Remington 700 30-06 heavy barrel/caliber change

[Pitfowl1983]

Ok I'm sure this has been covered before but I can't find an answer.. I hunt hogs quite frequently with my Remington 700 30-06 long action since I shoot several rounds at a time into herds the barrel tends to heat up quickly. I can't seem to find a heavy barrel in a 30-06 that isn't high priced as in 500$ and up. So the question is can someone point me the way on where to find one or is there any caliber that I can just change the barrel and no bolt or action change required. And yes a gunsmith will be installing the new barrel and a new stock will be purchased

 

[USSR]

Quality barrels tend to run in the range of $300 - $350. Here is a pic of my heavy barrel .30-06 with it's 26" Krieger MTU contour barrel.

Don

 

[NCsmitty]

Welcome to THR, Pitfowl1983.

No one needs a reason to rebarrel/update their firearm, but I'm wondering just why you are having a problem with your old barrel? Is it heating up and losing zero or grouping badly?
Adding a heavy barrel may give you what you want, but lugging around a couple more pounds gets old fast.
If you hunt from a blind or vehicle, then usually, it isn't an issue, but still hunting a large area may be tedious with a heavy barrel, unless you are strong like bull.

Most everyone likes the 30'06 as an all-around chambering, but if you change barrels, you can also upgrade to an '06 based round like the 35 Whelen or 338-06, and toss the heavier slugs at the hogzillas.



NCsmitty

 

[Pitfowl1983]

Well I understand it will be heavier but we hunt in stands over looking large open areas so the weight won't bother me. It just gets hot and I'm no expert I just am afraid of the barrel getting hot and possibly doing damage..plus I admit I like the way the heavy barrel looks

 

[hardluk1]

If your rifle still shoots well now just leave it be. To charge barrels to a heavier profie is more than just a barrel. Refitting to the stock is also needed and along with a time a money for ammo and a barrel break in. How many shoots do you fire at one setting when these Herds od hogs come around, 4. As long as you still get good bench groups don't worry about a hot barrel. I would rather shoot a short case anymore and depending or your distances to the hogs even a lever rifle in a pistol caliber, 44 mag or 45lc with hot loads. Even a 30-30. You can still hit well at 150 yards or more with the 30-30 with them and a nice scope.

 

[Finprof]

I have a BAR in 30/06 for "herd shooting" hogs. The lack of recoil in the gas-operated action lets me get back on target quicker and the semi-auto doesn't hurt for speed firing either. The barrel gets warm but it is not a big deal.
Those of us who shoot silhouette with "hunter" guns shoot five shots in 2 1/2 minutes or less, reload in 30 seconds and shoot another 5 shots in 2 1/2 minutes or less. The barrel gets warm but again it is not a big deal. Most of the shooters use Remington 700s with sporter barrels or SAKOs with sporter barrels and don't have a problem even though the barrel gets warm.

 

[BigDog2]

Even heavy barrels heat up, even flutted ones. As long as your rifle doesn't loose accuracy during the process your A-OK.

Take along some Rubbing Alcohol and when the barrel's hot cool it down by pouring the liquid over and through the barrel. (Best solution I've heard) Your barrels a big "heatsink" and it takes time to cool. The p-dog shooters take multiple guns along so that they can shoot while letting one or two cool off.

 

[Pitfowl1983]

Thanks for the replies everyone I was concerned about the barrel getting warm but glad to see that it's not a big problem it shoots fine when warm so I will just kept it the way it is.. But I was hoping this would give the excuse to buy a bull barrel cause they do look good..

 

[BrocLuno]

Go to TTI and look at the StraightJacket system. I'm not getting into a "this is the best thing in the world" argument over their process - but one thing it's known for is dissipating heat, and you get to keep your existing barrel. If you decide to go this route, you might consider their aluminum sleeve as it'll end up lighter and it'll be easier to tote if you decide to hunt on foot

http://www.teludynetech.com/

 

[Durty]

Shilen makes good barrels and they aren't too expensive, depending on which one you want. 30 caliber #5 and #6 contour (a lot thicker than the standard sporter weight) start at $169 on midway. You can also order them straight from Shilen. (Shilen.com) I have a chrome moly #6 on a 300 win mag and wouldn't have done it any different. It is one of their low-end barrels and it's a lot more accurate than it was before. It is a model 700 originally built in the late 60s. Wasn't well cared for so I got it cheap. I put a new barrel and stock on it and it's a shooter now. By the way, I don't think you need an excuse to modify your gun. If you want to, just do it.

 

[Skylerbone]

And if you were thinkin $500 then buy a whole other rifle and you'll have 2. Then all you need to justify is the price of a new optic.