WSSM info

Andy1 · December 29, 2019, 02:49 PM

I have a chance to pick up a Model 70 .223 wssm for $300. I'm thinking about getting it and converting it to 500 Auto Max. They have the same rim size, short case length, and pressure rating. I think it would be pretty straight forward. Does anyone have any experience with this type of conversion?

taylorce1 · December 30, 2019, 07:30 AM

I really don't know anything about the cartridge other than it's a rimless .500 S&W. It'll work as far as a single shot rifle, but I suspect you'll run into issues making it feed from the internal magazine. You might try contacting B&M Rifles and Cartridge they've done alot of research wildcatting the WSM/WSSM cartridges. They also have a .50 B&M and Super Short which is a straight walled WSM/WSSM cartridge that feeds from the internal magazine, so they've probably worked out most feeding issues if there are any.

T. O'Heir · December 30, 2019, 01:03 PM

If you do build a 500 Auto Max, buy as much brass as you can afford at the same time. New cartridges come and go at the whim of some MBA. Starline wants $318.50 per 500.
"...issues making it feed from the internal magazine..." A nylon spacer should fix that. Mind you, the follower might cause grief too.
I'd be thinking that finding an M70 barrel for a .512" bullet might be an issue too.

Scorch · December 30, 2019, 02:59 PM

Quote:

I'd be thinking that finding an M70 barrel for a .512" bullet might be an issue too.

I was under the impression it uses a .500" bullet like the 500 S&W? Feeding should work with minor tweaking, the cartridge is about as long as a 223 cartridge. And making a barrel from a blank is a non-issue, make Model 70 barrels all the time.

Andy1 · January 1, 2020, 05:25 PM

The 500 Auto Max uses .500" bullets. It's a rimless .500 S&W. I looked around for a barrel and it was too much trouble.

Does anyone know if it's possible to change the bolt head on the Winchester WSSM bolt from the magnum rim to a standard .473 rim? I've seen Savage and Browning bolt heads for $25-$30 online. Maybe I could build a 450 Bushmaster or 45 Raptor.

Thanks for the help.

Scorch · January 1, 2020, 09:18 PM

No, Model 70s do not have removable bolt heads.

December 29, 2019, 02:49 PM	#1
Andy1 Member Join Date: March 16, 2019 Posts: 71	WSSM info I have a chance to pick up a Model 70 .223 wssm for $300. I'm thinking about getting it and converting it to 500 Auto Max. They have the same rim size, short case length, and pressure rating. I think it would be pretty straight forward. Does anyone have any experience with this type of conversion?

December 30, 2019, 07:30 AM	#2
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,242	I really don't know anything about the cartridge other than it's a rimless .500 S&W. It'll work as far as a single shot rifle, but I suspect you'll run into issues making it feed from the internal magazine. You might try contacting B&M Rifles and Cartridge they've done alot of research wildcatting the WSM/WSSM cartridges. They also have a .50 B&M and Super Short which is a straight walled WSM/WSSM cartridge that feeds from the internal magazine, so they've probably worked out most feeding issues if there are any. __________________ NRA Life Member

December 30, 2019, 01:03 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	If you do build a 500 Auto Max, buy as much brass as you can afford at the same time. New cartridges come and go at the whim of some MBA. Starline wants $318.50 per 500. "...issues making it feed from the internal magazine..." A nylon spacer should fix that. Mind you, the follower might cause grief too. I'd be thinking that finding an M70 barrel for a .512" bullet might be an issue too. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 1, 2020, 09:18 PM	#6
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	No, Model 70s do not have removable bolt heads. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 1, 2020, 05:25 PM	#5
Andy1 Member Join Date: March 16, 2019 Posts: 71	The 500 Auto Max uses .500" bullets. It's a rimless .500 S&W. I looked around for a barrel and it was too much trouble. Does anyone know if it's possible to change the bolt head on the Winchester WSSM bolt from the magnum rim to a standard .473 rim? I've seen Savage and Browning bolt heads for $25-$30 online. Maybe I could build a 450 Bushmaster or 45 Raptor. Thanks for the help.