Have 700ML, need direction...

[timberpig]

Hi folks!
Quick bio: I'm a 40 yr old die hard deer hunter that has deer hunted for 25+ yrs and handloaded CF cartridges for 20 yrs. I started muzzeloading around '99 with a #11 700ML and am currently shooting a a .50 cal Encore with 125gr of T7 and 250gr SST's. I'm not really a ML junkie so much as I like to hunt the season that it allows. I am looking for a solid reliable 200yd ML (that fits me better than the TC) and after being directed to this site, I think I have found what I'm looking for. I was planning to buy a Savage but after having owned and been trained with the 700 action I am excited to find a smokeless alternative that uses this platform. So...

I have a 700ML SS that I want to convert to smokeless, and am planning on the hunter bolt conversion. From what I've read the McGowen barrel seems like a good value for this project. Again, I'm a hunter and I think either the 200gr SST or Barnes 195 will fill my objectives just fine. I've read through some of the old posts but...

So where do I go from here? My questions are:
.45 cal is legal here, so I'm guessing that is the performance deer barrel of choice?
Who should I contact at McGowen that would know what I want?
1/22" barrels 25"seem popular, is that what is recommended for these bullets?
Is there a particular barrel profile recommended? This wont be a carry rifle, I hunt over fields or plots from stands or blinds. Weight isnt a big factor but I dont really want a 12lb gun if its of no advantage. If it is, tell me.
Should I have the Hunter bolt conversion first, then send in the entire gun to McGowen or can I send them off in different directions at the same time? I would love to have this set up by September, but I still have my Encore in reserve if thats unrealistic.
Regarding breech plugs, is there an option with these barrels and if so, do I want one with a vent liner? This part is new to me.

I'm sure I will have many more question before this is done, but thanks for your time.
Joel

[Deleted]

you will first need a hunter conversion , along with a callahan .186 tapered recoil lug from midway and a savage breech plug from savage. talk to dan @ mcgowen and get the DMB #1 barrel in 1/22 8 groove

as far as being ready to shoot by sept, well I think you can forget that. its a good long wait on a barrel....Bill

[lwh723]

Do you have to use a new recoil lug? If so, why?

[Deleted]

I used the factory recoil lug.

[hunter]

The factory lug is not tapered so if you are going to bed your stock anytime you will need to taper the sides so the lug will come out of the bedding.
The other lugs have more bearing surface also.

[lwh723]

Jul 15, 2011 18:53:02 GMT -5 hunter said:

The factory lug is not tapered so if you are going to bed your stock anytime you will need to taper the sides so the lug will come out of the bedding.
The other lugs have more bearing surface also.

Lol... glad I read that before I tried anything although I HOPE I would have noticed that.

[Richard]

I am going to contradict Hunter on the recoil lug............as far as not being able to "come out of the stock!" Provided you put masking tape on the three sides plus the side that faces the muzzle, you will have no problem removing the barreled action from the stock. I have done many, many of them this way! Accuracy gunsmiths for years have always relieved the sides, bottom and forward facing surfaces. Thus leaving only the rear facing surface to contact the lug abutment.
Richard

[Deleted]

Richard,
You know my gunsmith from the benchrest circuit. I discussed the recoil lug issue with him as I was told it was a bedding issue. I was advised if done correctly bedding would not be a problem. With the work I have seen him do on the benchrest guns at my range I trust his opinion. Now if I were to bed it I am sure there would be problems!

Greenhorn,
What's the origional lug measure? I did not do anything to my plug. Worked from day one. The only thing I may do is polish out the pocket so CCI209's fit better but I am hesitant to do it as Win209's work perfectly.

[Deleted]

Other than the bedding issue wouldn't there be a minor headspacing difference also. I believe the Dave D.s barrel design called for the .186 lug on the 700ml. At least thats what he told me on the phone ,lol.

[killitgrillit]

Jul 15, 2011 20:44:49 GMT -5 Richard said:

I am going to contradict Hunter on the recoil lug............as far as not being able to "come out of the stock!" Provided you put masking tape on the three sides plus the side that faces the muzzle, you will have no problem removing the barreled action from the stock. I have done many, many of them this way! Accuracy gunsmiths for years have always relieved the sides, bottom and forward facing surfaces. Thus leaving only the rear facing surface to contact the lug abutment.
Richard

I agree with Richard on this I have bedded several actions with no troubles using regular recoil lugs, the only part you want touching is the back of the recoil lug.

[timberpig]

Thanks for the replies and PM's, and especially thanks to Hillbill for taking time to explain things in detail on the phone.

[fishhawk]

The original lug is about .186, but it also has a notch cut out of the middle for the original ramrod to go through which reduces its surface area and makes taping up for bedding a real pain. For $28 the Callahan is a nice upgrade.

[Deleted]

Jul 16, 2011 16:16:57 GMT -5 fishhawk said:

The original lug is about .186, but it also has a notch cut out of the middle for the original ramrod to go through which reduces its surface area and makes taping up for bedding a real pain. For $28 the Callahan is a nice upgrade.

Well that explains the notch on the bottom! Never thought of it until you explained that. My smith used a metal shim tapped in the indent in the bottom of the action and the notched lug to hold it in place prior to spinning the new barrel on.

[Deleted]

Obviuosly it can be done with the original stock lug,but the tapered callahan .186 lug is a little more bedding friendly to the novice.
Richard,
On your 700 build are you using the stock lug or a bent one?

[Richard]

Greenhorn ;D ;D ;D! Actually it came with a Pacific Precision .186 tapered lug! Regardless, I will still tape all sides except that which faces the lug abutment!
Richard