Prewar Win Model 70 rebarrel choice

2

240nmc

Inactive
I got a nice 41k serial number win 70 in a trade and the only thing not nice is that it won't group under5 inches at fifty yards. It started life in 22 Hornet and then was rechambered in 222 Rem by Winchester. They revamped the caliber and proof marked the barrel. it won't take any kind of 222 ammo and I checked that the center action screw isn't too tight.

I'm at a loss as to what direct to go. It's too nice to hack up into a target rifle and I will probably rebarrel it. I shot tons of 223 so thinking that as life would be easy when it comes to reloading. I'd like to keep the original barrel contour including the flip up rear sight and integral band. Anyone do good win 70 rebarrel jobs that involve a bit of extra machining? I've del with the target guys but if you are familiar with this rifle, you will know what I'm looking for.

Thanks,
 
Honestly the rifle is worth more now in factory original condition than it would be after being rebarreled, if the condition is good. If the metal is pitted and horrible, then rebarrel away.

But if condition is good I would sell it to a collector and buy a new heavy barrel 223 Rem and call it good.

Also, check the twist rate. IIRC 22 Hornets of that era had a 1:16 twist rate, meaning 40 grain or lighter bullets are necessary for proper stabilization and accuracy.

Jimro
 
Pics are in order.

How is it that you say the gun groups badly and then that it will not chamber any kind of ammo?

Obviously, the .222, or any other cartridge based on that rim size, was never offered as a Model 70 caliber.

LOTS of machine work would need to be done on a Hornet bolt (bolt face and extractor, if they could be used at all)
and receiver - ( the cartridge stop, Hornet magazine removal, machining new feed rails on the receiver itself and installing a new cartridge stop, and fitting and machining a new one of a kind magazine follower)
to name a few of the steps needed to turn it into a functioning repeater.

If this work was done at the factory, which I honestly question, the receiver would show the re-proofs.
NEVER have seen a Mod. 70 factory re-chamber and how it was re- marked and re-proofed either, but more than willing to be educated.

Usually, when a company makes (or re-makes) a gun in a given caliber, they will test fire it prior to stamping the proofs.

So my call is that, pending pictures, the gun in .222 is not a Winchester product.

Photos please, JT
 
Agree with JT, Winchester wasn't doing conversions to Remington cartridges.
Griffin & Howe did some, other shops, too.

Has the magazine been altered for .222? G&H did but a lot of small shops just opened up the chamber and bolt face. You don't need a repeater for target shooting or most varmints. Col Whelen had one that had been fully converted to R2 Lovell and then just rechambered to .222. I recall the R2 magazine would hold a couple of .222s with no further modification.

I don't think there is anything to lose by replacing the barrel. And you would gain a correct diameter and twist for the caliber. You could even go to .223 and shoot the common stuff. That would take you back to magazine questions.
 
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