Redo on Rifling in 1888 Commission Rifle

[Redtail1949]

i have an 1888 Commission Rifle marked with an "S" all orginial with all matching numbered parts. This rifles barrel is .321. My question to those with the knowledge is:

Can this rifles barrel be re-reamed out so to speak to make it .323. I want to do this as i have several model 1898s all 8MM .323 and i just want to not have a mistake in picking up ammo meant for the .323 and fire them in the .321 model 1888. i know i should no use loaded up ammo in it. i am a handloader. i just think that if it were to match if that ever happened i would pass all in one piece.

could it be reemed down the same rifling just deeper. the main reason is i want to keep the original barrel as it is stamped with the same serial numbers. i have checked on so called "TURK" .323 barrel and they cost a pretty penny. i was just wondering if this could be done and if so is it very costly?

i hope you will bear with me as i am not familier with any of this type of work and maybe i am not asking the question properly.

thank you for any relpies given

redtail1949

[Frank46]

Good question. Normally when one has a barrel rebored its not to have the rifling recut only a few thousandth's. Rebores for example would be done from 30-30 to either 35 caliber or 38-55. 243 to let's say 308, 30-06 to 338, 35 cal or even 375 caliber. Hope this has helped. Frank

[Redtail1949]

frank46:

thanks for your reply...i understand what you are saying. i was just hoping to be able to re cut what was there except deeper i guess you would say. then if it was possible i would like to have an idea if it was way too costly.

thanks again

[gunnut69]

Generally recutting is about on a par with or slightly higher than a rebarrel. You're rifle could be used with bullets of .323 diameter but there would be a slight rise in pressure. In a M98 this would likely not be a concern but the 88 is not as strong.. I would relagate this old timer to using light loads and likely cast bullets at that.. Good luck.

[Redtail1949]

gunnut69:

thanks for response and your advice..i was just hoping looks like cast bullet reloads for the old timer.

thank you again

[Frank46]

Actually cast bullets in the 88 isn't such a bad idea. You could use standard 8mm molds and sizer dies after slugging your barrel. Powder charges for cast bullets are lite and brass would last a long time with cast bullets rather than regular factory
(jacketed) ammunition. I've seen a few nice sporters with the origional bbls on different forums and they have a class all by their own. Something that isn't seen too often these days. Try cast bullets, I think you will like them. I do. Frank

[yosemite]

I used 170 grain jacketed bullets intended for the 32 win spl in my 88 loads, they were 320-321 light jackets for lower velocities, no signs of excess pressure, and shot extremely well, lots cheaper than th iimported 318 bullets of the time as well, bullets intended for 32-40 also work well

[Graycg]

Ditto on the gentleman above,
 I also use 32 winchester special bullets in my S marked 88 and they work great.  I also use 160 grain Lyman cast bullets sized .323 and they also shoot well- I keep loads on the light side.

regards,
 Graycg