[Ziptie]

Just a quick question about a old sporterized 1903 Springfield. I am in the process of learning about this (new to me) rifle. Could I just have my 30-06 barrel re-chambered to 300mag? I am just exploring options for the build up.

I am planning on a short barrel for it. If money was not so tight I would be getting a new barrel in 338-06 for it, but money is tight for now. My buddy hunts with one that is chambered for 300 mag. Not the best option with the short barrel but, I load and have an abundance of ammo for the 300 mag.

 

[broom_jm]

If money is that tight, why not just shoot it as an '06?

The difference between a 300WM and a 30-'06 Springfield is measured in yards, and not many, at that. If you had the chamber reamed out to a 300WM, you'd have to change the bolt or bolt face, as well. If you're looking for a modest improvement in terminal ballistics from an 03A3, without spending much money, consider a 35 Whelen, instead of the 300WM. You may lose 50-100 yards worth of maximum PBR, as compared to the 300WM, but you'll have higher bullet weights to choose from and a very effective 300 yard elk gun.

 

[Ziptie]

In all honesty I will most likely keep it in 30-06 for now. I just figure I will make a plan for when money is not so tight. I would love to have it re-cambered for the 35 Whelen but think the 338-06 has better bullet selection. Can I change it to the 338-06 or 35 Whelen without getting a new barrel? Thanks for the input.

 

[fguffey]

I have a 308 Norma Mag barrel that was removed from an O3A4 complete with brake etc, if the barrel fit a M1917 or P14 it would already be installed, when it comes to an 03 the questions should always be asked which 03, in my opinion not all 03 Springfileds are good choices for the 300 Win Mag,

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache...ingfield+serial+numbers&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl

F. Guffey

 

[Ziptie]

Solid action built in 1930

 

[pisgah]

A short-barreled .300 Mag is a very, very loud .30-06. For that reason alone, I wouldn't bother. The very few FPS perhaps gained (over a shortened .30-06) will never make any practical difference. Better, in my mind, to go to .338-06 or .35 Whelen and throw a heavier bullet.

 

[broom_jm]

While there are certainly fewer bullets available in 35 caliber than .338, what makes a 35 Whelen a much better option, IMHO, is that you CAN buy factory ammo, if you choose, and if you handload, you have a wide array of pistol bullets that you can use for practice. Also, there are plenty of excellent .358" bullets for big-game hunting, so it's not like you'd be hamstrung, in any way. If you were to ever sell the gun, the 35 Whelen would be much easier to "unload".

 

[zb338]

Ziptie,

I hate to be the wet blanket here. The Springfield rifle isn't a good
one to convert to a hot magnum caliber. I had one in .220 Swift that had
the back part of the two piece firing pin let go and **** near killed me. If you
do decide to change it over have a gunsmith install a one piece firing pin.
Better yet, keep it in the good old 30/06 a fine caliber for just about anything.

Zeke

 

[johnUSMC]

Remington 03-A3

I have one made in 1942 thin maid into a 300 win, it was done buy Nimord guns.

It is one nice looking gun fulley tuned break on it 20" berral , triger work, it a little stiff I hope I can fix that,

Is it worth it to put a new stock on it?

I have just got it and not even taken photos of it yet , but I am going to make it a tactacl rifle or sell it,

I,d like to here what others say about it!

Best John