Winchester model 70 short action question

[bigbossman]

Is a .308 action the same dimension as a WSSM action? I'm wondering if a take off stock from a WSSM will fit a .308 action.

[osis32]

As far as I know yes

[ar15barrels]

Is a .308 action the same dimension as a WSSM action?
I'm wondering if a take off stock from a WSSM will fit a .308 action.

Those are both short action cartridges.
The boltface will be different for sure.
There's a good chance that the receiver underside is different too if the gun has a fixed magazine.
If the gun uses detachable box magazines, it's possible that the reciever is the same so it would only be the bolt that's different.
It's possible that the stocks could be the same.
Best way to figure that out is to try it.

[Fjold]

The action lengths and diameters are identical. The magazine boxes are interchangeable so there should be no problem switching stocks.

To convert the WSM to a 308 based cartridge you should only have to swap the magazine follower to makes sure that the last cartridge will feed correctly.

[LynnJr]

Both Browning and Winchester have designed a new, even shorter action specifically designed around these super-squat cartridges. In fact, both are about 1/4 inch shorter than the existing short actions of both makers. That means these new rifles will not only be 1/4 inch shorter overall (assuming equal barrel lengths) but will have about 1/4 inch less bolt travel and weigh about 1/4 pound less.

This from Jon Sundra.

What model 70 do you have. Measure and post it's length so we can compare.

[bigbossman]

I'm going to acquire a 1977 model 70 XTR chambered in.308, in a factory wood stock. I came across a fellow selling a synthetic model 70 stock from a model 70 chambered in .300WSSM. His stock has an aluminum bedding block built in, so I was hoping to drop my action into his stock and have instant pillar bedding. The stock is not close by so I cannot try before I buy.

[NapalmCheese]

Is a .308 action the same dimension as a WSSM action? I'm wondering if a take off stock from a WSSM will fit a .308 action.

No, the WSSM actions are shorter.

The WSM actions may not be, but the whole point behind the WSSM action is that it's shorter than a short action.

[NapalmCheese]

I'm going to acquire a 1977 model 70 XTR chambered in.308, in a factory wood stock. I came across a fellow selling a synthetic model 70 stock from a model 70 chambered in .300WSSM. His stock has an aluminum bedding block built in, so I was hoping to drop my action into his stock and have instant pillar bedding. The stock is not close by so I cannot try before I buy.

You keep saying WSSM, but there was never a factory .300 WSSM.

There was (is) a 300 WSM, which is (as far as I know) a short action receiver with a .520 bolt face.

[LynnJr]

7-5/8" bolt spacing on the long action 7" on the short action and 6-5/8" on my wssm actions so just have the seller measure the bolt holes before you buy the stock.
This was done with a tape measure so it may not be perfect.

[Cowboy T]

WSM's, yes, same length.
WSSM's, no, shorter length.

And NapalmCheese is correct; the largest caliber of WSSM was the .257", or .25 WSSM. There was no .30 WSSM.

[bigbossman]

You keep saying WSSM, but there was never a factory .300 WSSM.

WSM's, yes, same length.
WSSM's, no, shorter length.

And NapalmCheese is correct; the largest caliber of WSSM was the .257", or .25 WSSM. There was no .30 WSSM.

OK - went and looked at the stock description - it states "..fit Winchester Model 70 Short action in the WSSM Calibers". I must have added the .30 myself subconsciously. Mea culpa.

In any case, I saw the rifle today, and it is indeed an XTR (still with hang tag) in .308, and has a "blind box" magazine..... so the WSSM stock I was looking at won't do as it has an open magazine well for a hinged plate.

[NapalmCheese]

OK - went and looked at the stock description - it states "..fit Winchester Model 70 Short action in the WSSM Calibers".

...

so the WSSM stock I was looking at won't do as it has an open magazine well for a hinged plate.

Also because it'll be too short.

Winchester sort of crapped the bad with the naming convention of those rifles. The Winchester Short Mags were all about replicating long action magnum caliber performance in short actions. The Winchester Super Short Mags were all about replicating long action non-magnum performance in something 'mini action' sized. Calling the latter "Super Short Magnums" was a dumb idea. I mean, the cartridges share case head dimensions, but that's about it. You can't even rebarrel a WSSM to a WSM unless you want to single feed your rifle and not be able to eject live rounds (effectively turning it into a kind of shell holder action I guess).

Sure can make for a light rifle though!

[sigstroker]

An XTR with a blind magazine sounds weird. Does the barrel say Model 70 XTR?

[bigbossman]

An XTR with a blind magazine sounds weird. Does the barrel say Model 70 XTR?

That's what my friend (who has a long history with Model 70's) said. But yeah - both the barrel and the hang tag say Model 70 XTR (this gun is NOS, and has never been fired). Push feed, Made in New Haven Connecticut, cut checkering and a gloss finish Monte Carlo walnut stock.

So - that sparks another question..... If I find a short action stock that has a hinged floor plate assembly, will my action and magazine follower/bits just drop in?

[bigbossman]

Also because it'll be too short.

Winchester sort of crapped the bad with the naming convention of those rifles. The Winchester Short Mags were all about replicating long action magnum caliber performance in short actions. The Winchester Super Short Mags were all about replicating long action non-magnum performance in something 'mini action' sized. Calling the latter "Super Short Magnums" was a dumb idea. I mean, the cartridges share case head dimensions, but that's about it. You can't even rebarrel a WSSM to a WSM unless you want to single feed your rifle and not be able to eject live rounds (effectively turning it into a kind of shell holder action I guess).

Sure can make for a light rifle though!

Appreciate the additional info. BTW - the Kimber Montana has left the building - it was a nice light rifle, that didn't shoot for crap. The Tikka T3 Lite is less than a pound heavier, and shoots great.