Marlin XL7 Re-barrel Project

[22BR]

I have a Marlin XL7 in .270 Winchester that I am contemplating turning into a .338-06. My ‘internet’ research has left me with a couple of questions and I have not yet found a knowledgeable gunsmith to discuss this with. A ‘rebore’ option was considered but the muzzle diameter is too small and the 22” length is a bit shorter than I would like. The questions deal with bolt face recess and barrel interchangeability. Some parties say a Savage barrel fits but machining is required to allow for the deeper (compared to the Savage) Marlin bolt recess. My questions are:

A) Does a Savage barrel ‘drop-in?’ B). Or, does a Remington 783 barrel fit with no extra work required? C. Is there a barrel manufacturer that specializes in Marlin rework? Learning the actual requirements of a Marlin re-barrel or direction to a definitive source that can answer the above questions is appreciated. Thanks for your assistance.

 

[LoonWulf]

From my understanding the only real difference is bolt head depth, and they are close enough to that the Savage barrel on the xl7 will "usually" work.

We're it me, I'd probably treat it like a nutless barrel install and order my barrel short chambered.
Screw it in till you hit the bolt head, back it out for clearance, then ream the chamber.

If I had a mill or lathe, I'd probably just buy a Savage barrel see how it fits. If it's long than take a the necessary amount off the bolt head.
Or off the barrel and rechamber.


While the 783 shares parts with the X-7 series, I've never worked with either, and don't know if anything's different about the barrels, or what if any modifications are necessary.

 

[22BR]

Thanks for the info - I am going to talk to a local gunsmith and see if he already has the correct chamber reamer.

 

[the Black Spot]

Or sell the xl-7 and get used savage 110 in 30-06 and then locate a barrel. (I found my donor rifle for $160 at a pawn shop)
Any reason you wouldnt want to go .35 whelen?

 

[22BR]

Good points. I came by the Marlin for a low price and the trigger is quite good so I thought I would see if I could make the project work. The .35 Whelen has been an option but the ballistics of the .338-06 are just interesting enough to tip me that direction. With a 7mmTCU and Rem22BR as a couple of guns from my past I guess a .338-06 isn’t too odd. Also guessing that I will pick up enough information from the forum to figure it out.

 

[adcoch1]

Only disadvantage to the 338-06 over a 35 whelen is the lack of cheap pistol bullets in 338. For full power rifle loads it is quite the heavy hitter. I went 35 whelen but both work well.

I would probably do the same as loonwulf suggested and get a short chambered Savage barrel. Renting a reamer and gages isn't expensive, and you could do it yourself. Or find a good gunsmith, installing a barrel shouldn't cost too much.

 

[codytrucker]

mcgowen out of montana does m7 barrels.

 

[Elkins45]

The Savage barrel will have excessive headspace because the Marlin has a deeper bolt head recess. I tried to put a 35 Whelen barrel on mine but the breech face bottomed our against the bolt before the shoulder hit the headspace gauge. You will need to face off about 0.15” of the barrel to get proper headspace in my experience.

 

[22BR]

Appreciate all the good information - thanks for your input. I will let you all know the direction I go.