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So, I recently acquired a Remington 788 in 22-250. The gun has been sitting in a pickup in a barn for an undisclosed number of years. She's spotted with rust from one end to the other. Gun is gonna go in and receive a complete makeover. As I already have a very pristine 788 in 22-250, and others in same caliber, I'm looking to rechamber in something different. I have a sordid love affair with the 788, so I'm looking for some suggestions as to what else I can barrel this in. Looking thru and comparing cartridge sizes and lengths, I'm not seeing a whole lot of "standard" options. Do any of you guys know of anything that might be appropriately sized. Open to any and all suggestions.

Not lots of good choices that are easy.

The .22-250 bolt face in your 788 is the same as the .30-06, but in a short action. Technically, you could do 25-06, .270, 280, .30-06, 338-06 (my personal favorite) or .35 Whelen. There are others, but those would be the mainline calibers at the .30-06 length. To make them work in the shorter action, you would have to relieve a slot in the front of the ejection port and re-work the magazine, but it can be done.

I assume you are not enamored of the parent to the .22-250, the 250-3000? You could go for a .25 Improved...

Did I say I think you should go with the .338-06 as a lightweight hunter?

You assume correct, I have zero interest in the 250-3000. No reason behind it, just doesn't tickle me fancy. Other than the 338-06 and 35 whelen, I have multiples of the rest of those chamberings. I would like to keep it a "short action", really hate the thought of milling out the side of the receiver, but you are correct, there ain't a lot of options. Was looking at an interesting article last night about the 20-250, but there again, already have a 204 Ruger and can't see much advantage unless I go with a fast twist to shoot the heavys. Also contemplated necking up to 6 or 6.5, but kind of limited to lighter bullets unless Ido a bunch of modifications. But then, i already have the 6mm rem and a 6.5 creedmoor. Guess I'm just rambling on now... Hmmm... 338-250... Interesting....

I vote 6.5 Creedmor. You only need to ream out a couple thousandths from a 22-250 and a barrel change. A lot of folks say it is a well conceived caliber. Just throwing in my $.02 worth.

Hoot

Hoot, I do like the 6.5 creedmoor, have one with a 28 inch barrel. Shoots like a dream. Would be cool to have one that didn't weigh 15 pounds.

You could go with the 338 Federal. It would fit the action without modification.

Ooohh... Me likey... Been meaning to look into that one. Stupid four letter word(work) has been taking up all of my time...

Indy Joe wrote:You could go with the 338 Federal. It would fit the action without modification.

I've not looked at the bolt face on a 788. Is the depth short enough that the base of the .308 case will clear? If so, that would be a really good choice.

If it fits id go the route of the 6.5 creedmore, 338 Federal or the 358 winchester depending on you mission...like it's been said here several times, what's your specific mission? I've been considering all three of these calibers but haven't pounced on anything yet. I don't need any of them!

B.

Yeah, kottke, I don't really need anything either, just looking for something to do with this action. Gonna wait and see, now that I have a pile of parts coming for a Grendel project.