Pre 64 Model 70 in 300 H and H

I am about to receive my first Pre 64 Model 70, Mfg in 1949, and chambered in 300 H and H . Can any one tell me if Winchester would have added any Free bore to the barrel during that time period?? I am considering starting with light target loads to fire form cases to the old chamber, using 165 Horn SST and 4350 powder. Any thoughts on that ? Thank You all for any advice and suggestions.

Nice rifles.

Mine was 1937. No free bore, I can't recall having issues reaching lands.

Mostly I used heavier bullets, and H-4831

Thank You!!! I do have both powders handy !!!

I'll be curious to hear how it all works out for you. Let me know how the barrel is stamped, I've been wondering when H&H was added.

My father had a 1948 300H&H Model 70, it had normal throating and was very accurate (for the time) with Winchester 180g Power Point ammo.
Only thing, we necked sized only back then with a Lee hand sizer, looked like a priming tool of today, and the cases were difficult to chamber on the third neck sizing. It needed trimming every shot too.
He sold that in 1978, I was 8 and very disappointed, as he sold all of his rifles except a single shot 22 at that time.
Enjoy your new rifle, congrats.

Cheers.

Thank You Both. This has become an amazing year for me. A new Weatherby Accumark in 7PRC with a NF 15X to 55X Comp scope. and now a 1949 Winchester Model 70 in 300 H and H with a Lyman 2.5X Alaskan Scope!!! Very High Tech to very low Tech!!! Both are special to me. I want to change the scope on the M 70 , I still have Leupold scopes on inch tubes. and also have it professionally Bedded. Then as I did on my 98 Mauser, get the bolt and extractor claw and the follower Polished and Jeweled. Then, a deer hunt just to take it afield, for the sheer pleasure of it. I have a set of RCBS dies now and I finally found New Unprimed , Hornady 300 H and H Brass tonight on Costal. I thank you both for your advice!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you both!! Lenny