Pre 64 Winchester Mod 70 - Caliber change
What do I have to do to change my Pre 64 model 70 (.270) to .243 cal.? Is it as easy as just changing barells, or do I have to change bolts too?
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Hello DJAbby...
Unless you simply like to throw away $$$, I would not recommend trying what you are asking. Leave your pre-64 Winchester EXACTLY as it is. If you really want a .243, go buy a brand new Model 70... you won't regret it.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Damage to original barrel warrents changing and will actually be an upgrade since the replacement will be ov the same year. I would prefer a .243, however, and was interested in killing two birds. I of course will keep the original barrel. Any help on the original questions? 0 -
Hello DJ...
I am NOT a gunsmith, but the two cartridges are the same diameter at the rim, and they have similar shaped bases. However, with the .243 being nearly 0.5" shorter than the .270, I am not sure how well it would feed from the current magazine. Have you tried calling Winchester?
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
DJ- I have a few pre-64s and I don't consider rebarreling them a loss of money, because while I have sold a couple rifles in my life, I have never sold a M70, nor do I ever intend to. So they will go to my heirs when I die, and I really don't care how much they get for them, if they sell them. The barrel change on everyone that I've done has been an upgrade and shooting a gun is what it's designed to do. If I want an investment I'll by stocks. Having said that, to change a M70 from 270 to 243 would involve three parts-a "box" to reduce the length of the magazine, a shorter follower, and an ejector blade designed for the shorter brass. These parts would allow the rifle to function as an original with regard to length of distance the bolt would travel to the rear before ejecting the case. Now for practical matters, if it's okay with you if you have to pull the bolt clear to the present stop to eject the case, and your magazine spring is strong enough to keep the cases where you put them in the magazine- then all you'll need to do is get a new barrel. The bolt face is the same for those two cartridges and the headspace would be adjusted when the new barrel was installed. Personally I wouldn't trade a 270 for two 243s; but then that's just my opinion. 0 -
you will have to 'index' the barrel to get the extractor slot and sights/markings to line up. this may mean setting the barrel back part of a thread; you may just 'luck out' and have everything line up on the first go but don't count on it. 0 -
I would rebarrel as a .270 and buy a .243. 0 -
I agree with the advice given you but its your call. If it was at all possible I would re-barrel .270 and go buy a .243 if I really wanted one. AS already stated there are usually problems associated with changing to a shorter case length--some work out just fine others don't, depending on the skill level of the gunsmith envolved. 0 -
Numrich has pre-64 parts including barrels. I would suggest getting a .270 barrel from them and re-barreling. You can buy a used .243 for about the same price as the cost of a new barrel installed. I have purchased a barrel from Numrich and having it installed runs to only about half the price of a new barrel. Also you would have an original barrel. Winchester barrels are machined to index and removing and re-installing them closes the headspace about .005 and makes the lettering out of line. 0 -
You know I think that is a good Idea! I'll have the .270 rebarreled and buy a seperate .243. Got to fill up that safe after all!! Thanks everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 0 -
Merry Christmas back, sounds like you have a plan for a nice one![8D] 0
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