

I had considered both the Beowulf brass and reworking the S&W 500 brass. I was possibly going to write a quick program to turn down the rim of the 500 brass which may solve a couple problems. 1, allow feeding in a mag without hang up. 2, allow me to customize the rim diameter to fit a standard bolt face if I want to just buy another bolt.

I am not yet sure how a straight case performs in a rifle though. Is obviously working in other guns but seems like it would drag a bit. I would prefer some taper there.

I would prefer to stay with my target big bore for no other reason than bragging rights and a very direct bullet to the target. Wind will not be as large a factor. There is also a level of uniqueness here.

Where does a guy go for a barrel?