Switch Barrel .300 Win. Mag / 6.5x47 Lapua

.300winmag · Aug 21, 2012

Well, I finally decided to do it. I have been wanting a 6.5 something for a while now and I decided to order 29" 1-8" twist 6.5 Hart Barrel that is going to be chambered in 6.5x47 Lapua. I wanted a cheaper option to use for long range practice/competition/deer and antelope; and after a lot of research and mental abuse I decided on a 6.5x47 Lapua. I have a spare long action Rem. 700 bolt with a standard bolt face that I plan on using in my .300 Win. Mag. platform. The plan is to have a switch barrel/bolt rifle that switches from .300 Win. Mag to 6.5x47 Lapua. It'll have the same contour barrel and be the close to the same overall length and weight of my .300. It isn't going to have a brake and by doing this I have the same stock, scope, cheek weld and trigger. It is cheaper than building an identical rifle to my already existing .300 (even when you factor in dies, barrel vise/wrench, brass and bullets), it's a lot cheaper to shoot, has longer barrel life, has great exterior ballistics with a 140 Berger (especially in a long barrel) and it is going to be one fun rifle to shoot for sure! I'm excited to get the ball rolling on it. I need to call my smith and order the barrel, and then I'll have to wait for it to come in and get chambered and installed but once it's all said and done it should be a great new toy to play with! Needless to say I'm very excited about it!

SJB358 · Aug 21, 2012

300WM, that sounds like an awesome plan. The 6.5L has been really taking off around here. I have even thought of a Model 70 Featherweight or similar for a lightweight rifle for my daughter.

Your plan of a switch barrel is very cool and man, it has to be alot more fun than banging away during long sessions! Very cool set up.

nvbroncrider · Aug 21, 2012

Pac-Nor has a quick system for that called the Rem-Nut. Similar to the nut on a Savage action. I was looking into that when I did my 280AI. Looked good and concept was sound as the nut sets your headspace for the barrel.

usmc 89 · Aug 21, 2012

you may have feeding issues between the two? I am thinking the 47 is going to want to jump out of the magazine a little early? And nearly impossible in a bdl set up. are you running a single shot?That set up is begging 6.5-284 the 300 win AI magazine would be perfect for both. either way I hope it works out for you.

.300winmag · Aug 22, 2012

Ordered the barrel today, so in four or five months I'll have it to play with.

Bronco,

I looked into the Rem-Nut and it looks like a good concept! I'd thought about something similar to that when scheming about this project but after talking to my smith and seeing the success BR guys have with switch barrels I just decided to invest in a vise and wrench, plus they're tools for life! Thanks for showing me that though! I didn't know Pac-Nor made it.

USMC89,

I do have a BDL and was concerned with feeding as well, I'm not sure if it's going to feed but if it doesn't I'm not too concerned with it; I'll shoot it as a single shot. THe 6.5-284 was tempting but it just wears a barrel out too fast, I wanted wanted a cartridge that wouldn't wear out a barrel excessively fast. I think a 6.5-284 would be a top sheep and antelope caliber though!

nvbroncrider · Aug 22, 2012

The big advantage with that is once your smith is done setting the head space you shouldn't need a set of go no-go gauges for each caliber. You should be able to just swap them. The nut holds your headspace. When I visited Pac-Nor I had a lengthly discussion with them on that. Along with various other topics. Very knowledgeable group up there and a cool shop.

usmc 89 · Aug 22, 2012

300 Pm me I will give you my number would like to talk to you about your build.

rick smith · Aug 23, 2012

You will need a mag bolt face for the 300WM. Don't know about the 6.5x47, never had one. The standard bolt face you have will not work with the mag case.Rick.

.300winmag · Aug 23, 2012

rick smith":22qtbpnk said:
You will need a mag bolt face for the 300WM. Don't know about the 6.5x47, never had one. The standard bolt face you have will not work with the mag case.Rick.

I've got a magnum bolt for the rifle as it was originally a .300 Win Mag, I've had an extra LA standard bolt face laying in my safe and that will be used for the 6.5x47 Lapua