7STW to .280? Can this be done and why/not????

Mills · #1 01-28-2005, 10:22 AM

This is probably a dumb question, but I'm going to ask it anyway. Can a gunsmith take a 7mm STW action and somehow modify it into a .280? I realize the bolt face of an STW is .531 and the bolt face for a .280 is smaller at .473, but could a new bolt be used in the original action? Would there be problems with the .280 cases in the magazine? You see, I own a Sako 75 7STW, and want to get away from the magnum cartridge. Would love to modify and twist on a new barrel if possible.
Again, sorry if this is a really dumb question, but like I tell my kids, I'll never know the answer unless I ask.
Mills

PJgunner · #2 01-28-2005, 10:37 AM

Well, I suppose it could be done, but it would probably be less expensive to sell the one you have abd buy a new rifle.
Firsst, you would have to change the bolt (If SAKO will even sell you one.) change the magazine, if that is possible. Then the cost of the new barrel and blueing it.
Let's look a little deeper into the magazine situation. If the feed rails are part of the receiver itself, no you can't do the conversion. They prorbaly will not hold the cartridges in the magazine, or if they do, feeding my not be reliable. If the feed rails are part of a stamped magazine box like what one currently finds in Remington 700s, then maybe you might be able to replace the magazine box, again, if SAKO will even sell you one.
Frankly, I think it would be more of a hassle than what it would be worth. I dislike being so negative about it, but I have worked for a gunsmith at one time, and that's how I see it. If it were a straight 7Mm Rem. mag., I could suggest some load data I have that would let you get .280 Rem. velocities with various bullet weights, but I hesitate to recommend anything like that in as large a case as the 7 STW.
Paul B.

Jack · #3 01-28-2005, 10:48 AM

I agree with PJ.
You'd need a new bolt as well as a new barrel, or setting back the existing barrel a very large amount. And the feeding issue might be a problem.
Would make more economic sense to swap for a rifle that's in 280 to start with.