30-06 rebarrel to 35 Whelen

[Bob33]

I have too many 30-06 rifles gathering dust in my gun safe so I’m considering getting one rebarreled to 35 Whelen. The rifle is a Springfield 03A3 action in a stock I made with my father. It doesn’t appear to have the original barrel on it.

I’m looking for recommendations of a gunsmith to do the rebarreling. I’ve considered Benchmark and am open to other ideas.

Thanks.

[kselkhunter]

I did a re-bore instead of rebarrel when I did mine.

Jesse Ocumpaugh has rebored a 30-06 to 35 Whelen and 30-30 to 356 Winchester for me.  He does great work. 
http://www.35caliber.com/

[headshot5]

 

[Angry Perch]

  X2
He did Ruger No. 3 from .223 to .35 Whelen for me, and did excellent work. And fast!

[bearpaw]

Reboring is an interesting concept, is it cheaper than a new barrel? How does the accuracy compare to a new barrel? Pros & Cons?

[wadu1]

An other option is 9.3X62 a lot better than a 35 Whelan 

[yorketransport]

I picked up a sporterized Springfield in 35 Whelen a few years back that's very similar to what you're working on. I believe Don Manning did all the metal work and the stock was finished by a friend and his dad. My friend needed money so I bough the rifle from him and promised to hang on to it until he has the cash to buy it back from me. Beautiful gun, but one of the most unpleasant guns I've ever shot. The stock was shaped to fit my friend's dad and every time I shoot it I get socked in the cheek! I've shot ultra light 458 Win Mags which were more fun to shoot!

Reboring is an interesting concept, is it cheaper than a new barrel? How does the accuracy compare to a new barrel? Pros & Cons?

It makes a lot of sense if you're trying to maintain the look of the original gun. I've heard that the price is pretty comparable to a rebarrel, maybe a little less, and that accuracy is typically as good or better than the barrel was originally.

[kselkhunter]

Reboring is an interesting concept, is it cheaper than a new barrel? How does the accuracy compare to a new barrel? Pros & Cons?

Rebore is only $225.

Accuracy has been very good on my two rifles.   

No real cons of a rebore that I'm aware of.   You'll see JES pop up on many forums as he's the most commonly used from many states. I took my second re-bore to him in person as I had a business trip to Eugene (just north of his home in Cottage Grove).  Very nice guy.   

[Bob33]

Interesting idea. How does reboring work? I assume something is done to increase the bore. Does twist rate factor in? I assume a 30-06 barrel would have a faster twist than desirable for a 35 Whelen. Can reboring change the twist rate?

[yorketransport]

Interesting idea. How does reboring work? I assume something is done to increase the bore. Does twist rate factor in? I assume a 30-06 barrel would have a faster twist than desirable for a 35 Whelen. Can reboring change the twist rate?

On a .30 they can just re-drill the bore to .35 and then cut new rifling in the appropriate twist.

[kselkhunter]

Interesting idea. How does reboring work? I assume something is done to increase the bore. Does twist rate factor in? I assume a 30-06 barrel would have a faster twist than desirable for a 35 Whelen. Can reboring change the twist rate?

Jesse's great. Give him a call and discuss.  He'll explain the options.  He'll set the twist rate to what you want based off what size bullet you tell him you think you'll shoot the most.  For 35 Whelen it's typically a 1:12 or 1:14 twist.   He'll suggest a twist rate, and if you want something different just tell him.   He has the 3 groove and 5 groove ($25 more), and honestly the 3 groove has been fine for me.  Accuracy has been very good.   I shoot mostly 250gr, 258gr, and 310gr through my 35 Whelen as it's my thumper.   But if you plan to shoot 180gr, 200gr or 225gr just tell him and he'll suggest a twist rate for the smaller sizes.  Or you can just specify what twist you want to match the bullets you think you'll shoot the most. 

For 30-06, he'll do re-bores for 338-06, 35 Whelen, and 9.3x62mm typically.  Usually is a 2-5 day process.   Unless he has a huge backlog.  I've never heard of him taking longer than two weeks.  Very fast turnaround.   

[bearpaw]

This is a very interesting topic, I'm glad you asked about this Bob33. I've got a gun I was going to send to the facotry to rebarrel, I think I'll contact this Jesse guy about a rebore, I'm wondering if he could rebore a 300 WTBY to 340 WTBY?

[jdb]

I don't have much to add but my hat is off to you sir! Classic cartridge in a classic rifle! Elmer Keith is smiling down on you!

[Bob33]

I just got a call from JES in Oregon: ship them the action and barrel and a check for $250, and in a week they ship it back. I drop it in the stock and I have a 35 Whelen.

Almost sounds too good to be true. I'll do it and update this thread with what I learned.

[CP]

I'm considering doing this to my 30/30.  I've always wanted a .356 Win.