Can I change .223 to .308 in M700 VLS ? - The Firearms Forum

ueckhaus1 · 08-31-2006, 09:46 PM

I have a Remington M700 VLS in .223. It has the factory 26" heavy barrel and laminated stock. Is it possible or feasible to change it over to .308?

If it's possible, what would need to be done?

THANKS IN ADVANCE !!!

Glenn

"If you know how many guns you own, then you don't own enough!"

deerkiller09 · 09-25-2006, 11:13 PM

yes, you can change it over with a new barrel, i know for a fact it would work because I have my own .308 Model 700 VLS( Varmint Laminate Stock ) It is all just a matter of finding someone that has the barrel, possibly The Remington Factory.

Bruce FLinch · 09-25-2006, 11:54 PM

I think you may have to change the head on the bolt, also.

Mark · 09-26-2006, 11:12 AM

This caliber conversion is certainly possible, here's what I'm seeing.

1. New barrel.

2. New bolt. I don't think you could just open up the existing bolt face because of the location of the ejector plunger. If this wasn't enough of a factor, you would have to recut the snap ring groove that the extractor fits in. While you're at it, fit a new extractor.

3. The magazine box has to be replaced, along with the follower and spring. I'm not sure, but I think the action area will also have to be inletted to get this to fit.

4. The feed lips on the receiver (magazine well) will have to be reshaped to handle the bigger cartridge.

5. New bolt stop. The bolt will have to move more to the rear of the action for the longer cartridge.

I've got the feeling I'm missing something else. Anybody have anything to add?
Mark

Red Neck64 · 09-26-2006, 12:56 PM

I think in the end result It would be cheaper to bye a 308 rifle??

ueckhaus1 · 09-30-2006, 04:48 PM

Thanks everybody for your replies!!!

I think Red might be right. If I just replace the bbl, bolt, action, and stock, and then have it tuned like the existing M700 VLS that I'm converting,and of course replace the 8-32X42 AO scope with a more compact 4-12X, I should be able to accomplish the conversion for something under $1600.

What do you all think I should do?

Glenn / Wisconsin

P.S. Unfortunately, I've been cursed with the inability to SELL a firearm once I've touched it, so I suppose I should start looking for some more space in my gun safe.

Mark · 10-01-2006, 08:05 AM

Glen,
You would have to look at the money, but you could get a 700 in a .308, 7/08, .243, etc., anything short action with the .473 bolt face. Since you are in Wisconsin, you could drive the rifle down to Krieger barrels, in Richfield and have him rebarrel it to .308.
Krieger can also true the bolt face, lap in the locking lugs, true the receiver, and really make this thing into a tack driver. You will really have to do homework on this, because he will ask you all kinds of questions about what you want.

The website is www.kriegerbarrels.com

The website is fun by itself.
Mark

08-31-2006, 09:46 PM	#1
ueckhaus1 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: WISCONSIN Posts: 35	Can I change .223 to .308 in M700 VLS ? I have a Remington M700 VLS in .223. It has the factory 26" heavy barrel and laminated stock. Is it possible or feasible to change it over to .308? If it's possible, what would need to be done? THANKS IN ADVANCE !!! Glenn "If you know how many guns you own, then you don't own enough!" -->

09-25-2006, 11:13 PM	#2
deerkiller09 Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 7	Re: Can I change .223 to .308 in M700 VLS ? yes, you can change it over with a new barrel, i know for a fact it would work because I have my own .308 Model 700 VLS( Varmint Laminate Stock ) It is all just a matter of finding someone that has the barrel, possibly The Remington Factory.

09-25-2006, 11:54 PM	#3
Bruce FLinch Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Point, Kali..aka Gun Point Posts: 5,016	Re: Can I change .223 to .308 in M700 VLS ? I think you may have to change the head on the bolt, also. __________________ A bad day @ the Range, is better than a good day @ work.

09-26-2006, 11:12 AM	#4
Mark V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 314	Re: Can I change .223 to .308 in M700 VLS ? This caliber conversion is certainly possible, here's what I'm seeing. 1. New barrel. 2. New bolt. I don't think you could just open up the existing bolt face because of the location of the ejector plunger. If this wasn't enough of a factor, you would have to recut the snap ring groove that the extractor fits in. While you're at it, fit a new extractor. 3. The magazine box has to be replaced, along with the follower and spring. I'm not sure, but I think the action area will also have to be inletted to get this to fit. 4. The feed lips on the receiver (magazine well) will have to be reshaped to handle the bigger cartridge. 5. New bolt stop. The bolt will have to move more to the rear of the action for the longer cartridge. I've got the feeling I'm missing something else. Anybody have anything to add? Mark

09-26-2006, 12:56 PM	#5
Red Neck64 Former Guest Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North N.Y.STATE Posts: 330	Re: Can I change .223 to .308 in M700 VLS ? I think in the end result It would be cheaper to bye a 308 rifle??

09-30-2006, 04:48 PM	#6
ueckhaus1 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: WISCONSIN Posts: 35	Re: Can I change .223 to .308 in M700 VLS ? Thanks everybody for your replies!!! I think Red might be right. If I just replace the bbl, bolt, action, and stock, and then have it tuned like the existing M700 VLS that I'm converting,and of course replace the 8-32X42 AO scope with a more compact 4-12X, I should be able to accomplish the conversion for something under $1600. What do you all think I should do? Glenn / Wisconsin P.S. Unfortunately, I've been cursed with the inability to SELL a firearm once I've touched it, so I suppose I should start looking for some more space in my gun safe.

10-01-2006, 08:05 AM	#7
Mark V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 314	Re: Can I change .223 to .308 in M700 VLS ? Glen, You would have to look at the money, but you could get a 700 in a .308, 7/08, .243, etc., anything short action with the .473 bolt face. Since you are in Wisconsin, you could drive the rifle down to Krieger barrels, in Richfield and have him rebarrel it to .308. Krieger can also true the bolt face, lap in the locking lugs, true the receiver, and really make this thing into a tack driver. You will really have to do homework on this, because he will ask you all kinds of questions about what you want. The website is www.kriegerbarrels.com The website is fun by itself. Mark