Experience Building off Winchester Action

[Glassaholic]

Hello everyone, very first post here but have been lingering around for years reading various posts and articles. A little bit of background - I've been shooting since the 80's, been reloading since '91 and been hunting since '94. I love most everything related to the shooting sports and am trying to get myself and now my kids into this.

I have easy access to a 100 yard range and that's where I've spent most of my time but I have caught the long range bug and have somewhat easy access to federal lands where I can shoot far.

A few years ago I bought a Winchester Coyote Light in 300 WSM specifically for some of those longer range shots on those elk far away.

I would like to convert my Coyote into a semi-tactical long range rifle and have considered a Manners MCS-T5 stock and CDI precision bottom metal that can take AICS and Alpha magazines. I'm also considering a PRI quiet brake to cut down on some of the recoil (though it's not too bad).

So my question is this, Remington 700 pretty much dominates the tactical market and I have found it very difficult to find information and products on Winchester 70's. My hunting experience led me into Winchester in the first place and I actually prefer their action; however, am I barking up the wrong tree here?

I'm looking for advice from those of you who've had experience with a similar situation. How difficult was it to build a rifle using a Winchester 70 action and did you get good results or did you end up getting rid of the Win 70 and going with some other setup?

It seems there are a few fans of the FN SPR out there which uses the same action as on my Coyote, so it sounds like there is some promise.

One last thought, having been a professional photographer for years I know how bad the brand wars can get and that is not something I want to start here, I simply would like honest experience from using the Winchester 70 action on custom builds, thank you.

Bill

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

By the way, I've also been testing a number of different scopes and will hopefully be picking one soon. Thanks to many articles and posts here it really helped me narrow down what to look at. I will try and post my thoughts over in the optics forum when I'm done.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Here's mine:

FN SPR
chambered in 284 Win
CDI bottom metal/Alpha mags
McM A4 stock

Plenty of folks like the pushfeed Win70s, but I wouldn't bother with a winnie unless it was CRF.

They are a fine action that makes for a great custom build, though there is a much heavier aftermarket for the Remington.

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Thank you Turbo54, if you don't mind please share how it shoots both near and far. How "easy" was it to put everything together for you or your 'smith? Thanks again for sharing.

 

[Layton]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I'm trying to find a CF Model 70 action now for a build.

L

 

[turbo54]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Beware you'll have to carve some material out of the "magwell" area of these actions to fit AICS/Alpha magazines.

Like this:

 

[turbo54]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

And something I consider a drawback to building a Win70 or FN is the lack of awesome action screws - because the numbnuts that designed the Winchester 70 spec'd out 1/4"-32 screws.

The only ones available are through Brownells, an they are available in hex only, no Torx. Not only that, but instead of taking a 3/16" allen key, they take 5/32", which is ghey.

 

[Layton]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I'm hoping to put one into as high a grade walnut stock I can afford, deep dark bluing and no dbm. I have in my mind a rifle I've always wanted and that's it.

L

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Thank you Turbo54, I don't see any links in your post? Do I have something turned off? It looks like you're trying to show me something but I don't see it. I have been speaking with Manners, and they are willing to inlet the stock to fit the CDI bottom metal for free

Layton, I remember attending gun shows years ago and those big beautiful walnut stock blanks were all over the place, rarely ever see them anymore. I agree, for beauty, not many things beat a high gloss walnut stock

 

[LRJammer]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I have built 2 custom rifles on Winchester 70s and one on an FN PBR-XP action (same thing.) The only thing the Remington has going for it is parts availabilty. In my opinion, the Winchester/FN actions are superior in every meaningful way.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill3@8</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you Turbo54, I don't see any links in your post? Do I have something turned off? It looks like you're trying to show me something but I don't see it. I have been speaking with Manners, and they are willing to inlet the stock to fit the CDI bottom metal for free

Layton, I remember attending gun shows years ago and those big beautiful walnut stock blanks were all over the place, rarely ever see them anymore. I agree, for beauty, not many things beat a high gloss walnut stock

</div></div>

You're not seeing the pictures I posted? They show up in my browser...

Anyone else seeing (or perhaps NOT seeing) the pictures I posted?

 

[Layton]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I see them. Nice rifle btw!

L

 

[Adam B]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Beware you'll have to carve some material out of the "magwell" area of these actions to fit AICS/Alpha magazines.

Like this:

</div></div>

you can also modify the mag and that way you dont have to mess with the feed ramp/rails, I have some old pics somewhere, I will post them when I find them.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Adam, I assume you grind front 1/3 of the magazine down?

I had considered that, but I didn't want to be beholden to <span style="font-weight: bold">my</span> magazines only. I wanted to be able to use "battelfield pickup" mags with no mods, if that makes sense.

 

[Adam B]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

that is correct, it is more of a notch than grinding the entire mag down. I do agree with you though, I have done it both ways and prefer the feed ramp/rails modification, do it once and forget about it. I did the same thing with my Tikka T3 to accomodate the AI 223 mags.

 

[stephen_allen]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I think the model 70 is a great action to start with and I actually prefer it over the 700's. I just had a my pre-64 worked over with a semi tactical build and it shoots great. The only bad thing about the real pre-64's is that nobody makes a detachable mag system for it. If you have the modern "pre-64" action, then the CDI should work great for you. The integral lug on the winny actions is a nice feature, too. I had my action cut true and a bartlein barrel installed, bedded in a McMillan HTG adjustable. Couldnt be happier! Best of luck.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone else seeing (or perhaps NOT seeing) the pictures I posted? </div></div>

They show up just fine on my end. That's one sweet-looking rifle!

 

[Away2]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I have a PBR that I had trued and a trigger job done to and it shoots great, go for it.

Thinking about getting the CDI Bottom metal for my PBR, assuming it fits. So I will have to modify my recvr? If so, is there a how to? Thx (newb)

 

[buffybuster]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Away2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a PBR that I had trued and a trigger job done to and it shoots great, go for it.

Thinking about getting the CDI Bottom metal for my PBR, assuming it fits. So I will have to modify my recvr? If so, is there a how to? Thx (newb) </div></div>

The CDI bottm metal comes with some instructions on where to mill. And it's pretty obvious where material needs to be taken out, once you put an AICS mag in the receiver.

 

[RyanScott]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I say go for it. The aftermarket doesn't have as many options but it has all the same things. As the last poster in the last page said, the Winchester is better in every meaningful way.

Gunsmiths like Remington because they are easy to work on and the soft steel isn't hard on tooling like a Remington.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

While there are more parts manufacturers for Rem700s and clones, I've found everything I've needed, including stocks, extractors, bolt knobs, triggers, and even a lightweight firing pin and heavy duty spring.

Like I said before, my biggest beef is lack of awesome action screws.

 

[LRJammer]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

B-Square should have hex action screws. I believe that is where I got mine.

 

[SquarePizza]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I have only run M70s, and have been nothing but happy with them. Sometimes that limits my aftermarket choices, but in the end, I am still getting the builds that I want so I am not worried.

If anyone is talking wood stocks, I highly recommend Joel Russo (google his name), he can make most profiles out of any wood that you want.

Here is mine Sporting a McMillan A3 profile that Joel did. I requested plain jane walnut.

I am also running CDI bottom metal, which I had Jeff at CDI do the inletting for, it wasn't too much and I was sure that it was done right.

Good luck, and be sure to show us plenty of pics of the build! =)

 

[turbo54]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LRJammer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">B-Square should have hex action screws. I believe that is where I got mine. </div></div>

They do, but they're 5/32 hex, which sucks. They should have been 3/16, or better yet, Torx. They are also a bit soft.

 

[jeffersonv]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I like your rifle SquarePizza.

Nice mix of retro coolness and new tech. I had to go back to check it out a few times!
Your scope cap config is a little wierd.

I also am of the opinion that the Winchester action is vastly superior to the Remington and that while there are not as many options available to spec to personal preferences, there is still plenty to choose from to make a fine custom rifle.

That being said I will say I am a big fan of rifles that go bang when you pull the trigger, whatever brand they are.

Here's mine.

 

[FAL1123]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you can also modify the mag and that way you dont have to mess with the feed ramp/rails, I have some old pics somewhere, I will post them when I find them. </div></div>

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2365249

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Squarepizza, yes, CDI also told me that they could work on the inletting of the bottom metal and any modification necessary. I've also spoken with Manners and they're doing the inletting for free. With that, I will simply send the gear over to my local gunsmith and allow him to make any necessary adjustments along with the bedding of the action.

Finally got images to show up, it was some settings on my end. Turbo54, that is a pretty setup. Jeffersonv, wow, I'm really liking that, looks like a Badger FTE on the end?

 

[18Echo]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I've got three. A 6.5x47 lapua, a .338-06, and a 375 Chatfield -Taylor sporting Benchmark, Brux, and Pac-Nor barrels respectively. Integrated lug with a flat bottom and CRF, what's not to love!

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Thank you everyone for your comments on your experiences with the Winchester 70 action, that gives me confidence moving forward so I'm going to stick with what I've got for now.

One other thought, picatinny rail, I see pros and cons for aluminum and steel and am in a conundrum. I don't mind paying the price for steel, but only if it's really going to make a big difference. Also read somewhere that aluminum can be a bit tricky when things heat up and can cause misalignment of the scope, anyone experienced this?

Thanks again everyone.

Bill

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Jeffersonv, what brand of stock pack is that? I'm looking at a triad but that looks a little different, thanks.

 

[Layton]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

BTW, my father has the same exact rifle in 300WSM. He loves it and it is a tack driver with hand loads.

L

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 18Echo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got three. A 6.5x47 lapua, a .338-06, and a 375 Chatfield -Taylor sporting Benchmark, Brux, and Pac-Nor barrels respectively. Integrated lug with a flat bottom and CRF, what's not to love!</div></div>

Echo, that's awesome, I have been looking seriously at Pac-Nor, please share your experience with them and how the barrel shoots, thanks.

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Layton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BTW, my father has the same exact rifle in 300WSM. He loves it and it is a tack driver with hand loads.

L</div></div>

Do you mean the Coyote Light?

 

[Layton]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Actually no. Sorry, it's the Coyote that has a laminate stock and is blued. I personally don't like the looks of it but he does so that's what counts. I bedded it and put a Timney in and brake on for him. Shoot like a dream.

L

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Gotcha. I was just going to work with the stock trigger and see what I could do. Mark Chanlynn worked on the trigger for my Win SS BOSS in 308 years ago and got it to break so smooth at 3.5 lbs so I know it's possible. My trigger on my Coyote Light is their adjustable MOA trigger so I thought its worth a try

 

[Layton]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I'm curious to see how that goes so let me know if you don't mind.

 

[18Echo]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bill3@8</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 18Echo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got three. A 6.5x47 lapua, a .338-06, and a 375 Chatfield -Taylor sporting Benchmark, Brux, and Pac-Nor barrels respectively. Integrated lug with a flat bottom and CRF, what's not to love!</div></div>

Echo, that's awesome, I have been looking seriously at Pac-Nor, please share your experience with them and how the barrel shoots, thanks. </div></div>

I went with Pac-Nor for the .375 Taylor because they had the reamer in stock, they actually trued and chambered the action for me. It's my understanding that a local shop does this service for them. I haven't shot it yet as I'm waiting on my Mickey HTG. That being said there are quite a few guys that have had P/N do this for them over on 24hourcampfire and I never heard a bad review of it. Very reasonably priced and a quick turn around, I think mine took 6-8 weeks to include making the barrel.

 

[Action Guy]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

For bottom metal on the M-70 SA, take a look at the FNM TBM Conversion kit. Does not require modification to the receiver. All steel assembly, 5 and 10 round mags. Feeds .308 based cartridges like a dream.

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Thank you Benjamin. Unfortunately for me my DBM is for 300WSM and it looks like your kit is only for 308. However, once I complete this project I may pursue something with my 308 so this is great information.

Bill

 

[SquarePizza]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your scope cap config is a little wierd.</div></div>

Yeah, that photo was a throw everything together for a photo, when I finally got all the parts together. That was my first glass after shooting irons since I was 10. Now she has an SWFA 6x mounted which makes it look more bulky and less general purpose rifle.

 

[jeffersonv]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Bill3@8.
That's a Triad Large stock pack if I recall correctly. I think it's a nice piece of kit. I have some velcro strips stuffed in it to get my cheek weld where I need it.
The break is a Badger FTE. Rifle is a 6.5 Creedmoor.

No reason not to go with a Winny. I think you will like your build.

 

[Glassaholic]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

Thank you jeffersonv. I was looking at the Triad stock packs but had not looked at the large thinking it might be too big, but on your rifle it looks just fine. I did speak with Steve Sheldon at Triad tactical and he told me the loops for the shells will not fit WSM because they are very snug with 308; however, he said he hopes to solve that problem by early 2013 so I will wait.

6.5 Creedmoor, very nice, that may be my next build, but I really want to work on my 300 WSM first. Thanks again for the recommendations.

Bill

 

[jcann]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I have a GAP built 7wsm on a M70 CRF action in a Manners T3 stock with a 26" #7 Bartlein barrel and Titan break and like others I prefer it to a Rem action. It's my main deer/antelope hunting rifle. I wasn't concerned with DBM because its a hunting rig not a tactical rig. There's enough after market parts (how be it limited) to make your Winny competive at matches if thats what you want to do. As far as accuracy, I've only taken it out to 750yds so far and on paper my best 4 shot group printed 2.98" center to center with 65.8gr H1000 and Berger 180gr hunting VLD's

 

[blksno]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

I'm in the process of building a 7mm Rem Mag on a M70 CRF LA and a 7mmSAUM on a M70 Push Feed LA. The former will be in a T5A and the latter is undecided. MIGHT get dropped into an XLR chassis.

 

[jakelly]

Re: Experience Building off Winchester Action

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SquarePizza</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If anyone is talking wood stocks, I highly recommend Joel Russo (google his name), he can make most profiles out of any wood that you want.

Here is mine Sporting a McMillan A3 profile that Joel did. I requested plain jane walnut.</div></div>

I like that, ka lass ik.