Rem700 Caliber change .308 to .223

[Curnow26]

Any body ever do this caliber change. IS it posible if bolt and barrel are switched out?
Are the bolt raceways 2 narrow on a .308 to hold the .223 cases in? Is it the same identical action used with both calibers? Any imput is valued.
Thanks

 

[RoyPreston]

Re: Rem700 Caliber change .308 to .223

can be done,actions are the same. You would much farther ahead just to sell it and buy another in the caliber you want.

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Rem700 Caliber change .308 to .223

+1. By the time you purchase a different bolt, have the action trued, etc, you could just about get a Surgeon action for 223 by selling the action you have.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Rem700 Caliber change .308 to .223

Small bolt face actions and standard bolt face short actions ARE NOT the same. Feed rails extend farther forward on the 222/223 actions. I redid a 223 to feed 6x47Lapua and it took some tinkering to get it to feed 98% of the time. Won't do it again and suspect the shorter 223 case will jump from under the rails on a standard bolt face action.

To each his own and maybe my actual experience is different than most percieved comments?

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Rem700 Caliber change .308 to .223

I was thinking there was a difference in the feed rails too.
If you spend $200 on a new bolt and handle, then tie up gun smithing time on fitting and getting it to feed properly, truing, etc. you will have as much in it as a custom action.
I would also suggest trying to trade it for a 473 BF with another member. Or just sell it and buy an Academy special for under $400 and start there.

 

[Curnow26]

Re: Rem700 Caliber change .308 to .223

i had a feeling that the action was different.
You all just saved me quite a bit of time and money.
thanks