30-06 to 375 Ruger?

[Mad_Mikee]

I have a stainless Ruger MK-II rifle in 30-06. Rifle is in really good shape but there are a few rounds down the barrel. Figure I'll rebarrel it and I've always wanted a 375 Ruger.

Bolt faces are different but just wondering if opening up the bolt face and replacing the extractor with a magnum one will be enough for the bolt mods?

Replacing a follower is cheap and easy as long as the mag box is the same size.

Just wondering how feasible this type of conversion might be. Anyone know if the actions are the same size?

I looked at a 375 Hawkeye today and they looked pretty close size wise.

I really dont care for the matte finish on the Hawkeyes and figured if it wont take much to rebarrel what I already have (and like), I'll go that way.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Mike.

 

[wwb]

If you're lookin' to change caliber, it's almost always less expensive to sell your old one (private sale - NOT to a dealer) and buy a new one.

Rebarreling isn't too bad, but if you start talkin' about modifying the bolt face as well, you're startin' to talk more dollars than selling & buying.

 

[Mad_Mikee]

I know its cheaper to sell and just go buy what you really want except that you still end up with a crappy factory stock, trigger and barrel.

I already have the trigger and stock I want to keep in my current 30-06 and a new higher end barrel will be nice (accuracy wise and to keep clean).
Plus I can change the barrel contour and custom length as well.

My rifle is an older style MK-II and it has a polished finish. I saw a stainless Hawkeye today in 375 with the matte finish and it was nasty.

I much prefer the look and feel to what I already have.

My current 30-06 is still in mint shape and has been broken in nicely so I'd like to just get a bit of work done to the bolt face and throw on a new barrel if possible (plus $30 for a follower and extractor).

I have between 2000 and 2500 rounds down the barrel so I dont want to sell it to someone for dirt cheap because of the round count when the action and bolt are still in great shape and perfect for a second life in a new calibre.

 

[Sig685]

I'll just say that 2,000-2,500 rounds of 30-06 down a barrel is nothing. The 30-06 is not what one would consider a barrel burner, in fact at that round count, it should be just about as good as it gets, accuracy wise.

The 30-06 is not what I would consider a match round but some people are able to get good results with careful handloading. It you are not satisfied with the accuracy or you think it has suffered over the years, my suggestion is to give the barrel a thorough cleaning, I like wipeout for the gunk and CR-10 for the copper When this is all done and the barrel is very clean, it will be interesting to see if accuracy has improved after a few rounds.

Of course, if you are just looking for an excuse to rebarrel or change caliber, well then, this one is as good as any.

 

[mike7mm08]

As much as I like telling people to buy new guns hear is a thought. Your stock will fit a hawkeye. So swap your stock to the hawkeye. It is very easy and not to expensive to have a matte stainless polished. You could even do it yourself if you have the time. Triggers are an easy 100 buck or so swap. As far as selling your rifle. You should have no problem selling it. It is a hunting gun not a bench gun round count is trivial. The biggest problem you may have is finding a competent smith. I would worry about finding someone to do the work before I would decide what to do. I have lots of projects in my head. But just cannot find someone I totally trust or can afford.

 

[63November]

Pac-Nor can rebarrel, open the bolt face, and grind the extractor to fit. I don't recall what the cost was for the extra work- $75 seems to ring a bell. It's a lot less than a new barrel and installation though. I don't know, but you might need magazine work as well; perhaps even a new ejector. Compare the parts diagrams for both the 30-06 and the 375 each in Hawkeye versions to see which parts are identical and which may need replacement.