I've had a dilemna of what to do with my Remington 760 in 35 Remington. I previously was wanting it to be quicker handling in tight quarters and on the move, and was considering shortening its barrel. Seems it was really best set up for the shortest of ranges. Now I'm thinking of going the other way. Thinking of taking advantage of the full power 30-06 capable action of the 760 to get the most out of that round, more than I could find from a factory loading.
Thinking of a couple possibilities. First, going with an improved version of the round. Is there a 35 Rem Ackley Improved? More powder space for more power is the idea. Plus, using heavier, ie higher BC bullets seated less deeply. An action long enough for 30-06 and a box mag long enough for 308 should take the longest variety of pointed bullet available, with room to spare, possibly giving more case capacity there than a normally seated bullet would allow. More powder space and more power. Finally, based on the capabilities of the Rem 760, loading up these improved rounds to pressure levels comparable to 308.
The first response I expect to hear is why not rechamber for 358 Winchester? Two problems - 1, the 35 Rem has a smaller rim, slightly. Sadly I don't think a 308 rim will fit on the bolt face. 2, The ability to still use 35 Rem factory ammo would be a great plus.
That said, 358 Win wouldn't be a terrible idea. But for available factory loadings and, yep, more power, I'd probably go all the way to the 35 Whelen and get the longer mag, which presumably works in the same action.
But before thinking about this too long, what do you folks think? An improved case wouldn't run the risk of accidentally firing in a weaker 35 Rem action, and it would involve the least changes to a good system. And what would you folks say of the idea of hot-loading the improved rounds to 308 pressure levels in a gun presumably strong enough for 308?
