Gunsmithing How difficult would this be?

[freedomfighter]

When the time comes to replace the barrel on my Rem. 700, I am considering changing calibers. Currently the rifle is .308 Win. If I were to change, I would like to go to 7mm WSM. Are there any potential pitfalls in going from .308 to 7mm WSM? Is changing calibers just a matter of changing barrels or is there more to it? I know that some different calibers require different bolt faces but what about .308 to 7mm WSM? Is that one that would just require rebarreling or would there be headaches? Well, headaches for the smith anyway

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: How difficult would this be?

Bolt face is certainly bigger on the 7wsm.

 

[freedomfighter]

Re: How difficult would this be?

So would that mean that I would need a whole new bolt? Are there any other issues or, I guess, does changing calibers from a non-magnum caliber such as .308 to a magnum like 7mm WSM present a host of problems or is it a pretty common thing that gunsmiths do?

 

[gamma]

Re: How difficult would this be?

No problem to an experienced Smith.

 

[19Scout77]

Re: How difficult would this be?

You can buy a new bolt or open up the current one and add a different extractor

 

[mcfred]

Re: How difficult would this be?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: freedomfighter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When the time comes to replace the barrel on my Rem. 700...</div></div>

That could take quite a while with 308; probably better to get another rifle