Pre-64 model 70 ideas wanted ...

Bobcape · #1 10-28-2009, 10:01 PM

I have a pre-64 model 70 that was once a .270 Win (I think; anyway it's standard length and bolt face) that I am just not shooting at all right now. I'm thinking about tearing it down and building something fun for semi-long range, out to maybe 1,000 yards for fun. I'll plan on using it for antelope and deer out to 750 or 800 yards and if I ever get drawn again probably no more than 600 yards for elk. I don't want it to be too heavy and I'm not a fan of recoil if I can help it. I want to avoid a muzzle brake if possible. The first cartridge I thought about was the .280 AI since it uses a standard bolt face and should feed well out of this smooth old action. I'm not looking to go larger than .30 caliber. I'm drawn more to an efficient cartridge than to one that is squeezing out the last foot per second at the cost of barrel life. I have several wildcats and am not put off by case forming or prep work.

I'd appreciate suggestions on cartridge recommendations, barrel makers and smiths. Thanks for you help!

Bob

wadedc · #2 10-28-2009, 11:39 PM

One other caliber that might work well is a .284 win. Have a look at the one in the article.

.284 Win Tactical Hunter

Wade

Bobcape · #3 10-29-2009, 12:58 AM

Hmmmm ... I hadn't thought about chambering it for a normally short action cartridge. It does give some more options to the .284. Thanks.

Bob

wadedc · #4 10-29-2009, 09:20 AM

More room for longer bullets with higher bc.

Wade

the444shooter · #5 10-29-2009, 05:52 PM

If it's truly a Pre-64 Winchester, and assuming it's in original condition, sell it to somebody that appreciates Winchesters and use the money to get something else. Pre-64s command a premium, and you can get a better base model rifle to build on.

Just my .02

Bobcape · #6 10-29-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the444shooter

If it's truly a Pre-64 Winchester, and assuming it's in original condition, sell it to somebody that appreciates Winchesters and use the money to get something else. Pre-64s command a premium, and you can get a better base model rifle to build on.

Just my .02

Yes it is a Winchester pre-64 Model 70. It is not in original condition. It has been bead blasted and blued and it is currently wearing a 6.5/240WBY improved barrel. I bought it in the 70's as a cracked stock, rusted .270 and I made it into a 7X57 I believe. Then about 1985 or '86 I wanted to try this odd ball wildcat and chambered it for that. I just lost interest in it and haven't shot it in 8 to 10 years. I like the action and want to build it into something that I will use. The action has been trued and the threads straightened. Anyway, I'm open to ideas.

I guess I would trade it for a Surgeon action if you offered $100 to boot.

Bob

DougH9 · #7 10-29-2009, 08:33 PM

You might want to see how it feeds improved cases. I ran some improved cases in a pre-64 just to see how they fed, and I remember them not feeding so well (although I did not have bullets seated).

I would go with a 270 Hawk, because it would be easy to make with 280 brass.