Rem 7600 30-06 rebarrel to 375 whelen

There are more guys around to do a rebarrel than there are that can do a rebore... the guy I usually use is in the middle of a move and just turned down work from me, so I won`t recommend him... you can call Ellwood Epps... they have a couple smiths that can do it... there is a local genius/wizard/recluse gunsmith here, but I have been working a few contacts hoping to get him to take on a couple jobs... he is choosy and quirky... have to tread lightly and hold my breath...
 
I might try epps, but I wouldn't mind knowing who your wizard is. I'm not really in a rush considering I won't be able to find any powder to make bullets for it in the near future.
 
rl4930 said:
I might try epps, but I wouldn't mind knowing who your wizard is. I'm not really in a rush considering I won't be able to find any powder to make bullets for it in the near future.
Click to expand...

If I get him to take on these two projects, then I will be happy to release his name and info... but not until then.
 
Consider the .375 Scovill, actually a .375-9.3X62, which has a bit more capacity than the Whelen case, or for that matter you could just try a 9.3X62, have all the advantages of the .375, with less expensive bullets all the way up to 325 grs. I have a 9.3X62 Husqvarna (which CGN has officially re-patched as the .366 Wagner) and I'm having a custom .375 Scovill built (actually a switch barrel of which the Scovill will be one) that will be ready to go later in the spring or early summer if all goes well. Ballistically the .375 and the 9.3 should perform similarly. The .375 will have a slightly shorter barrel, but with any given bullet weight and load, a larger but shorter bullet of the same weight will tend to have higher velocity, so the velocity will probably even out given the difference in barrel lengths. I had intended to go with the 9.3X62 as I like the cartridge, but my barrel maker doesn't make a .366 bore, although he does make a .375, and the last .375 he made, a .375 Ultra, shot like a varmint rifle.

According to my records, my working loads (.5-1 gr below maximum) for the 9.3X62 are as follows:
59.5 grs H-335.....250 gr Nosler AB - 2624 fps,
58.0 grs H-335.....270 gr Speer - 2500 fps,

65.5 grs H-414.....285 gr Previ - 2429 fps
63.5 grs H-414.....325 gr Norma - 2293 fps

66.0 grs VV-N550.....285 gr Previ - 2467 fps
64.0 grs VV-N550.....325 gr Norma - 2324 fps

I anticipate that the velocities from the .375 Scovill will be similar.

 
I was gonna re-mention the .375 Halk/Scovill because it is a beauty cartridge to hunt with, but I got a soft spot for the .338-06 as it just turns my crank better. Both are dandy for any critter on the planet under ideal situations.:)
 
One could rebarrel the 7600 to 375 Whelen but IMHO the simplest thing to do would be to get one in 35 Whelen and resized the heavyweight 9.3 cal bullets down to .358 cal. or use the Woodleigh 310gr. Here's a link to a rather interesting site: http://35cal.com/

If you go to the "Bullets" section, down near the bottom you'll find the info for resizing the 9.3cal bullets.
 
People who cobble up customs in wildcats aren't looking for easy usually. That's how they take their fun.

However, I'm glad u find my 35cal site and my experiences reloading/resizing bullets for my 35s of some interest. Resizing does work but is a bit of a pain and not without potential problems like core separation - though I've not seen this problem happen with my bullets.

A 375 Hawk/Scovill or 375 Whelen Ack Imp would be good ones IMO - just get the twist right for the bullet weights intended. A limbsaver should be in the budget on a svelte 7600.
 
Can't vouch for current availability, but 4 years ago Remington still catalogued a "replacement" 35 Whelen barrel for the 7600 in their parts list.

A local gunsmith (Remington warranty authorized) ordered one for a buddy & installed it on his new 7600 that was a 30-06. Total cost IIRC +/- $450 all in (then).
Total time as I recall, about 6 weeks.
 
.375 Whelen is as obscure as you can get. Absolutely a reloading thing only. Dies are likely special order only and will take months to get. They must include an FL sizer die as pump guns require FL sizing every time. Midway(they don't ship here), Stateside lists Redding dies at $299.99USD. And RCBS 2 die set at $199.99USD. May or June delivery. Both have the FL die. Gives you an idea of cost anyway.
A new barrel would be best, but it'll be totally custom made and you'd need a smithy who has the tools or is willing to rent 'em. If he has to buy the assorted guages and reamers, you will be paying for 'em and won't get to keep 'em.
Plus using a different rifle might be better. 7600's are entry level rifles with few if any aftermarket stuff available easily.
 
sunray is right on these few points.

I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a 7600. I'd look for one in 35Whelen or go with a bolt action for a custom build in 375/06AI.

Here's a 375/06AI with CT & H&H.

375Wildcats005.jpg
 
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