Remington ML Bolt

[spoonover]

Two questions, 1) where does the ML bolt get it's head space? Does it lock against the bolt handle or is it the screw in the side of the action?

2) What action is the ML? Is it the 700 short action or is it the mod 7? Have never had one in hand so need some input.

Was thinking how hard it would be to fit the ML bolt with Hunter nose in a CF 600, 700 or Model 7. Another thing would be of consideration would be trigger.

[Al]

bolt locates off the side screw.

action is a short action, same 700 trigger too.

have never seen Hunters kit first hand, but if it's like I'm thinking it is, you'd have to turn the bolt nose to a give diameter and about 1/2 back thru the lugs, then press it on. I'm assuming a new firing pin would be needed also.

[hunter]

The main spring for a model 7 and the 700ml are the same part number but not sure how that relates to the actual bolt.
The bolt locks down by the retaining screw and the slot, or raceway in the bolt.
The 700ml action is the same size as the SA 700 action.
The bolt is shorter on the 700ml but about the same dimension and will fit into the 700 SA action and turn down.
You would have the raceways for the lugs on the 700 action to contend with and would also need to drill action for the retaining screw for starters. There may be other issues that I am overlooking.

[spoonover]

So there is no raceways in the ML, wow I am gonna have to look at the ML action now? Bolt handle has to be silver soldered on, no problem to move the bolt lock down to action and bolt. Maybe the ML bolt could have a stop put on one side to catch the bolt release and run in the raceway for aliment to do away with the retaining screw.

Looks like retaining screw would be hard done without a end mill, and appears like it would be threading through the thin part of the raceway.

I will call Pacific and see if they would sell a bolt for a ML. The last WSM bolt I got from them was not over $200 and came with a bolt handle for a model 7 (if I remember correctly $). The ML bolt looks like a lot less work to build than a 700 no locking lugs, no heat treating, just the slot for firing mechanism and threads for firing pin assembly. Before calling Pacific need to have a more input or get hold of a ML bolt!

[guppy]

Does anyone know what firing pin the Hunters kit uses, or are they custom?

[fishhawk]

I'm pretty sure that Hunter has them made, same with the bolt nose.

[mountainam]

Spoonover, Man you'd have to be really opposed to using trimmed casings and LRP's to go through all the machining required to get to where you want to end up. Somewhere in our archives Dave d. built a 700CF/ 700ML Hybrid that you are describing. IIRC, he machined the locking lugs off the bolt body and slotted the bolt body for the retaining screw. A world-class job! I do not remember if he used shortened cases or a 209 for ignition. Perhaps he'll chime in.

Unless you do your own machining or know a master machinist that owes you some really big favors, costs would be substantially more than going with a 700ML conversion or even a 700/600/7 CF conversion. By what you described above, you would potentially have more $$$$ in the CF bolt-body work than you would in a complete SS 700ML donor rifle.

The only rifle easier to modify than the 700ML would be the Savage 10MLII. That's due to the fact that the 90% of the groundwork is done. Don't get me wrong, there's always room for another design and if you want it and are willing to fund it --- by all means go for it. But it's kinda the long way around to where the guys are with the builds here as far as costs and ease. Good luck with your decision!

[spoonover]

I have two CF ML barrels. Both are on a switch barrel actions. I have and can get CF actions for building without the hassle. Like the 209 primer much better than CF primers (no leak). Hunters bolt nose and Savage plug makes a very reliable ML. CF cut cases are a pain to keep and matched for each barrel.

[ratsnakeboogy]

You can adjust headspace SLIGHTLY by hand filing the nose of the bolt retention screw. I had one the was extremely hard to open and close with any primer. I hand filed a bit off and achieved a tight closure without feeling like I would break the bolt handle off.

I would caution going to far could change the trigger geometry, and cause more than optimum blow-by.

[captbutch]

There is a Rem ML bolt on ebay right now if that helps.

[spoonover]

Feb 27, 2012 12:23:12 GMT -5 captbutch said:

There is a Rem ML bolt on ebay right now if that helps.

Thanks for the heads up. $55 bucks already!