Author Topic: Reaming an 8x50R to 8x56R (Read 586 times)

Stan The RT Man · « **on:** April 15, 2005, 01:44:11 PM »

I am new to the forum, and I would like to know if anyone has ever reamed out the 8x50 to 8x56? I would also like to know if it would be worth the effort?
I have an old sporterized 8x50 straight pull that I got in trade 30+ years ago. I have never shot this rifle, due to lack of ammo. I do have a modle 95 S all matching #'s plus 200 rounds of 8X56. This gun is fun to shoot but kicks like a mule. :lol:
I would appreciate any help or advice given.
Thanks Stan the RT Man

Zorgon · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2005, 04:06:05 AM »

Stan,
Try posting on one of the Curio & Relic-oriented forums, such as Parallax Bill's or Gunboards, to see if someone might be able to help you scrounge some 8x50R ammo. If you reload, you can make the 8x50 cases easily from 7.62x54R Russian brass. The dies are the expensive part. 8x56 isn't exactly a common caliber either, so there's not much to be gained by reaming it.

What has been sporterized on the rifle? Just a stock cutdown, or has work been done on the metal too?

Good luck,
Steve

Wildcat Crazy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2005, 04:35:40 PM »

Rechambering the 8x50 to 8x56 is not an option.The 8x50 has a .323 bore ,the 8x56 has a .329 bore.

WC

Zorgon · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2005, 02:17:46 PM »

Strange as it sounds, the bore is the same despite the different bullet diameters used in the two rounds. The Austrians and Hungarians converted bunches of 8x50r's to 8x56r's by reaming the chambers. They wouldn't have had a good way to take the extra .006 off the bore.

There *is* some variation in bore sizes between individual rifles, though, so it's probably a good idea to slug the bore no matter what. Some bores will go as high as .331 or .332.

--Steve