Advice for first custom build m70

[GoosePilot]

All my rifles are winchester m70. I just bought a proof research sendero 8 twist 24" barrel in .243

I realize building on m70 is not near as popular as rem 700. Story of my life lol. Thinking 243, 243ai, 6mm 06, ?? Used to call coyotes (so packing in on foot and lot of walking), practice long range for fun to 1000yd or so (beyond 550 that im at now). Just getting going reloading and have targets on my airstrip on our farm, maybe antelope and deer. I have a used custom 22-250 (15lb gun), 270 ss featherweight and extreme wx, 338wm ss classic

Is there a preferred donor caliber i should look for as far as bolt or bottom metal that allows for longer overal cartidge lengths?

Other build suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[Jerry M]

Pre-64 Model 70s were the same length whether it was a .22 Hornet or a .375 H&H Magnum. Only the magazines were blocked on some. If you like M-70s, look for a Pre-64 to rebarrel.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[Jburr]

I would build a 6mm AI on a long action but I like to be different.
243 AI would make it easier to find brass.

 

[HARPERC]

How long do you wish to go?

The Montana 1999's will give you a current manufacture option. Their PH model has a 4" magazine. Most "magnum" length magazines will go to about 3.6".

Some of the new 6mm bullets are nearly/over an inch so depending on which case you base it on will determine some of your needs.

 

[johnnyk]

Hey GoosePilot,
Welcome to LongRangeHunting! Nothing wrong with the M70 at all. The original "rifleman's" rifle. I had a factory M70 short action, heavy barreled, .243Win that I bought in Washington state and boy was that thing accurate. Killed my first 600yd Va. ground hog with that thing. Traded it to a LRH member a couple of years ago for a 44Mag pistol.
Love the .243 but the case stretching is an ongoing thing. For that reason and the fact that I'm a self-admitted speed freak, I would entertain the AI version of it.
Running top-fuel dragsters like the 6-06 or 6-284 would be fun also. All of these being wildcats, there's really no shortage of brass for any of them.
I'm by no means a Creedmoor fan or a "SA chest beater" but I read an article today about the 6mmCreedmoor. While I wouldn't consider it a LR Hammer, it does have the attributes of the 6.5CM, in the fact that it is shorter overall, has a longer neck and can handle the VLD bullets a little better (so "they" say) than the .234Win. A .243AI chambered for the 105gn+ VLD's (read as; free bore) or even in a long action could beat the wheels off of it, I imagine.
Good luck and let us know what you decide on. JohnnyK.

 

[MagMan]

I have a SA 70 in 243 Ackley and can hang 115's out as far as needed with a standard box.

Also have a 6-06 but prefer the 243.

 

[Tidus56]

I have a 243 AI and have been very pleased with it. However if I was ordering a new barrel I would order a real hot rod, 6mm AI or 6-06 AI, I hate barrels...burn em up!

 

[Capt RB]

I just sold my 243ai last November. Fixed case stretch. Had I known about H1000 before I would have started off with it. I'll be getting another 243ai barrel for my savage in May or so. I miss it already and the 6.5 I bought is shooting bugholes. It just doesn't have the speed.
Other very good options are 6mm creedmoor. Lots of brass good design and damm close to a straight 243 with better barrel life.
The shop just ordered a 6mm dasher reamer. This will be my next caliber with a 7 twist for the 110smk.

 

[GoosePilot]

I found a kimber 84m hunter in 243 any issues building off this?

 

[therifleman556]

I think a Kimber might limit you on mag length. From what I recall they size their actions to the cartridge for weight savings. If you want CRF, don't be afraid of the FN built M70. I've got two, the triggers are easy to swap out, there is more than enough room to seat bullets out in short action form once you take the spacer out (I can get you an exact figure in a bit). And you could probably get a complete Extreme Weather for around what you'd pay for a genuine pre-64 action and have a good stock on it already, just have a smith screw your preferred tube on it.

 

[GoosePilot]

How about the legendary arm works law m704 action. A winchester esk safety and crf in a remington esk body. Best of both? And access to more common used rem accessories.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I build a few FN Model 70's for clients and myself most years. I actually build switch barrels on most, using either NH produced S/S Classic actions or the FN made EW actions. The newer actions are nicer finished IMHO and smoother.
Most blued actions I see are donors from Super Grades with shotout barrels, how they shoot these up so fast is beyond me.
The Featherweights are also good donors.

Really, they will all work with the correct prep and accuracy has NEVER been an issue. I can get sub MOA with match or factory ammo pretty easily.

Just pic one.

Cheers.

 

[joep17]

I love anything M70!
It was always a bit more effort to find a smith who was an expert on these. Most are usually good with 700's

Jack O is smiling upstairs

 

[WeiserBucks]

Chad at Longriflesinc. is a model 70 maniac.