Post by: matttyson on May 12, 2017, 07:44:28 PM
Post by: JDHasty on May 12, 2017, 07:59:49 PM
You can get it rebored in Oregon
http://35caliber.com/8.html
$225 for 3 groove
$250 for 4 or 5 groove
includes return shipping on std rebore jobs
It is a real whomper
Post by: Oh Mah on May 12, 2017, 08:06:24 PM
similar ballistics to the .300 win mag
Post by: jay.sharkbait on May 12, 2017, 08:11:37 PM
This will give you an excuse to say "Norma" all week at hunting camp.
Post by: Biggerhammer on May 12, 2017, 08:20:08 PM
.300 win mag,arguably the best thing since sliced bread.Or simple 30-06 ackley improved.just a re-ream
similar ballistics to the .300 win mag
I have to agree when it comes to the 300 Win Mag. By far my favorite across the board cartridge. With the .375 H&H following it up as a close second for hunting A-Z.
Post by: Oh Mah on May 12, 2017, 08:50:42 PM
It's my favorite squirrel gun :yike:.300 win mag,arguably the best thing since sliced bread.Or simple 30-06 ackley improved.just a re-ream
similar ballistics to the .300 win mag
I have to agree when it comes to the 300 Win Mag. By far my favorite across the board cartridge. With the .375 H&H following it up as a close second for hunting A-Z.
Post by: JDHasty on May 12, 2017, 09:22:23 PM
That is unless you would be better off selling or trading it to get a magnum bolt face action before starting the work unless you happen to have a spare belted magnum bolt laying around.
9.3x62 brass is a dime a dozen and if you want a true varmint rifle instead of another deer/bear/elk rifle there is nothing that is going to be better than a 257 AI for long range varmint, especially coyote & chuck, sniping. Not the best for long range prairie dogs, gets too hot way too fast.
You will have great magazine length for a 257 AI with a pretty quick twist barrel that will handle long, Long, LOnger and way LONger bullets and with a laser range finder this can be a rifle that can minimize wind influences if you want to try to shoot WAY out and still hit something with regularity.
Best part is your gunsmith will likely own the reamer and not have to borrow or rent one.
Post by: Skillet on May 12, 2017, 09:39:11 PM
Post by: Biggerhammer on May 12, 2017, 09:39:41 PM
Post by: sumpnz on May 12, 2017, 09:43:50 PM
9.3x62
You can get it rebored in Oregon
http://35caliber.com/8.html
$225 for 3 groove
$250 for 4 or 5 groove
includes return shipping on std rebore jobs
It is a real whomper
:yeah:
I have a CZ-550 Medium in that caliber. I've shot 3 elk with it. Farthest I had to track one was still under 10 yard. 210-220 yard shot based on Google Earth measurements for that one. Though that was the one that decided to die in a mud hole barely as big as she was. :bash:
4x4 bull was a 250 yard shot and a true DRT.
Killed those 2 elk with 286gr Hornady Spire Points. First one fell to a 286gr Partition. Can't say the partition did anything the SP's didn't. Both are accurate, both drop elk like the Hammer of Thor. But the Partitions are, what?, 4x the price.
I can't say enough good things about the cartridge when it comes to killing elk. That said, it's not something I look forward to shooting at the range. I generally shoot only just enough rounds to confirm my zero. Then it's back to the 6.5x55 or .22lr.
.308 Norma
This will give you an excuse to say "Norma" all week at hunting camp.
:bow:
Post by: kselkhunter on May 12, 2017, 09:56:08 PM
For 30-06 the 338-06 and 35 Whelen are the easiest as they just use the same brass and chamber sizes. Simple re-bore the barrel to accept the larger bullets, and double check head spacing. If you reload, go for the Ackley Improved versions for the extra handful of grains of powder. JES reboring out of Oregon does the best work, JDHasty already posted the link previously in this thread.
Next up is 9.3x62mm. Basically a metric "whelen", slightly better ballistics with .006" larger bullet (and a few more grains of powder) Very popular internationally, and some countries in Africa grandfathered it into their caliber restrictions since it was designed there specifically for that region (well, by a German, but for the African colonies). A bit more gunsmith work but still do-able. But the gunsmith will want to verify your barrel thickness to make sure you still have minimum barrel thickness to handle the rebore. Unless you re-barrel, then the sky is the limit (but costs double)
If you re-barrel, and switch to something like a 300 win mag or other that causes bolt and chamber changes, you're going to easily creep up close to the price for just buying a new gun. Unless as JDHasty suggests you have a spare 300WM magnum bolt lying around. If I were going to go crazy with a mag changeover I'd go sexy with a 358 Norma mag. :-)
My gunsmith wasn't comfortable going 9.3x62 with my barrel, so ended up choosing the 35 Whelen as I wanted larger frontal area and ability to shoot bigger bullets without having to step up to 338WM/375H&H recoil. It was designed by Americans as a poor mans 375 H&H before the Brits released that design to the US. A 250gr bullet at 200 yards is only 160 ft-lbs less retained energy from a 35 Whelen than a 338WM, but uses ~25% less powder to get there. Due to the higher BC the 338WM is significantly better once you get past 400 yards though.
But you already have a 338WM. So the 338-06/35Whelen/9.3x62 selections are going to mostly duplicate it, granted with significantly less recoil. So maybe something smaller as JDHasty suggests.
Post by: sumpnz on May 12, 2017, 10:16:21 PM
But you already have a 338WM. So the 338-06/35Whelen/9.3x62 selections are going to mostly duplicate it, granted with significantly less recoil. So maybe something smaller as JDHasty suggests.
Having shot my buddy's .338WM side by side with my 9.3x62 I'd question the assertion the .338 is significantly higher recoil. Never having shot a .338-06 or .35 Whelen I can't speak to those cartridges' recoil, but my perception was that the 9.3 was harder recoiling than the .338WM. My 9.3 is a CZ, so it's no featherweight. I think the 2 rifles are similar in overall weight, including glass (the .338WM is a Rem 700, prob ADL, but far from positive).
I'll grant that I was shooting 286gr handloads that are fairly warm in the 9.3, and my buddy's .338WM had 225gr factory Core-lock ammo. If I stepped down to 250gr in the 9.3 or he had heavier handloads for the .338WM I might have decided differently. But I still don't think the recoil would have been "significantly" different. Noticable, perhaps, at least in a side by side comparison, but not different enough to sway a choice.
Post by: JDHasty on May 12, 2017, 10:28:11 PM
Having just gone through this, it depends on how much you want to spend.
For 30-06 the 338-06 and 35 Whelen are the easiest as they just use the same brass and chamber sizes. Simple re-bore the barrel to accept the larger bullets, and double check head spacing. If you reload, go for the Ackley Improved versions for the extra handful of grains of powder. JES reboring out of Oregon does the best work, JDHasty already posted the link previously in this thread.
Next up is 9.3x62mm. Basically a metric "whelen", slightly better ballistics with .006" larger bullet (and a few more grains of powder) Very popular internationally, and some countries in Africa grandfathered it into their caliber restrictions since it was designed there specifically for that region (well, by a German, but for the African colonies). A bit more gunsmith work but still do-able. But the gunsmith will want to verify your barrel thickness to make sure you still have minimum barrel thickness to handle the rebore. Unless you re-barrel, then the sky is the limit (but costs double)
If you re-barrel, and switch to something like a 300 win mag or other that causes bolt and chamber changes, you're going to easily creep up close to the price for just buying a new gun. Unless as JDHasty suggests you have a spare 300WM magnum bolt lying around. If I were going to go crazy with a mag changeover I'd go sexy with a 358 Norma mag. :-)
My gunsmith wasn't comfortable going 9.3x62 with my barrel, so ended up choosing the 35 Whelen as I wanted larger frontal area and ability to shoot bigger bullets without having to step up to 338WM/375H&H recoil. It was designed by Americans as a poor mans 375 H&H before the Brits released that design to the US. A 250gr bullet at 200 yards is only 160 ft-lbs less retained energy from a 35 Whelen than a 338WM, but uses ~25% less powder to get there. Due to the higher BC the 338WM is significantly better once you get past 400 yards though.
But you already have a 338WM. So the 338-06/35Whelen/9.3x62 selections are going to mostly duplicate it, granted with significantly less recoil. So maybe something smaller as JDHasty suggests.
And there ya' have it. I have been around this game a long time and if it were me, and I wanted a 9.3x62 I would send a Remington pump down to Oregon. Just because they give you all, and then some, of the accuracy needed for big game. And this reboring WILL be just as accurate as a factory 700, or close to it.
But I would go 257 AI with a long action if I had a 270 Win and a 338 and be ready to tell the world that I have it covered all the way out from where the hornets fail to deliver up through 600 yards here in north America. And is will make that 270 a firearm you lend to friends and relatives if you go to Montana or Wyoming for speed goats. But I was not trying to duplicate what you already have while expanding your fun.
The 257 AI will take what you have further down than the 9.3 will take you up and both use the same bolt face. I don't know what is left for a 270 after you have a 257 AI and a 338 Win. here in the Pacific Northwest except a really accurate 223. And that makes the 270 superfluous so you might as well sell it and buy a 223 and be done with having everything covered out from 22 magnum range to wherever.
That is unless you are like me and you find out that most of your hunting is rockchucks that are betw 75 and 250 yards and then you will have to decide between a 22 Hornet and a 17 Hornet to buy with the money you got for your 270.
Post by: JDHasty on May 12, 2017, 10:30:43 PM
But you already have a 338WM. So the 338-06/35Whelen/9.3x62 selections are going to mostly duplicate it, granted with significantly less recoil. So maybe something smaller as JDHasty suggests.
Having shot my buddy's .338WM side by side with my 9.3x62 I'd question the assertion the .338 is significantly higher recoil. Never having shot a .338-06 or .35 Whelen I can't speak to those cartridges' recoil, but my perception was that the 9.3 was harder recoiling than the .338WM. My 9.3 is a CZ, so it's no featherweight. I think the 2 rifles are similar in overall weight, including glass (the .338WM is a Rem 700, prob ADL, but far from positive).
I'll grant that I was shooting 286gr handloads that are fairly warm in the 9.3, and my buddy's .338WM had 225gr factory Core-lock ammo. If I stepped down to 250gr in the 9.3 or he had heavier handloads for the .338WM I might have decided differently. But I still don't think the recoil would have been "significantly" different. Noticable, perhaps, at least in a side by side comparison, but not different enough to sway a choice.
If ya' have a 338, and like it, go down in caliber. There is nothing to be gained until you are considering a 375 H&H. Just my opinion.
Post by: kselkhunter on May 12, 2017, 10:59:15 PM
Post by: wheels on May 12, 2017, 11:03:53 PM
Post by: JDHasty on May 12, 2017, 11:21:25 PM
I shot long range chucks for many a year with what was a hunting weight 788 in 22-250 alongside guys shooting heavy barrel varmint guns. And still do even though I also now, finally have a varmint weight 22-250 and 243, but in all honesty, for long range chuck shooting,you will be GTG with a 257 AI that you can also stalk speed goats with and be none the worse for it.
Just make certain your rifle has what it takes and will deliver if you also want to expand your horizons "down" and shoot long range chucks.
Post by: NW SURVEYOR on May 13, 2017, 06:24:35 AM
It will be a re-barrel, but you may as well have the best.
After shooting the .280 you will sell the .270 and then go buy a 22-250.
Rob.
Post by: yorketransport on May 13, 2017, 06:46:30 AM
Post by: jay.sharkbait on May 13, 2017, 07:12:04 AM
The only real option is the 22 Satan (22-06 improved) everything else is just pointless. Use a 12" twist barrel and throw 40 grain bullets at around 4400 fps. Should make a great deer killer when they decide to allow 22s for big game in WA.
Now that would be the schizzle in a BAR or a 1919.
Post by: yorketransport on May 13, 2017, 07:16:26 AM
The only real option is the 22 Satan (22-06 improved) everything else is just pointless. Use a 12" twist barrel and throw 40 grain bullets at around 4400 fps. Should make a great deer killer when they decide to allow 22s for big game in WA.
Now that would be the schizzle in a BAR or a 1919.
Belt fed really is the only way to go. It bypasses any max magazine capacity requirements.
Post by: Biggerhammer on May 13, 2017, 07:36:44 AM
Post by: matttyson on May 13, 2017, 08:08:28 AM
Post by: grundy53 on May 13, 2017, 08:11:46 AM
Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk
Post by: Bill W on May 13, 2017, 08:12:17 AM
Post by: highhunter on May 13, 2017, 08:49:14 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on May 13, 2017, 09:21:34 AM
Post by: b23 on May 13, 2017, 10:12:38 AM
6.5-06
The OP said rechambered but also asked for suggestions on what caliber so I'll assume he maybe meant re-barrel and not just rechamber. If so, my first pick would be something in a 6.5 caliber like a 6.5-284, 6.5-06, maybe even 6.5-06AI.
As for any problems converting a standard bolt face to mag bolt face or even super mag bolt face, WTF are you talking about?!
Standard bolt face Rem 700's get opened up to mag bolt face diameter alllllllllll the time. I've NEVER heard a gunsmith recommend against it. I even have a LA Rem 700 that's been opened up to the super mag 338 Lapua size bolt face. You'll obviously have a little more money invested in machine work because they have to open up the bolt face and then machine a slot to install a M16 or Sako style extractor but beyond the added cost, it's a none issue. But, since you already have a 338 Win mag that has a mag bolt face, it wouldn't make much sense to spend the money to open it up to a .540 bolt face.
The 280 Ack Imp was mentioned earlier, not a bad choice either and would be an easy one to load for using Nosler 280 AI brass but since you already have a heavy hitter in the 338 Win mag. I'd probably go the other direction and look at something in a smaller caliber, maybe even think about a fast twist 6-284 to shoot the 105's but I'd most likely go something in 6.5.
As for reboring a factory barrel, IMO, that's just, potentially, throwing good money after bad.
Post by: Biggerhammer on May 13, 2017, 10:34:34 AM
Post by: JDHasty on May 13, 2017, 02:37:03 PM
Achley Improved, Norma, Whelen, Satan.....with names like that my cool factor will absolutely go up! I am liking the idea of going down from the 270 in caliber. 257 AI is interesting. How does that compare with the "vanilla" 25-06 from a practicality standpoint? A speed goat/varmit gun would make a nice addition to the safe and then my 270 and 338 won't get their feelings hurt so much. Thanks everyone for the thoughts and ideas!
Very favorably. You can fire factory 257 Roberts ammo in it in a pinch too.
Post by: Taco280AI on May 13, 2017, 04:01:18 PM
Post by: JDHasty on May 13, 2017, 05:28:36 PM
6.5-06
The OP said rechambered but also asked for suggestions on what caliber so I'll assume he maybe meant re-barrel and not just rechamber. If so, my first pick would be something in a 6.5 caliber like a 6.5-284, 6.5-06, maybe even 6.5-06AI.
As for any problems converting a standard bolt face to mag bolt face or even super mag bolt face, WTF are you talking about?!
Standard bolt face Rem 700's get opened up to mag bolt face diameter alllllllllll the time. I've NEVER heard a gunsmith recommend against it. I even have a LA Rem 700 that's been opened up to the super mag 338 Lapua size bolt face. You'll obviously have a little more money invested in machine work because they have to open up the bolt face and then machine a slot to install a M16 or Sako style extractor but beyond the added cost, it's a none issue. But, since you already have a 338 Win mag that has a mag bolt face, it wouldn't make much sense to spend the money to open it up to a .540 bolt face.
The 280 Ack Imp was mentioned earlier, not a bad choice either and would be an easy one to load for using Nosler 280 AI brass but since you already have a heavy hitter in the 338 Win mag. I'd probably go the other direction and look at something in a smaller caliber, maybe even think about a fast twist 6-284 to shoot the 105's but I'd most likely go something in 6.5.
As for reboring a factory barrel, IMO, that's just, potentially, throwing good money after bad.
Are you basing that on experience?
Post by: b23 on May 13, 2017, 06:04:47 PM
6.5-06
The OP said rechambered but also asked for suggestions on what caliber so I'll assume he maybe meant re-barrel and not just rechamber. If so, my first pick would be something in a 6.5 caliber like a 6.5-284, 6.5-06, maybe even 6.5-06AI.
As for any problems converting a standard bolt face to mag bolt face or even super mag bolt face, WTF are you talking about?!
Standard bolt face Rem 700's get opened up to mag bolt face diameter alllllllllll the time. I've NEVER heard a gunsmith recommend against it. I even have a LA Rem 700 that's been opened up to the super mag 338 Lapua size bolt face. You'll obviously have a little more money invested in machine work because they have to open up the bolt face and then machine a slot to install a M16 or Sako style extractor but beyond the added cost, it's a none issue. But, since you already have a 338 Win mag that has a mag bolt face, it wouldn't make much sense to spend the money to open it up to a .540 bolt face.
The 280 Ack Imp was mentioned earlier, not a bad choice either and would be an easy one to load for using Nosler 280 AI brass but since you already have a heavy hitter in the 338 Win mag. I'd probably go the other direction and look at something in a smaller caliber, maybe even think about a fast twist 6-284 to shoot the 105's but I'd most likely go something in 6.5.
As for reboring a factory barrel, IMO, that's just, potentially, throwing good money after bad.
Are you basing that on experience?
Negative. I believe factory barrels are marginal and good quality custom barrels just don't cost that much so I, personally, see no point in spending money on something that is marginal to start with and hoping it turns out well. I don't know any gunsmiths that'll give you any kind of accuracy guarantee if you chose to use your rebored factory barrel on a build.
Post by: Bofire on May 13, 2017, 06:42:28 PM
Carl
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on May 13, 2017, 08:39:24 PM
Some of you guys read too much, go kill some stuff...
Post by: JDHasty on May 13, 2017, 10:34:20 PM
6.5-06
The OP said rechambered but also asked for suggestions on what caliber so I'll assume he maybe meant re-barrel and not just rechamber. If so, my first pick would be something in a 6.5 caliber like a 6.5-284, 6.5-06, maybe even 6.5-06AI.
As for any problems converting a standard bolt face to mag bolt face or even super mag bolt face, WTF are you talking about?!
Standard bolt face Rem 700's get opened up to mag bolt face diameter alllllllllll the time. I've NEVER heard a gunsmith recommend against it. I even have a LA Rem 700 that's been opened up to the super mag 338 Lapua size bolt face. You'll obviously have a little more money invested in machine work because they have to open up the bolt face and then machine a slot to install a M16 or Sako style extractor but beyond the added cost, it's a none issue. But, since you already have a 338 Win mag that has a mag bolt face, it wouldn't make much sense to spend the money to open it up to a .540 bolt face.
The 280 Ack Imp was mentioned earlier, not a bad choice either and would be an easy one to load for using Nosler 280 AI brass but since you already have a heavy hitter in the 338 Win mag. I'd probably go the other direction and look at something in a smaller caliber, maybe even think about a fast twist 6-284 to shoot the 105's but I'd most likely go something in 6.5.
As for reboring a factory barrel, IMO, that's just, potentially, throwing good money after bad.
Are you basing that on experience?
Negative. I believe factory barrels are marginal and good quality custom barrels just don't cost that much so I, personally, see no point in spending money on something that is marginal to start with and hoping it turns out well. I don't know any gunsmiths that'll give you any kind of accuracy guarantee if you chose to use your rebored factory barrel on a build.
JES will turn out a reborred barrel that will be plenty accurate for a heavy hitter like a 9.3x62. I have seen Remington pumps that were reborred from 30-06 and they shoot very close to an inch at a hundred yards
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on May 14, 2017, 12:39:20 AM
Post by: JDHasty on May 14, 2017, 01:00:03 AM
In the grand scheme of things, a good snout is cheap... skip the "re-bore" and get a 6mm-06 or 6.5-06.
Go down in caliber and go 257 AI. 6-06 will leave you with a barrel burned out before you have settled on a load... unless you luck into the right combination. I'm all about going hunting after you get that settled. And I am not about buying barrels (even though when I am into shooting long range chucks, I ante up). I want something that is GTG for a decade and so long as you get a 22 Hornet or a 17 Hornet you have a bag gun with a 257 AI unless you decide it is too good a speed goat and mule deer gun to use it up.
Post by: b23 on May 14, 2017, 08:39:02 AM
Any nonsense about them burning out a barrel before you settle on a load just shows ignorance. It's similar to the nonsense babble about how opening up a standard bolt face Rem 700 is a bad idea. OMG, are you serious?! The Rem 700 is probably the easiest to do and the action that has this done to it the most often.
Post by: bearpaw on May 14, 2017, 09:13:41 AM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on May 14, 2017, 09:23:11 AM
I think the steel is generally pretty good in the standard factory barrels. Most seem to be hammer forged, though; so maybe that's where the thought of being marginal comes in. A smith doing a rebore will drill out any of the variances from the hammer forging and is probably going to cut or button rifle, so the barrel should be pretty good.6.5-06
The OP said rechambered but also asked for suggestions on what caliber so I'll assume he maybe meant re-barrel and not just rechamber. If so, my first pick would be something in a 6.5 caliber like a 6.5-284, 6.5-06, maybe even 6.5-06AI.
As for any problems converting a standard bolt face to mag bolt face or even super mag bolt face, WTF are you talking about?!
Standard bolt face Rem 700's get opened up to mag bolt face diameter alllllllllll the time. I've NEVER heard a gunsmith recommend against it. I even have a LA Rem 700 that's been opened up to the super mag 338 Lapua size bolt face. You'll obviously have a little more money invested in machine work because they have to open up the bolt face and then machine a slot to install a M16 or Sako style extractor but beyond the added cost, it's a none issue. But, since you already have a 338 Win mag that has a mag bolt face, it wouldn't make much sense to spend the money to open it up to a .540 bolt face.
The 280 Ack Imp was mentioned earlier, not a bad choice either and would be an easy one to load for using Nosler 280 AI brass but since you already have a heavy hitter in the 338 Win mag. I'd probably go the other direction and look at something in a smaller caliber, maybe even think about a fast twist 6-284 to shoot the 105's but I'd most likely go something in 6.5.
As for reboring a factory barrel, IMO, that's just, potentially, throwing good money after bad.
Are you basing that on experience?
Negative. I believe factory barrels are marginal and good quality custom barrels just don't cost that much so I, personally, see no point in spending money on something that is marginal to start with and hoping it turns out well. I don't know any gunsmiths that'll give you any kind of accuracy guarantee if you chose to use your rebored factory barrel on a build.
JES will turn out a reborred barrel that will be plenty accurate for a heavy hitter like a 9.3x62. I have seen Remington pumps that were reborred from 30-06 and they shoot very close to an inch at a hundred yards
Post by: matttyson on June 06, 2017, 12:35:13 PM