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Author Topic: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?  (Read 2072 times)

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Offline lgm270

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Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« on: December 25, 2009, 08:14:00 PM »
Anyone have any thoughts on  rebarreling a Remington 788 from .308 to 7.62x39?
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Offline roper

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2009, 11:10:50 PM »
One problem you run into is the bolt face is smaller.  I did one on a Rem 700 action used a 1/18 twist barrel shooting BIB 112/118gr bullets.  My gunsmith didn't have a reamer so I had to buy that plus headspace gauges and I had to have a Sako extractor installed, it's kind of like the endless money pit. I only shot paper with that rifle but was fun project.


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Offline woodchukhntr

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2009, 03:50:05 AM »
If you are looking for less performance, load down the .308, or sell or trade the 788 for a CZ 527 carbine which would probably cost less than the the work you would have to do on the 788.  I have one and it is shoots very well with .308 dia. bullets and very handy.
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Offline diggler1833

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2009, 03:51:33 AM »
Not to sound like a d*ck, but why?  What is your intention with the round...target shooting, plinking, hunting or just something different to mess around with?

A bit more info would help greatly.  
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Offline lgm270

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2009, 01:47:55 PM »
Quote from: roper on December 25, 2009, 11:10:50 PM
One problem you run into is the bolt face is smaller.  I did one on a Rem 700 action used a 1/18 twist barrel shooting BIB 112/118gr bullets.  My gunsmith didn't have a reamer so I had to buy that plus headspace gauges and I had to have a Sako extractor installed, it's kind of like the endless money pit. I only shot paper with that rifle but was fun project.

Thanks Roper. I did not realize the  7.62x39 case head was smaller than the .308 Win.  A good point.

I considered this conversion because I"ve read that the Rem 788  had problems with set back and stretching  on the .308 chambering and that it might be better in a smaller, lighter cartridge, for use as a target rifle with slightly cheaper ammo.

Obviously, this conversion is not a good idea. although a bolt action 7.62 x 39 is still a good idea. 
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Offline lgm270

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2009, 01:58:09 PM »
Quote from: woodchukhntr on December 26, 2009, 03:50:05 AM
If you are looking for less performance, load down the .308, or sell or trade the 788 for a CZ 527 carbine which would probably cost less than the the work you would have to do on the 788.  I have one and it is shoots very well with .308 dia. bullets and very handy.

Greetings wood.  A good idea you have there.  Interested in hearing more about your CZ 527.  Is it scoped?  What kind of groups do you get?  What kind of loads?  For what do you use it? 

Best.
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Offline woodchukhntr

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #6 on: December 26, 2009, 04:38:49 PM »
OK LGM.  6 lb. unscoped, but I have a Tasco 1.5 - 4.5X scope on it, 18.5" barrel.  It shoots very well, I found a 100 yd. target with a 1" group with one of the Wolf loads.  I think that it was the 123 gr. HP.  I also had a 11o gr. Hornady V-Max load that shot about 1".  The only things that I don't like is the magazine hanging down like the 788, and the safety which works backwards.  You pull it back to shoot, but I got used to it immediately.

I've used it deer hunting, but haven't shot it at one yet.

Brass is easily found in quantity at gun shows, and import ammo is also easy to find.  I have mine sighted in with Wolf 154 gr.
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Offline weasel

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2009, 06:55:13 PM »
 On all my 788s the safety moves forward to fire



Sorry, didn't mean to go off on you like that, buddy
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Offline GGaskill

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #8 on: December 26, 2009, 07:05:22 PM »
It would make more sense to start with a .222/.223 Rem 788 bolt since the bolt face could be opened in that size.  You would have magazine work since the AK is bigger diameter but you should be able to do it.  Bet you could trade your .308 bolt for a .223 one even up.
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Offline woodchukhntr

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2009, 11:30:03 AM »
Quote from: weasel on December 26, 2009, 06:55:13 PM
On all my 788s the safety moves forward to fire



Sorry, didn't mean to go off on you like that, buddy

Weasel,

If you will take a moment to read my post, you will see that I was criticizing the CZ's magazine which is like the 788's, and it's (the CZ's) safety, which works in the opposite direction (from American rifles like the 788), and not saying that the 788's safety works backwards.  And if you didn't mean to go off on me, you had the opportunity to delete the text you just typed prior to posting.
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Offline lgm270

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #10 on: December 27, 2009, 11:54:36 AM »
You guys have talked me out of this project.  It is pointless.

I'm going to return to my original idea of creating a new pistol round by necking up a .357 magnum to .40" (10 mm) for use in a  modified 788. that way I can enjoy big bore target practice in a local indoor pistol range.

My other project is more conventional. I've always thought a .22-250 necked up to .257 would be a great little round.  Any thoughts? 

  I hope you wet blankets will keep your negative karma to yourselves!  :)
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #11 on: December 27, 2009, 12:50:22 PM »
A 22-250 necked up to 257 could be like a 257 Roberts, now the 357 necked up to 10mm would be quite a strang looking round with the neck being larger than the body, I hope that was ment as a joke, but I am not sure it was.  Check back with us in a year and tell us if you still have all your fingers and eyes.  Larry
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Offline 351 power

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #12 on: December 27, 2009, 05:23:56 PM »
wouldn't a 22-250 necked up to .257 be like a...um...250 savage
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Offline woodchukhntr

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Re: Rem. 788/.308 convert to 7.62x39?
« Reply #13 on: December 28, 2009, 07:11:23 AM »
Quote from: 351 power on December 27, 2009, 05:23:56 PM
wouldn't a 22-250 necked up to .257 be like a...um...250 savage

I'm surprised that I didn't catch that first.  Good job, 351 power.  A good lesson here, don't try to reinvent the wheel.
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