Gunsmiths in Texas or North America for 7BC?

[swampy14]

I called a local gunsmith to me in Texas that I’ve used before about rebarreling a .270 into a 7backcountry. They said they have been trying to stay away from it cause they believe it’s going to fizzle out and it’s not safe.

They said if they do any work on my rifle they won’t stand behind it and I have to sign a waiver upon completion saying if the rifle blows up it’s my fault. That doesn’t give me a whole lot of confidence.

So I’m looking forward other recommendations on gunsmiths in Texas, and or North America willing to work with 7BC. I reached out to hill country rifles already.

 

[PC356]

Can’t slight their logic. Lot of other proven .284 cartridges to choose from.

 

[nm.otter]

80k vs. 65k is a nothingburger in any modern action. Higher pressure cartridges are the future.

 

[swampy14]

Can’t slight their logic. Lot of other proven .284 cartridges to choose from.

True. I don’t really blame them but it seems like they were slightly misinformed. The gunsmith thought the 7BC was a magnum bolt face and a 2 piece case design like the .277 sig fury.

I would consider a 280ai but I want an 18” barrel and I won’t see the muzzle velocity with that round

 

[swampy14]

80k vs. 65k is a nothingburger in any modern action. Higher pressure cartridges are the future.

I thought I read somewhere that modern actions are tested to over 100k psi

 

[Amathanda]

Alamo Precision rifles is in your neck of the woods. Look them up…some of the best gunsmiths in the country.

 

[PC356]

True. I don’t really blame them but it seems like they were slightly misinformed. The gunsmith thought the 7BC was a magnum bolt face and a 2 piece case design like the .277 sig fury.

I would consider a 280ai but I want an 18” barrel and I won’t see the muzzle velocity with that round

Why not a 7 PRC?

 

[DosAmigos]

Sage Precision and Curtis Actions has 7BC rifles available and they are in Texas.

 

[WoodlandCritter]

I thought I read somewhere that modern actions are tested to over 100k psi

Actions built in the US aren't necessarily tested to anything. Proofing is only required in EU countries. And even so, assuming an action is designed to withstand up to 100k, increasing pressure from 65k to 80k means you're going from a factor of safety of 1.5 to 1.25. That gives you significantly less room for error when it comes to an overpressure event.

Its your face, but I don't like taking chances with what amounts to a controlled pipe bomb 5" from my face.

 

[swampy14]

Why not a 7 PRC?

I have a standard bolt face not a magnum. And I don’t hand load to really utilize the 7prc to its full potential.

The factory loadings seem kinda neutered. Is it really enough for me to be able to see a difference on game? Probably not.

But I do think this tech is interesting and it checks a lot of boxes so I’m willing to give it a try. I thought about buying a factory rifle but I have this .270 Bergara b14 sitting and I’ve seen guys rebarrel tikkas in 7BC so I thought I’d ask gunsmiths about the project

 

[swampy14]

Alamo Precision rifles is in your neck of the woods. Look them up…some of the best gunsmiths in the country.

Spoke with them. They currently aren’t chambering 7BC and are waiting to see more field data about it

 

[Amathanda]

I was afraid that may be the situation. Until my recent move up to Idaho, they did all my gunsmithing work and it was impeccable across a dozen rifles and many calibers. I will be trying out UM and Kampfield since they are in this area, but really do miss those guys. Highly recommended.

 

[swampy14]

I was afraid that may be the situation. Until my recent move up to Idaho, they did all my gunsmithing work and it was impeccable across a dozen rifles and many calibers. I will be trying out UM and Kampfield since they are in this area, but really do miss those guys. Highly recommended.

They said they would do standard calibers.

I know UM won’t do any 7BC builds either.
I’ve seen two tikka builds of 7BC so I think any standard action should work. Weatherby’s 307 looks like a standard rem700 clone as well

 

[nm.otter]

assuming an action is designed to withstand up to 100k, increasing pressure from 65k to 80k means you're going from a factor of safety of 1.5 to 1.25. That gives you significantly less room for error when it comes to an overpressure event.

Its your face, but I don't like taking chances with what amounts to a controlled pipe bomb 5" from my face.

Steel alloy cases put less stress on the body portion of the chamber; only the neck and throat areas will experience the full pressure. Bolt thrust probably goes up, so proper venting design can prevent bad things from happening.

 

[Amathanda]

It doesn’t surprise me that APR will not chamber certain calibers. What I can tell you is that nearly any weapons delivery system they put together will be beyond the capabilities of most shooters. In other words, the shooter will be the weak link.

 

[swampy14]

Hill Country rifles out of New Braunfles, Texas said they will do it. They have chambered about 50 of them so far and said the most important aspect is the chamber dimensions. An error in that will lead to major issues.
They also stated any of the rem700 clones will work just fine and had no reservations about building off a b14 action.

I think this is the company I will use for this build

 

[DosAmigos]

Here is one available from Curtis Custom.

 

[Fetty Wapiti]

Throat erosion and barrel life are of concern with 7 BC. Others report accuracy issues and reloading troubles. 7 saum or PRC are better options in my opinion.

 

[Oregonmuley]

I was afraid that may be the situation. Until my recent move up to Idaho, they did all my gunsmithing work and it was impeccable across a dozen rifles and many calibers. I will be trying out UM and Kampfield since they are in this area, but really do miss those guys. Highly recommended.

You will be happy working with Karl @ Kampfeld Customs. His knows his way around a rifle and it will shoot

 

[Amathanda]

I won’t weigh in on the popularity or efficacy of the 7BC, however I have also had rifles built by Hill Country rifles and they are good as well. I do know they have been one of the leaders in the development of the 7BC cartridge from the beginning and would definitely be who I would use if I was headed in that direction.