Rem 700 questions....

muleman · Nov 13, 2011

I have never owned a 700 but I'm getting real close to doing my first custom and realize I need more knowledge! I'm going with a Rem build due to the amount of after market product availible. I've owned Wins, Rugers and Kimbers mostly. Here are my questions -please help where you can.

1. How many different size actions does Remington produce and which cartridge families do they work with? (all I ever see are S/A and L/A designations)
2. More specifically - Is a .223 rem action the same size as .308 win action? (excluding bolt head)
3. Are RUM actions X/L?
4. Can I chamber a WSM in a Rem. short action? ( I see Big Green is is now chambering them)
5. Can I mill out a bolt from .532 to .550 or do I have to buy a new WSM Rem. action?

Thanks,
Scott

IdahoCTD · Nov 13, 2011

muleman":29px0tfn said:
I have never owned a 700 but I'm getting real close to doing my first custom and realize I need more knowledge! I'm going with a Rem build do to the amount of after market product availible. I've owned Wins, Rugers and Kimbers mostly. Here are my questions -please help where you can.

1. How many different size actions does Remington produce and which cartridge families do they work with? (all I ever see are S/A and L/A designations)
2. More specifically - Is a .223 rem action the same size as .308 win action? (excluding bolt head)
3. Are RUM actions X/L?
4. Can I chamber a WSM in a Rem. short action? ( I see Big Green is is now chambering them)
5. Can I mill out a bolt from .532 to .550 or do I have to buy a new WSM Rem. action?

Thanks,
Scott

1) In the 700 series there are only 2 action sizes. A short action and a long action. The XP100's and Model 7's are shorter than the short action 700.
2) Yes
3) The RUM actions are the same with the exception of the magazine box and follower.
4) Yes you can but the mag length with limit bullet seating. You can use a Wyatt extended mag box to help a bit. They are .110" longer.
5) The head size of a magnum action works from .257 Weatherby to .470 Capstick and that includes all the WSM's, SAUM's, RUM's, and .375 Ruger based cases. It wont work for the Dakota based cases without work. All the new beltless cases (SAUM, WSM, Ruger, RUM) have a rebated head to work in a standard magnum bolt face. So the bolt face is .532 but the base of the case is .550.

muleman · Nov 13, 2011

Thanks Idaho,
Been shooting bow and arrow for 25 years and I'm way behind the learning curve. Just didn't want to make a mistake on buying the parts for the coming build(s).
Scott

IdahoCTD · Nov 13, 2011

What are you looking to build?

BK · Nov 13, 2011

Magazine feed rails would be a concern for me if going from a .223 to .308, or .308 to short-fat (or the other way as well).

muleman · Nov 13, 2011

IdahoCTD,
The first one is a 280AI, 26" tube from Pac-Nor. Want to go for a long range deer and antelope gun. I have most all the parts sitting here on my bench. I have a really nice .270 donor(Dad's old gun- maybe 100 rounds through it in 25 years) looking to be "made over". So far the list of parts being added looks like this:
1. 26" Pac-Nor stainless, sendero contour with heavy fluting, 3 groove with a 1 in 9 twist
2. Williams bottom metal in stainless with new stainless Hex head action screws.
3. Holland's .25" beveled recoil lug.
4. The bolt will have a new Gentry 3 position shroud - think Winchester safety.
5. Firing pin will be an oversized Holland pin with new spring.
6. The trigger is single set trigger by Kepplinger - 5lbs w/o set , 6oz with. I may change my mind on this and go to 1.5-3lb Jewell.
7. B&C medalist in the old M40 style - I'm thinking freedom tan or green.
8. If the rifle is a shooter I'll Cerrokote to match stock.

My questions are more for an idea growing in my brain. I have a lead on some rifle parts that may lead to a WSM build.

muleman · Nov 13, 2011

BK":3m84yr15 said:
Magazine feed rails would be a concern for me if going from a .223 to .308, or .308 to short-fat (or the other way as well).

Thanks BK - I'm with you on that. I don't think it's a good idea to change cartridge families within an action. I was just wondering about trying to use an old 350 rem mag gun as a donor for a WSM project.
Scott

IdahoCTD · Nov 13, 2011

I'd have a hard time tearing a 350RM apart to build a WSM as most are worth more then a normal short action can be had for. Not only that if it's a model 600 or 660 it's the same length as the Model 7 which is shorter than the 700SA. I'm not sure about the model 673 for length. You might also have to tweek the feed rails to get the WSM to feed properly in the 350RM action. For sure you'll have to change the follower and mag box for the fatter case.

BTW I would do the Jewell trigger. Set it for 1-2lbs and you'll be good to go.