Seeking help with Rem 700 bolt replacement

[Tim Evenson]

So I have a Remington Long Range that the barrel is shot out on. I purchased some 6.5-284 brass a little while back in preparation for re-barreling. Now I am looking into getting a new bolt with a standard case head and it’s looking like a bit more tinkering than I care to deal with. I am going with a Remage barrel and was hoping the bolt swap would be simple but I'm beginning to feel like I'm in deeper water than anticipated. Any advice on where to find a complete, long action, std bolt face bolt?

 

[J2shooter]

If all you're in for is the brass at this point, maybe you could consider selling that off and going with a 6.5 PRC aw2 reamer or a 6.5 saum. Long action is good to go for both and they both are outstanding with the 156 Berger. Would be way easier and cheaper.

 

[Tim Evenson]

If all you're in for is the brass at this point, maybe you could consider selling that off and going with a 6.5 PRC aw2 reamer or a 6.5 saum. Long action is good to go for both and they both are outstanding with the 156 Berger. Would be way easier and cheaper.

I had a PRC last year and sold it to buy a 300 Win Mag because I just could not get my hands on good brass. Of course, a few weeks after I sold it I got the notification that brass was back in stock. I wouldn’t say no to that at all but I feel like I’d be back in the same boat. Until of course the 7 PRC really starts hitting the market and people hopefully focus on those components instead

 

[Lancetkenyon]

If you have a LA mag bolt face currently (you didn't state what the rifle is currently chambered in), I would sell the brass (unless you are 100% dead set on a 6.5-.284 Norma) and swap to a mag bolt face cartridge, either SA or LA. If you want a .264/6.5mm, there are plenty of great options that would not require a bolt swap, only a rebarrel, and get you better performance than the 6.5-.284 Norma as well.

6.5PRC
6.5SST
6.5PRC/SI
6.5SS
6.5SAUM
6.5Max
6.5WSM
6.5Mega
.264WM
6.5STW
26 Nosler
And a few other less popular wildcats too.

 

[Tim Evenson]

If you have a LA mag bolt face currently (you didn't state what the rifle is currently chambered in), I would sell the brass (unless you are 100% dead set on a 6.5-.284 Norma) and swap to a mag bolt face cartridge, either SA or LA. If you want a .264/6.5mm, there are plenty of great options that would not require a bolt swap, only a rebarrel, and get you better performance than the 6.5-.284 Norma as well.

6.5PRC
6.5SST
6.5PRC/SI
6.5SS
6.5SAUM
6.5Max
6.5WSM
6.5Mega
.264WM
6.5STW
26 Nosler
And a few other less popular wildcats too.

Currently it’s a 7 mag. I’ve been wanting a Sherman for several years but the biggest issue is usually chambering or brass availability. Plus the only slow powder I have very much of is Ramshot Magnum and I haven’t seen any data with it for any of the 6.5 Sherman’s that tickle my fancy. I also don’t want anything that’s super over-bore because I do like to shoot a lot

 

[RBanta66]

I would build the 7mm PRC, basically just a barrel swap chambered in that caliber if your current rifle has a mag bolt face. As far as components, plenty of .284/7mm bullets to choose from and brass WILL come and while waiting get some Hornady factory ammo and break on your new barrel. IMO that sounds like the easy button!!!.

 

[Lancetkenyon]

Currently it’s a 7 mag. I’ve been wanting a Sherman for several years but the biggest issue is usually chambering or brass availability. Plus the only slow powder I have very much of is Ramshot Magnum and I haven’t seen any data with it for any of the 6.5 Sherman’s that tickle my fancy. I also don’t want anything that’s super over-bore because I do like to shoot a lot

Then, to me, if you want to step down in recoil a bit to ease shooting fatigue, a 6.5PRC, 6.5PRC/SI (Sherman Imp), 6.5SST, or 6.5SS sounds like they would fit the bill nicely.

6.5PRC brass is available from Lapua, ADG, Peterson, Hornady. And the 6.5PRC/SI uses PRC brass too.

6.5SST and 6.5SS brass is available usually, but only from one source. ADG through Rich Sherman.

Ramshot Magnum should work fine. You will just need to experiment yourself, then you can add your load data to the available information.

 

[Tim Evenson]

Then, to me, if you want to step down in recoil a bit to ease shooting fatigue, a 6.5PRC, 6.5PRC/SI (Sherman Imp), 6.5SST, or 6.5SS sounds like they would fit the bill nicely.

6.5PRC brass is available from Lapua, ADG, Peterson, Hornady. And the 6.5PRC/SI uses PRC brass too.

6.5SST and 6.5SS brass is available usually, but only from one source. ADG through Rich Sherman.

Ramshot Magnum should work fine. You will just need to experiment yourself, then you can add your load data to the available information.

I called and spoke with Rich earlier today. He recommended the 6.5 SST but said I would need to speak with someone in the know on how to ensure it will feed right out of a long action. I just don’t want a barrel burner which is why the MAX and MEGA are a no go. I’d even consider a PRC again but I waited over a year for brass to come in stock. It never did so I gave up and sold that rifle

 

[Lancetkenyon]

ADG Brass - Unknown Munitions

Updated production schedule 12/21/2022 The following is ADG’s production schedule through 2022: SAUM’s will be starting first thing next year tentatively ADG brass was designed not only for consistency, but for durability. One of the ways we accomplished this was adding material to the case...

www.unknownmunitions.com

ADG 6.5PRC brass in stock. 167 boxes. Go get em.

 

[Tim Evenson]

ADG Brass - Unknown Munitions

Updated production schedule 12/21/2022 The following is ADG’s production schedule through 2022: SAUM’s will be starting first thing next year tentatively ADG brass was designed not only for consistency, but for durability. One of the ways we accomplished this was adding material to the case...

www.unknownmunitions.com

ADG 6.5PRC brass in stock. 167 boxes. Go get em.

I just checked them this morning. What the hail? Now I need to offload my 6.5-284 brass to keep the wife happy

 

[Tim Evenson]

ADG Brass - Unknown Munitions

Updated production schedule 12/21/2022 The following is ADG’s production schedule through 2022: SAUM’s will be starting first thing next year tentatively ADG brass was designed not only for consistency, but for durability. One of the ways we accomplished this was adding material to the case...

www.unknownmunitions.com

ADG 6.5PRC brass in stock. 167 boxes. Go get em.

Thanks for lookin out. I picked up three boxes and now I don’t have to worry about changing my bolt

 

[J2shooter]

I'd suggest trying to have it reamed with the AW2 reamer. You're aware of the SAAMI prc chamber being a little tight which is causing clickers/ sticky extraction after a few firings?

Alex Wheeler's AW2 reamer addresses/fixes this issue.

Glad you found some brass. I'd imagine you'll find someone to buy the other brass pretty easy.

 

[Tim Evenson]

I'd suggest trying to have it reamed with the AW2 reamer. You're aware of the SAAMI prc chamber being a little tight which is causing clickers/ sticky extraction after a few firings?

Alex Wheeler's AW2 reamer addresses/fixes this issue.

Glad you found some brass. I'd imagine you'll find someone to buy the other brass pretty easy.

Yeah my last PRC had clicks after the first firing. It’s something I’ll address eventually

 

[zr600]

Are you stuck on a 6.5 cartridge for any reason? Because if you jumped up to a 7mm I think Ritch told me about 3000 rounds for barrel life on a 7ss.

 

[Tim Evenson]

Are you stuck on a 6.5 cartridge for any reason? Because if you jumped up to a 7mm I think Ritch told me about 3000 rounds for barrel life on a 7ss.

Yeah I have a ton of 6.5 components. Although another 7 is certainly in my future at some point