For many reasons, I'd like to own an M77 Mk II in 7mm-08.  These do exist, but are rare enough to be EXCEEDINGLY difficult to find.  However, I've heard rumor that the Hawkeye barrels are a form, fit, function replacement for the Mk II barrels.  I have a line on a Mk II in .243 Win, but the price isn't all that great ($800 or so).  Adding another $300ish on top of that to swap barrels takes that not-great price into painful territory.  Not so painful that I won't do it, but painful enough that I don't want to take a leap of faith.

So, has anyone tried swapping a Ruger M77 Hawkeye 7mm-08 Rem barrel onto an M77 Mk II All Weather (aka "paddle stock") .308 Win or .243 Win?  If so, how was your experience?

For $300 you could get a blank fitted to any ruger mark 2 model 77.

As far as the barrel fitting you would still be likely to have to turn the shoulder back to line up correctly. Then deepen the chamber with a reamer.

The M77 and ruger No.1 both have 1" x 16 thread shanks. I would imaging the hawkeye would be the same.

Ruger (Mauser action) barrels are not interchangeable.  You will have to buy a "short chambered" barrel and have the chamber reamed.

Sidetrack, sorry.
I'm looking at a Ruger M77 MKII also, what are the reasons to consider this rifle over other bolt action manufacturers?
I know zilch about bolt guns.