6mm Rem to 6ppc ?

[greer]

I have a friend who wants to rebarrel his Rem 700 (6mmRem) with a 6ppc barrel. He already has a fully chambered, short shank barrel. The 6mm Rem cartridge rim is .472 dia and the 6ppc catridge rim is .445.  Will the original 6 mm Rem  bolt face work with the 6ppc. cartridge? I didn't know if there would be too much slop in the bolt face recess or not. It measures about .480. Another issue is that he wants a Sako extractor installed which might be a must anyway. Is there a certain brand Sako type extractor and installation jig that is favored? Brownells lists a few I noticed. Thanks for any input. greer

[iiranger]

Oh boy. The PC's were based on the same brass as the 7.62x39 Russian (there is a .22 version... 5.45x39 or something like that). These have a rim smaller than the Mauser standard bolt face diameter... 8x57; 7x57; .30/'06; 6mm Remington (necked down 7x57 Mauser case), 7.62/51 (also called .308 winchester, slightly thicker rim, SAME diameter);... Remington, wanting to compete without alot of trouble, came out with the BR cases on the shortened .308 brass and a small rifle primer pocket (.30 UBR). Same bolt face DIAMETER as mauser. And about as good a rep as a benchrest/accuracy cartridge.
     You could have the bolt face "bushed" to feed the smaller rim. This costs money. Alot. Or you can choose the BR cartridge which is so close to the PPC and no bolt face difference, no work. Then there is magazine work to feed the smaller diameter case. Costs money. Or use the BR which is same diameter as 6mm Remington... etc.
     If he already has a 6 PPC barrel, have the chamber opened up...  Save a bunch... LUCK

[Nobade]

Another option is to use one of Dave Kiff's bolts. (PPG) he'll make them to whatever body diameter your reciever needs, and whatever bolt face diameter you want. But since Rem doesn't make an extractor for PPC you'll need to use a Sako style extractor, which he can supply as well. Figure about $175 or so for the bolt, and about $100 for a 'smith to install the handle and get it all set up. If it were me, I'd make it a 6BR and use a Score High single shot follower. Way easier and more useful anyhow.

[gunnut69]

There are several 22 caliber Russian cartridges. the 5.4x39 CIP and T/C variant and the 220 russian. The PPC rounds were developed from the 220 Russian. Mainly for it's use of the small primer in a standard size case. The PPC head is .442 inches while the 220 Russian's is .441.  The 5.4x39 uses a case head of .395 to .393 depending on variant. A standard case head is .470 (roughly) and that's about .028 inches difference. Not likely a problem other than with extraction. I've seen mauser 98's chambered for the 7.62x39 a case with a base diameter of .445 inches with not problems as long as the extractor was properly fitted.. Of course that's only a difference of .025 inches.. 

[wncchester]

I second Nobade's suggestion to go to the 6mm BR, it would be much less expensive and the accuracy would be much the same.

No factory barrel or action is likely to shoot competitively in a BR competition and the difference in accuratcy potential due to the cartridges for for your friends rifle would be insignificant.  On the other hand, the cost of bolt work to fit the smaller PPC case would not be insignificant!

[greer]

 Things get complicated quick don't they. It does sound like opening up his PPC chamber to BR is the most feasible. He has  already given me the barrel which is a stainless fluted job. I can't remember if he told who built it or if he even knows. I hope it isn't a dog that will make whatever I do look bad.  Is the job of converting a Rem bolt to the Sako style extractor a hassle?  I've been looking at jigs and extractors in Brownell's. Thanks alot for the help. greer

[gunnut69]

It requires a milling maachine and the knowledge to run it. It also negates the reminton sealed breach system.. Since this is part of the actions safety design I've come to believe it is a less than great idea. Since the rifle is already a 6mm Rem the bolt face won't need opening if converting to the 6mmBR.

[greer]

Thanks. I do have a milling machine but just wondered if the sako style extractor would have that many advantages in a non dangerous game rifle. I'll talk it over with the fellow. Hopefully he'll just let me open up the chamber to 6 BR, true the action and be done with it. Thanks again. The old gunsmith in this area died and its hard to get advice on things like this. Your a wonderful resource.         greer