Remington 7600 .243 to .308 question.

[twofourthree73]

I have a Remington 7600 pump action rifle chambered in .243. Does anyone know if you can just replace the barrel to one chambered in .308 and use it on the same rifle? .243 and .308 have the same shell casing diameter and the magazines are interchangable. I think the bolt and action parts are the same on both calibers. Is this able to be done?

 

[Art Eatman]

I sure don't know why not...

 

[Der Verge]

Should be just a "Simple" barrel change. .243 uses the .308 case necked down, so all other parts should interchange.

 

[twofourthree73]

Thanks, I'll have to check out .308 barrel prices for the 7600.

It'd be nice to be able to go up to a 308 for larger deer and longer range shots.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Why ????

In my "neck of the woods", you can get a good used 760/7600 in .308wcf for less than the cost of replacing a factory barrel on your .243.

By the time you factor in the cost of the barrel, even if you only pay $50.00 for it, then take or ship it to a gunsmith, pay labor at $50-$75hr, return shipping or gas at ~$4gal to pick it up, ect. You'll have more in the rifle than "another" one would cost you.

And, you'll have an extra magazine to boot. Also, you can put a higher power scope on the .243 for "longish ranges", and a lower power scope on the .308wcf for "thicker" areas with shorter ranges...

Just my opionion, as I "been there, done that" with other rifles/calibers.........

Besides, the .243 actually works better at longer ranges. I've had more close range bullet failures with the .243 than anyother cartridge. Due over expansion, and under penetration.

Actually, unless going after elk, or simular sized or larger game, I'd just stick with the .243......... Use enough bullet, however!

 

[ffg]

On my 760's the barrels attach much like a shotgun barrel. There is a adapter that the barrel screws into and it is attached to the reciever. You might find a 'extra' assembly in 308 and swap as needed. I have a spare '06 barrel that will someday become a 35 whelen for my 30-06 760. I don't think they changed that much from 760 to 7600.