Nosler M48 Liberty

[Chuck R.]

Kinda late to ask for reviews/opinions as I now have one inbound.

Have been looking for a replacement for my old Steyr MOD M Professional in .270 that I picked up in a Rod & Gun in Graf, Germany in 1988. The Steyr has accounted for 40+ deer Whitetails, Blacktails and mulies), 5 Chamois and 2 boar in addition to a a lot of practice rounds. It has been a solid sub MOA gun through the years with my favorite Nosler 130 grn BT handload. Couple years ago accuracy started to open up and MV was dropping off. Had it scoped by my smith and the barrel is basically shot. Unfortunately these older Steyr's have "pressed in" barrels, so rebarreling isn't a cost effective option. I called Steyr looking for a new barrel, and the older M professionals are no longer produced.

So I began the search for a replacement. Wanted to stay with .270 due to, dies, brass, stockpile of bullets etc. Plus, it's just flat out worked for me for over 30 years. Looked at Tikka's, REM, Brownings and the Nolser 48. Wanted (insisted??) on a 24" barrel and weight around 7lbs.

A friend has a couple Nosler's in .270 WSM and .300 WSM, both shoot very well. Today I found a new M48 Liberty for $999.38 delivered and pulled the trigger. Bought a Leupold VX6-HD 2-12X FireDot BDC on sale a few months ago to mount on it.

Don't know what I'll do with my old MOD M. Definitely will keep the Swarovski sitting on it. But what to do with a burned out .270??

 

[Gordon]

Bore it to 9.3x62

 

[LoonWulf]

Bore it to 9.3x62

Seconded!
If you wanted, .35 Whelen would be another option...... I like the 9.3 better tho.

I've been considering a nosler rifle since the offered them. I've always had a quick about using less common stuff, and I've only ever SEEN one m48 so far.

 

[Chuck R.]

I'm not sure a re-boring would be feasible either, since the barrel would have to be removed and reinstalled (again, press fit). I've read they can be re-barreled, but it requires threading the receiver. The cost is a large part of the reason I simply replaced it. The last time I had one re-barreled (1990) it was a 6 month trip to Austria and $$$$. That's when they had barrels in production. One alternative procedure is to cut off the barrel at the receiver, bore and thread the stub for a threaded & shouldered barrel.

I've also already got a .350 and an 8x68S, so the elk bases are covered, no need/desire for a 9.3x62.

 

[LoonWulf]

That's when they had barrels in production. One alternative procedure is to cut off the barrel at the receiver, bore and thread the stub for a threaded & shouldered barrel.

Thats another thought. Probably wouldnt be too hard depending on the size of the original barrel shank.

I wonder if it could be bored while still in the receiver tho.