Winchester 70 dream build

[IdahoYeti]

I was finally able to find a winchester 70 stainless in left hand and wanted to build it into a more modern rifle, threaded barrel, more ergonomic stock, etc. Thankfully the rokstock is available. I like the current Montana rifle company but no left hand. I'm not opposed to park west but the 76 doesn't appear to be in stainless and they report no stocks with a vertical grip will fit the 97. So customizing a win 70 seems to be the best direction. I'm in idaho so I'd use it for mule deer, elk, antelope, black bear, democrats etc. Not looking to build anything super lightweight. Currently 7mm mag. Was thinking of 6.5 prc or 6.8 western or 7 prc. With the new 6.5 + peak it seems like the 6.5 prc is eliminated. But would appreciate thoughts on the other 2. Also if anyone has opinions on proof pxt barrels id appreciate it

 

[handwerk]

I’ve been really happy with my 280 AI M70 build but if not that maybe you go with the PXT 6.5 CM +peak route?

 

[BCsteve]

I’ve been really happy with my 280 AI M70 build but if not that maybe you go with the PXT 6.5 CM +peak route?

He has a mag bolt face.

 

[nm.otter]

Something in the Sherman family -- like an SS or an SST?

Or a WSM/WSSM of some sort?

 

[handwerk]

Missed the part about the mag bolt face.

 

[43.6N]

So it’s a 7mag now?

I’d consider a 25PRC, 25 Sherman short, 65 Saum, or 65PRC. Or 7saum.

IMO The 65creed peak idea probably isn’t the right call for this rifle, unless you are going to get another left handed bolt with a standard bolt face.

 

[bushpilot]

This is where I’m at with a similar journey to yours, albeit right handed.

Win 70 featherweight SS 300 win
Timney Trigger
Stockys VG

Still got some life on this barrel before I spin on a 7 prc tube.

 

[Win54]

.264 Win Mag
The existing mag box and follower will be compatible.

 

[IdahoYeti]

So it’s a 7mag now?

I’d consider a 25PRC, 25 Sherman short, 65 Saum, or 65PRC. Or 7saum.

IMO The 65creed peak idea probably isn’t the right call for this rifle, unless you are going to get another left handed bolt with a standard bolt face.

Yep 7 mag now which shoots well so I may start with getting it threaded. I think trying to find another bolt might be harder than finding the rifle. I have thought that having a long action 7 mag 7prc would be a good direction I just don't think I'd shoot it as much as a something smaller. I will look into those you listed. I didn't know the Sherman was a mag bolt face

 

[Taudisio]

Yep 7 mag now which shoots well so I may start with getting it threaded. I think trying to find another bolt might be harder than finding the rifle. I have thought that having a long action 7 mag 7prc would be a good direction I just don't think I'd shoot it as much as a something smaller. I will look into those you listed. I didn't know the Sherman was a mag bolt face

7mag=7prc if you hand load. Basically think the same as the 243=6creed. Threading the 7 mag and starting there isn’t a bad decision imo.

What bullet type do you intend to use? (ie. monos, bonded, core lokt type cup/core, tipped, match bullets ((the specific bullet really helps))
Do you hand load?
What distances do you plan to hunt out to?

 

[BishBeCool]

a dude up above already said it, but a 25PRC might be pretty rad. .264 win mag could be pretty sick too...

 

[43.6N]

Yep 7 mag now which shoots well so I may start with getting it threaded. I think trying to find another bolt might be harder than finding the rifle. I have thought that having a long action 7 mag 7prc would be a good direction I just don't think I'd shoot it as much as a something smaller. I will look into those you listed. I didn't know the Sherman was a mag bolt face

Nice, I vote keep it as 7mag for now, and get it threaded and suppressed asap. Your barrel is probably twisted for 150-160gr bullets max. Lots of good bullets in this range. And it gives you a chance to get all the accessories squared away while still having a working rifle.
Shootability will be much improved as soon as you put a can on it. After you’ve shot out the barrel, then you can put on your new barrel in whatever modern chambering you’ve decided on.

 

[HandgunHTR]

Since it is a mag bolt face and long action, my first choice would be to just leave it as a 7RM.

If you just have to change it up and if you handload, then I would look at the Sherman Max or Mega cartridges. The SS and SSTs are cool, but I think you would probably have feeding issues in that LA with cartridges that short.

 

[IdahoYeti]

I do not hand load. Was hoping to stay away from that if possible. Realistic hunting range 400-450. I got an antlope passed that last year but that was s bad decision that turned out ok. So far 154 and 162 sst white tail and superformance shoot the best. It doesn't like cx or Barnes mono bullets. How available is the 25 prc? Or is it mainly handload

 

[MoeFaux]

25 PRC, if I'm not mistaken, is still a wildcat cartridge. So, that looks like a non-starter for you.

My choice would be 6.5 PRC if you change it from 7 RM.

 

[eamyrick]

Brown Precision just finished my 30-06. G Series Winchester Action with the old style open trigger. 22 inch Lija Barrel.

 

[BCsteve]

I'd still consider the 6.5 PRC I don't believe the +Peak is going to kill it.

 

[nm.otter]

I do not hand load. Was hoping to stay away from that if possible.

270 WSM?
7mm WSM?

 

[rickyw]

I rebarreled an M70 30-06 to a 7-08. Love the rifle but it was a pain to get the short action cartridges to feed right. It’s still a little finicky, but it works. Just something to be mindful of.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I do not hand load. Was hoping to stay away from that if possible. Realistic hunting range 400-450. I got an antlope passed that last year but that was s bad decision that turned out ok. So far 154 and 162 sst white tail and superformance shoot the best. It doesn't like cx or Barnes mono bullets. How available is the 25 prc? Or is it mainly handload

Well, if you just have to rebarrel it, then the 6.5 or 7 PRC would be my choice, however both of them are what I would consider "overkill" for your stated hunting ranges.