Winchester Model 70 questions

[joshh]

I have a few questions I'm hoping to get answered about my Model 70.

Question 1: Where can I get a replacement barrel and how is it changed?

Question 2: By changing the barrel can I change to a 30-06 or is something else required? I currently have a .270 but might like to try hunting some large game like elk and have heard that .270 can't handle that size game. It is my understanding that 30-06 can and has the same cartridge as .270, so I would think all that was needed would be a different barrel chambered for 30-06.

Question 3: I currently have a synthetic stock that came on the rifle. I haven't shot it a whole lot, but have seen many people changing stocks on their rifle. Is there any advantage to this other than comfort and appearance (such as less felt recoil, increased accuracy, etc)?

I'd appreciate any input.

thanks,
Josh

 

[Wildalaska]

If your gonna rebarrel a Model 70, its cheaper to sellyer old one and buy a new one

WildsonowthatwehavethatfactonthetableAlaska

 

[Fumbler]

1. The internet, mail order catalogues, gunsmiths, gun shows, etc...
The tricky part is having it changed. You'd need to unscrew it from the action then screw the new one back in. Doesn't sound hard, but you have to make sure the headspace is correct. That can take lots of money invested in machinery and lots of know-how.

2. All that's needed to change from 270 to 30-06 is a new barrel. The 270 will work for elk, just make sure you pick a premium bullet with the correct construction and know your own shooting limits.

3. yes, there are other advantages. Most synthetic stocks are more flexible than most aftermarket stocks. The stock is the base of your rifle, the more solid it is and the more solid the contact is then the more accurate it will be (usually).

WildAlaska gave some good advice, it would cost a lot to swap barrels and then you'd have to shell out a lot of cash to swap it back out.
If you want a rifle that you can change barrels yourself then get a Savage. There are instructions for swapping the barrel yourself online, just google it. You can get barrels, headspace gauges, and the barrel locking nut wrench to do it yourself for about $200 a pop...you'll need a vise too.

If I were you I'd stick with the 270...then later down the road pick something like a 7mm or 30 cal magnum for elk if I really wanted a rifle to shoot elk at longer distances.

 

[joshh]

Thanks for the info guys. So what brand/style of bullet works best for large game or is reloading the only way to get what I need? And what brand stock should I look for to get a good solid stock and not break the bank?

 

[ThreadKiller]

Nosler Partitions!!! You can get the 150 grain version factory loaded from Federal. I think all of the major ammo manufacturers offer a "premium" bullet of some kind, but I'm partial to the NP's.

A 270 will take elk cleanly but it's like anything else, bullet placement is paramount.

Tim

 

[Fumbler]

Nosler Partitions are good as are Hornady Interlocks/Interbonds, Speer Grand Slams, Failsafes, Trophy Bonded Bearclaws, Remington Core-Lokt Ultra, etc.

Reloading isn't your only option.
You can find those bullets loaded in Federal's Premium line, Winchester's Supreme line, Remington's Premier line, and by Hornady. When I say "premium" bullet I simply mean don't go buy the cheapest ammo or something loaded with a bullet such as Nosler's Ballistic Tip. They fragment too easily.

You can also get Federal High Energy and Hornady Light Magnums for extra oomph.

Here's some good info on appropriate ammo for different game.
http://www.chuckhawks.com

 

[MrMurphy]

The stock your rifle came with is perfectly fine. Synthetic stocks are the choice of military and police snipers because they don't shift/flex/swell like wood can in humid weather (which affects accuracy) and synthetic materials are strong as hell. Wood can, and does, occasionally break. I've seen a stock (wood) crack from a particularly (and unexpectedly) hot handload.


The .270 has been around since the '20s, there are a massive amount of factory ammo loads out there for it. Just decide what bullet weight and type you want, and it's probably already out there.

 

[joshh]

I really appreciate all the input. I'll have to check out all the different ammo you guys listed.