Barrel/caliber change on 69 30-06 Winchester model 70

slick Nick

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Apr 2, 2024
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So I've come into an old but very clean model 70 and am considering a rebuild, any suggestions. I do more long range target than hunting so just some thoughts please.
 
I have been a fan of 7 mm but also as I'm just kicking it around I am way open to suggestions. I do reload A LOT however I would prefer to stay with a brass that's readily available.
I planned on keeping the bolt head yes.
 
I have been a fan of 7 mm but also as I'm just kicking it around I am way open to suggestions. I do reload A LOT however I would prefer to stay with a brass that's readily available.
I planned on keeping the bolt head yes.
For .28 caliber, my recommendation is .280 AI 26" or longer barrel with the right twist for the bullet you are going to use. If you venture to a wildcat, I would take advantage of the 6.5 RPM case capacity or as-is. Peterson will be the brass soon.

.25 caliber: .25-06AI
.26 caliber: 6.5 RPM
.27 caliber: 270 AI
.28 caliber: .280 AI
.30 caliber: 30 GIbbs
 
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For that action and bolt face. FOR ME, it would be either a 6.5 or 25 x 284 and use the 153 Berger or 131 Sierrra with a twist fast enough to run them.
I've got a 6.5 Sweed Improoved (6.5 Addiction) as well as a 6x284 and after having used both...when the time comes, I'll be rebarreling to a 25x284 about 20" long
 
I am looking at the 6.5 06/ 280 AI so far the folks I've been chatting with seem to think 6.5 is the better option. Having never used the 6.5-06 before but having shot a very boring (read small group consistency) 6.5 CM I like this caliber as well. So now comes the note taking and comparisons, I have found several threads on here extolling both as being great shooters when the nut does his job I will look at powders and loads as well as efficiency to try and make a decision. As we all know "I think " are scary words.
Thanks for the input and I am still taking arguments ether way guys.
 
Well, for fun, the .240 Weatherby Mag, is a hoot to shoot, my second pick would be the 6mm-06 both rifle twist setup for the longer heavier bullets. The .240 WM is a box store item that is pretty easy to find, the 6mm-06 is all hand-loading. Have fun... Cheers
 
Totally forgot about the 6.5-06. Duhhh!! Tossed the idea around a time or two after playing with the .25-06 and .338-06, but never got around to it…….or at least not yet. 😉
Brother, if you want more OOMPH, go with 6.5 RPM (81.5-82.5 g H2O) vs -06. (68-70g H2O). The .280 AI had ~74g H2O ; 6.5-.280 AI would be a close 2nd. If didn't already have a 6.5 CM, 6.5x55, and .264 WM, I would build me 6.5 RPM or another wildcat. I do have a R700 LA .473" that I can use for a donor build.😂
 
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