Uh-Oh Bad Bore on the Remington 721 300 H&H

[usabaker]

Well, looks like a made a rookie mistake when I purchased that Remington 721 in 300 H&H . I guess my excitement of finding it over-shot my common sense. I did look down the bore but did not notice the ware nor did I bring my bore gauges with me (I was too far in the drive by the time I remembered).

Took the rifle out to the range last Friday and zeroed it at 100. The zero seemed to shift and I thought perhaps it was the vintage Bushnell scope. I could not even hit a 17"X17" target at 300.

Getting it home and cleaning it I noticed that the muzzle was gray, not shiny. Then found that I found that the first 1/2" from the muzzle is worn to the point that a bullet head will fall into it without issue. There is no throat erosion at the other end, I have not slugged the barrel yet though. I'm disappointed in myself , but again its not easy to come by these in California so I'll just make the best of it.

I was wondering if anyone had a source for replacement barrels, new, used, or aftermarket for the Remington 721 in 300 H&H. Worse case I was thinking of counter-boring the existing barrel if the slugging shows it within spec. That is if I can find a competent gunsmith to do it; I do not have access to a lathe otherwise I would have it done already.

[Daan Kemp]

Counterbore might be the immediate option while sourcing another barrel.

[usabaker]

Counterbore might be the immediate option while sourcing another barrel.

Well, I have been bouncing back and forth on this one. I really love this rifle and can't see just settling. Seems original barrels are few and far between. I found a place called McGowan Precision Barrels https://mcgowenbarrel.com/ that can make a custom barrel for it and cut the barrel to the factory contour including the "sight bump" as it is on the original barrel, I'll have to solder the front sight on myself though.

The price of course is about the same I would have to pay for another 721 in 300 H&H, but I can't see letting a rifle like this be subpar and end up a safe queen. I certentaly would not sell the rifle like this.

So I figure that this will become a 100% hunting rifle - this year's deer season being her first - and a rifle I will hand down to one of my kids. I'll just buy another for my collection later.

[browningautorifle]

I know what it's like, I've had a couple like that myself.

[usabaker]

I know what it's like, I've had a couple like that myself.

I guess on the bright side I'm going to have one very accurate Remintion 721 300 H&H rifle when it comes back with the McGowan Precision Barrel. I suppose I could have cut down the barrel by an inch and saved a bunch of money, but it would have kept eating at me. Luckily 721's are not really highly collectible so they can still be had at reasonable prices.... Just need to watch the auctons.

[rugersworld]

counter bore it. I have a 8mm mauser that had the same condition, and I countered bored it 1/4" with a 3/8" rotery bur in my hand drill. Made all the difference. Yours being 1/2" would be a lathe job.

[browningautorifle]

Just need to watch the auctions.

I already looked, you'll find one. I only found one in 300 Win.

I countered bored it 1/4" with a 3/8" rotary bur in my hand drill. Made all the difference. Yours being 1/2" would be a lathe job.

Yours ideally would be done with a special drill bit too.

[usabaker]

I already looked, you'll find one. I only found one in 300 Win.

300 WIN MAG would be fun. I have a Remington 783 Bolt-Action Rifle with Factory Scope in 300 WIN MAG. Bought it 2015 and it still new in the box, I've never shot it. I only bought it because it was on the clearance shelf - It's an ugly rifle that has that small ejection port.. LOL but I could not say no to a 300 WIN MAG at just over $200.00 US

[steveu]

Try to find some Laupa .3095” bullets.

[usabaker]

ry to find some Laupa .3095” bullets.

Don't know it it would have made a difference because the rest of the bore is fine and the .3095" would be swaged down by the time it got to the muzzle and worn area. Makes no difference though, I already sent the rifle off to McGowan Precision Barrel to be rebarred with a custom barrel that will be cut to the original profile.

---------- Post added at 07:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 AM ----------

I already looked, you'll find one. I only found one in 300 Win.

Jim, Where did you see the 300 WIN? I've been digging for it but not able to locate it.

Thanks
Bill