rebarrel a 338WM to 416 RM

[GEMSBUCK]

I own a 338 WM and a 375H&H both in Remington's 700 Classic I'd like to know if the 338WM can be rebarreled for 416 Rem mag and if so what needs to be done other than the barrel. Also is it worth the costs involved (I'm hunting cape buffalo next summer and want a .416RM) Thank you

[gunnut69]

I've not done this but it would likely entail the cost of a rebarrel. Not the cheapest thing in the world.. The cases are fairly similar although the 338 is anearly 1/2 inch shorter. This means the 375 would be an easier rebarrel but the 338 could be made to work. I would bet it would come out cheaper to trade the 338 for a 416..I would give preference to the Rigby round. It produces roughly similar ballistics at lower pressures.. and the 338 is just too nice a weapon to alter..

[Judson]

I have re-barreled lots of the Remington 700 rifles.   All you have to do is rebarrel the thing.   I would recomend lapping the lugs and trueing the action but the long action is used for both the .338 and the .416 no other changes are needed.