Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

[earthquake]

Yep, this is yet another "should I switch to a 6.5mm caliber" topic. Well, maybe a bit different? I hope.

Anyway, I was thinking of doing a switch-barrel job on my .308 heavy gun with either a .260 or 6.5CM. However, I'd have to buy the wrench and vise etc., have my smith pin my lug and whatever else. I got to thinking though, how often would I go through the hassle of switching calibers back and forth? Would it even be worth the hassle?

I only own one precision rifle, and probably only ever will. (<span style="font-style: italic">Too many kids and other hobbies</span>) BUT! I just realized that I have a Rem-700 VSS chambered in .22-250 that is in need of a new barrel....sooo, I thought, couldn't I just rebarrel that one in .260 or 6.5CM?

At first glance and check, the bolt is identical to my .308 and wa-la, my .308 brass fit the face of the .22-250 bolt and the bolts are swappable in each rifle.

I'm thinking this might be a better idea than a switch-barrel scenario. I'm thinking I'd rather have two rifles than one with two calibers.

<span style="text-decoration: underline">If I'm missing something in this logic, please let me know. Or what the benefit/draw-back of doing it this way would be...if any.
</span>
I'm far from a gun-smith, which is why it took me so long to figure this .22-250 ---> .260 approach to my desire for a 6.5mm cartridge.

 

[wvlapua]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

Re-barrel the 22-250 to 260.

 

[ssatt68]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

Switch it to 243 win 7.7 twist

 

[nfoley]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

I have heard of guys getting a barrel nut for remington 700s similar to a savage which makes switching barrels pretty easy. All you need is an action wrench, barrel nut wrench and headspace gauges and the switch is easy. I have a savage I switch from 308 to 6.5 CM and I love it.

 

[rusty815]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

Get a Rem-age kit, its a barrel nut for Remington rifles, I don't know for sure but I think it allows you to use Savage prefit barrels, so you can switch between barrels easily.

 

[wvlapua]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

Mcree precision was doing switch barrel conversion kits for rem700. You could chose between I think kreiger and pac- nor barrels. My Smith did one in 260/308.

 

["HeysKSFirefighter]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

Jim Briggs @ Northland Shooters Supply sells Rem-Age kits that use Criterion barrels and a Savage-style barrel nut.

 

[Lofty]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

I have a Badger action that I built as a switch barrel.

After doing it a few times, I realize its not worth the hassle...at least to me.

If I had a gun that was built for it, like a DTA, thats one thing.

One mistake in the barrel vice and youve either ruined the finish or actually marred the surface.

 

[Frank Green]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

Why use a barrel nut at all? I don't. I set my Savages up like a Rem. etc....

My Badger M2008 has a .308 barrel and a .260 barrel.

Once the headspace is set you just take the barrel off and put the other one on. No need to be messing with the nut.

As I see it you still need a receiver wrench and a barrel vise.

Also by getting rid of the nut you can run a heavier contour on the breech end of the barrel if you want.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

 

[earthquake]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

Thanks for all the advice! I think I'm going to rebarrel the .22-250....Frank, I need to buy one of your barrels! Love my .308 Bartlein!

 

[earthquake]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

Here's the .22-250 I'm going to rebarrel. I'll be selling the stock, scope/rings and barrel real soon.

I'm going to go with an AICS 2.0 in FDE, a Brux or Bartlein in 6.5mm with an SAS TOMB brake. I'll put a Seekins base and rings on it and not sure what scope. Still undecided between .260 Rem or 6.5CM...depends on ammo prices since I don't reload. Leaning towards the Creedmore.

 

[Shredder58]

Re: Switch-barrel or Re-barrel?

The Rem-Age barrel set up has some up some interesting advantages that are worthy of a second look in my opinion. Also, I'm going to bust one myth about Rem-Age barrels.

1. No need to send your action to a gunsmith, he can machine the barrel to fit your action and when you install it you set the headspace and lock in place with the barrel nut (just like a Savage).
2. Contrary to some misinformation, a Remington action does NOT have the same threads as a Savage action, therefore you CANNOT use a barrel that is machined for a Savage action on a Remington.
3. You can change calibers (as long as new caliber fits the bolt and action length), as well as barrels, at your convenience without the services of a smith.
4. So what you get is the ability to use a nice smooth Rem 700 action (or custom clone), with the ability to easily change barrels, and calibers, by yourself.

After reviewing the above, I cannot see why some folks question that there are any advantages to using Rem-Age barrels. It's a hybrid Remington-Savage (Rem-Age) design that gives you the best of both worlds in my humble opinion. The only valid strike against the Rem-Age system that I can see is if you just don't like the looks of a Savage type barrel nut. Suggest you talk with your selected gunsmith about the pro's and con's of a Rem-Age system before you decide how to have your barrel machined. Also, don't let anyone tell you that accuracy will suffer if you use a Rem-Age barrel, just talk with some Savage users who are getting precision accuracy with their barrels.

I respect the comments made by Frank in his post above above, but believe his opinions may be skewed by the fact that he has gunsmithing services at his beck and call and can easily change barrels without sending his actions off to someone else

. So his situation is unique and from his perspective he can easily scoff at the idea of having a barrel nut installed. Having said that, he does have a valid point about having to machine some meat off the barrel contour in front of the shank in order to add the additional threaded area for the barrel nut, but myself I don't see this as any real disadvantage.

If anyone has any additional comments, pro's or con's, to add about the Rem-Age system, feel free to chime in and add to the base of knowledge.

Best of luck with whatever course of action you choose...