New build. New bolt or factory bolt.

[robdaniels]

I have a Remington 7oo 270 WSM I am building. So far I have the Bell & Carson Alaskan II stock and have ordered a Broughton 5C barrel, fluted, to be finished at 24"

I want to make this a light rifle. I am getting too old to pack a heavy rifle around the woods anymore.

I know now is the time to put in a new bolt also, so my question is how much difference will a bolt with new firing pin assembly make to the build compared to using the factory bolt?

If a new bolt would be better what is the opinion of PTG bolts and which extractor should be used.

Funds are limited, but I want to make this a great shooting rifle I can keep for a long time.

Thanks all.

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

I would think the money is better spent some place else, but that's just my opinion. I cant offer any technical insight. Wish I could and I look forward to hearing the answers you get.

I have a Remington 7oo 270 WSM I am building. So far I have the Bell & Carson Alaskan II stock and have ordered a Broughton 5C barrel, fluted, to be finished at 24"

I want to make this a light rifle. I am getting too old to pack a heavy rifle around the woods anymore.

I know now is the time to put in a new bolt also, so my question is how much difference will a bolt with new firing pin assembly make to the build compared to using the factory bolt?

If a new bolt would be better what is the opinion of PTG bolts and which extractor should be used.

Funds are limited, but I want to make this a great shooting rifle I can keep for a long time.

Thanks all.

 

[robdaniels]

Thanks, I understand. Hopefully somebody with a bit more gunsmithing custom builds will share thier input.

I forgot to mention I also put in a Wyatt's extend center feed mag. box. It didn't want to feed real smooth and this fixed it up nice. With the added bonus of I can now load VLD bullets.

 

[specweldtom]

Rob, what bolt face does the rifle have now? If it's a std belted magnum .535" face, the .270 WSM will work with it. If it's a .473" (.30-06, .308 etc,) it can be opened up and have a Sako or M-16 extractor installed. A gunsmith should do the job for less than a new bolt will cost. Remington will not sell you a bolt, so PT&G is your best choice if you decide you want a new bolt. I have installed 3 PT&G bolts over the last few yrs, and was impressed by their quality.

You have to have a RUM box and follower, or the Wyatts, to make them feed. The factory RUM boxes have a weird elongated teardrop-shaped cut-out in both sides. Don't remember what the follower looks like, but you have to have both to make them feed. The Wyatt's centerfeed box and follower are good, but a little pricey. I think the extended box only holds 2 rounds, unlike the factory staggered box.

Even so, I still prefer the centerfeed setup.

Hope this helps, Tom

 

[robdaniels]

The gun is already now a 270 WSM. I am rebarreling with a new barrel. Just wondering if a new bolt would make a big difference compared to the factory bolt that is in it now.

Or just add a new firing pin assembly and have my gunsmith lapp the lugs and square the bolt face. I have already added the Watt's extended center feed mag box and it works great.

Thanks

 

[specweldtom]

He'll need to square the receiver face also. Squaring the bolt face can't hurt if it's done right. I don't normally do it unless I'm opening the face and installing a M-16 extractor. Absolutely lap the lugs. Remington 700's regularly have light or no contact on the bottom locking lug. If the recoil lug mikes flat, I use it. Otherwise I'll put in a .200" thick lug. Brownell's has them, but I don't remember who makes them. I don't like the .250" or thicker lugs. They make the tenon (reduced diameter) longer.

The Remington trigger can be adjusted to a nice crisp break, but nothing I've used is cleaner than a Jewell. If you've got a spare $230 or so, it's a good investment.

I know some guys like to install an aftermarket firing pin assembly, but the Remington pin assy works fine for me.

One last bit of advice. Choose a 'smith that has a lot of references, has a lot of tackdrivers to his credit, doesn't ask for the full build price in advance, and delivers when or before he promises. That'll come up in his references. A deposit is normal, but should be about 1/2 the build price unless he furnishes everything.

Good luck with your project. The .270 WSM is a fine cartridge.

Tom

 

[specweldtom]

Screwed up on edit. It posted twice.

 

[robdaniels]

Thank you Tom. That is some fine advice.
I'll post once again when it is complete.