barrel length for new build

[Robinhood]

Just because it's shorter, doesn't mean it will work any better. The bolt diameter is the same as the standard short action, and that's where the problem lies. For short cases with a small boltface, the whole action needs to be scaled down. The bolt diameter needs to be smaller as well as the diameter of the lugs, and the thickness of the lugs. A short case requires less jump to get the nose of the bullet started into the chamber mouth, and thus the magazine must be closer to the breech. A smaller diameter will also limit the deflection angle of the case when the ejector tips it out.

Excellent point. So how about a Remington 788

[sharpshooter]

I never really thought about it because you don't see many 788's any more, but yes, I think that would work fine. The single stack magazine would definitely have advantages.

[prdatr]

I have a 788 in 22-250. It's a ugly duckling but puts a hurtin on coyotes.

[MaddHatter]

so is the rem 788 barrel a metric thread or is it SAE?? is it a easy re barrel ?? cause it would make a good donor rifle to build on for my projects like you guys say... according to my research the 788 action is actually a more stiff part than a 700 and is somewhat more accurate than the 700....not bad for an economy build

[sharpshooter]

Can't remember the dia off the top my head but it's either a 18 or 20 pitch thread.

[Stumpkiller]

1-20 according to SpeerChucker30x3 on PracticalMachinist.com

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/attachments/f24/56116d1343854402-barrel-extensions-rod-henrickson-remington-788.jpg

[prdatr]

so is the rem 788 barrel a metric thread or is it SAE?? is it a easy re barrel ?? cause it would make a good donor rifle to build on for my projects like you guys say... according to my research the 788 action is actually a more stiff part than a 700 and is somewhat more accurate than the 700....not bad for an economy build

It could be stiffer but I haven't hears that about them. The barrel on mine is not a varmint barrel but it is thicker at the muzzle than most sporter barrels of other rifles. It is unique with it's nine lugs and has been touted as the fastest lock of any production rifle at the time.

[Robinhood]

.....and you do not have the lug raceway to inhibit extraction of small/ short cartridges. It was ahead of its time..

[MaddHatter]

that is what I have found as well,,,,that the lug raceway doesn't inhibit the extraction of the cartridge.....my next question is about the recoil lug...is it integral to the receiver or is it
a single piece unit like the m700? and is there replacement parts for it or do you just re-use the old lug?

[MaddHatter]

I am actually leaning to the Remington 788 platform in .223..and still looking into the mini Howa as well..... but I like the 788. and I can purchase a good donor rifle for about 350.00 off gun broker.com just a little bit more than a axis rifle in .223 all I gotta do is talk to my gunsmith about the 788 and see if he can machine that particular thread and contour...

[yobuck]

I bought a 788 for my oldest son for his first rifle about 50 years ago.
He is now (as i recall) 57. Lol
His is a 243 and has always been a very accurate gun.
They also made a lefty version by just flipping the bolt to the opposite side, but leaving the port on the right side.
Great for a lefty shooting from a bench.
Ive always kicked myself for not buying a lefty back then, as they bring premium prices today.
BUT, I’ve read that they tend to have lug setback issues after a period of time with some of the hotter cartridges like 6mm AI.
I don’t know if the small rear lugs might contribute to that.