Gunsmithing New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

[Roguestryker]

I am getting ready to put a new barrel on my .308 Rem 700. I have been talking to a local gunsmith about what headspace to use, so my question is this.

In your experience if you had the choice, would you machine the barrel to the spec, or change it to fit current ammo specs?

 

[toygunner]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

I would go .001 to .0015 over a go-gauge and .002 would be max.

 

[STR]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

All go/no-go guages are not perfectly equal. The difference between a go and no go from the same manufacturer is about .002. So if you go .002 deeper than the go guage, you might be to deep. Brass is also not all created perfectly equal. You can head space with one particular go guage to where the bolt will just close with 0 head space, and find that a particular brand of ammo does not fit properly (ammo is to tight). Tight chambers might not be the best in a tactical rifle for reliability reasons, but if you are after the most accuracy you can get, then it is the way to go. The bolt should close on the ammo you intend to use with minimal down force. There are others on here that might disagree, and I respect their opinion, especially when they build rifles on a regular basis with great results. My opinion is based on my personal results from each and every rifle I build. Wish you the best on your project.

 

[NYresq]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

All chamber specs are not equal. Depending on what load you intend to shoot, there are several different specs that are available. I have one of my .308 rifles chambered specificaly to 168gr FGMM. I have another chambered to a 150gr hunting load I use. But you can go with a general sammi spec chamber that will be able to accomidate everything within reason. The only negative is it may not be as accurate as a chamber cut specificaly to a load like the FGMM. Tell your smith what you plan to shoot and let them (if they know their trade) figure out which reamer to use. Or ask some of the reputable smiths here on the hide. Some of them will list several different reamers to use depending on your normal loading.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Intel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am getting ready to put a new barrel on my .308 Rem 700. I have been talking to a local gunsmith about what headspace to use, so my question is this.

In your experience if you had the choice, would you machine the barrel to the spec, or change it to fit current ammo specs? </div></div>

I'd chamber it where you could just barely feel the gauge when you closed the bolt. That’s about .0015” over the go while the barrel is still in the lathe. When you tighten it all up it’s GTG.

 

[x ring accuracy]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

Roscoe,
Only difference between us is I tighten mine while still in the lathe for a trial run. That and cajun cookin' LOL.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: keydiverfla</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Roscoe,
Only difference between us is I tighten mine while still in the lathe for a trial run. That and cajun cookin' LOL. </div></div>

I torque to 100 Ft.Lbs once complete. I'm scared I'd spin the barrel in the lathe/chuck and loose my set up if I tightened that much. I do tighten hand tight though.

Dat cajun food is good no?

 

[STR]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

What Mr. William Roscoe said. You won't go wrong.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

I believe that if you deviate from SAAMI spec, you have just created a bastard child. The SAAMI spec exists because there is advantage to having and adhering to standards.

Greg

 

[Togeneral99]

Re: New Rem 700 barrel machining question.

all make very good points
Id talk with the gunsmith but also communicate with others here and have a general consensus of what sounds "right" and just make sure your smith is on the same page