...makes your idea very impractical. so too does the idea of putting a barrel that needs to be headspaced onto that rifle if the .308 barrel is not worn out...
I don't understand this comment, it doesn't matter what condition your curent barrel is in, any gunsmith can re-barrel it. 'Practicality' would mean that we only need one rifle for all our big game hunting...
Rather than insult the OP's idea....
No insult was ever intended. and the .270 Redding does not come to me as the meaning of the original post.......since he asks if he needs to change the acton. (do you think that it can be done with the original stock?) the "impractical" part comes from trying to fit a long-action cartridge into the original short-action configuration. it might be done......but why? Obviously many gunsmiths can re-barrel a rifle. i'd do it, personally, without taking it to a gunsmith. i'd buy the reamer and the gauges and do it at home. but that's not the point. the point is that it's more expensive than just buying a barrel......no matter who does it. i don't disrespect the original post.....nor do i assume any given level of expertise in this case. i'm merely trying to help by running some ideas up the flagpole.
if i didn't respect the original poster's capabilities i wouldn't elaborate on handloading or on buying the better grade of projectile with expectation that he'd consider the idea.
you read too much into what i'm saying.
hopefully will227457 understood me, as i think he did; and hopefully my post is part of the reason he stuck with the .308 rather than even converting it to the .270 Redding wildcat.
take care,
ss'
PS: i don't believe anybody with sufficient resources wants to do all of their hunting with just ONE rifle. that means they would never carry/transport/shoot a back-up rifle. i like some variety in life!