Author Topic: rechamber/rebore (Read 573 times)

dakotashooter2 · « **on:** March 11, 2004, 08:09:59 AM »

I have a 15" encore barrel in 308 win barrel that got neglected (insert boot here) and developed some pitting in the first 1 1/2" of the barrel (chamber end) which pretty much trashed it's accuracy, especially with cast bullets. I would like to have it rebored and rechambered for 35 rem but don't have a clue who to send it to. I figure in its current condition it is pretty much worthless to try to sell it and I am looking to salvage something out of this barrel. I had a contender in 35 rem that was one of the most accurate guns I ever owned and since I try to keep my shots under 150 yrds though this might be a way to get another one and salvage this barrel. I need some names to contact about this. Help will be appreciated.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2004, 08:28:21 AM »

What about a rechamber to something longer like 300 Win Mag or 300 H&H and maybe cut the throat a little long?

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2004, 09:46:48 AM »

While that would work I'm not interested in cannons. The 35 more than suits my needs as a hunting gun for medium game. I have used it very effectively for deer and antelope and would not hesitate using it for bear moose or elk within the ranges I like to hunt them. I have access to my old 35 contender barrel but figure it might be more cost effective to redo this barrel than to buy a G2 frame and my old barrel back..

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2004, 10:05:29 AM »

Now you got my curiosity up, how much would you want for it if the cost of a rebore is prohibitive? If it is practical, I could have my local gunsmith take a look at it and see what he thinks on a rechamber to one of those.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2004, 11:11:52 AM »

I'd like to explore my options before I even think about selling it. It still has adequate accuracy for hunting purposes but I have begun playing with cast bullets and the rough spot leads terribly. I'll keep you in mind when I decide what to do.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2004, 11:36:33 AM »

Thanks for keeping me in mind, but I really don't need one as I have a 15" 30/06 that is working fine. But I was just getting the itch for another project that I really don't need.

Have you thought about chambering it up to one of those magnums, increasing the throat, and using that with heavy cast bullet loads? That might be an inexpensive alternative to push a 200 or 220 grain hard cast bullet in the low to middle two thousands.

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2004, 01:06:50 PM »

Sorry, but case diameter of the 35 Rem is smaller than the 308 so a rechamber is out. Best rebore option would be 358 Win. Use lower pressure handloads in 35 Remington velocity range.

RWD · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2004, 01:53:37 PM »

why not try a 309 JDJ, aka 308x444?

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2004, 04:36:57 PM »

Thanks for pointing that out Blackhawk. It appears when I was comparing cartridges I had turned a page to far in my manual and actualy was looking at the 358 dimensions rather than the 35 rem. After looking at the 358 that is closer to what I had in mind anyway. I like the thought of a 250 grain bullet moving around 1800 FPS. You have peaked my interest.

Joe Kool · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2004, 07:06:09 PM »

I have a 256 Win. barrel, that I let sit and forgot to clean and it pitted in front of the chamber. I cleaned out the rust by scrubbing with a bronze brush (I like the Pro-Shot brushes) and kerosene. Then I shot a few firing lapping bullets down the barrel. I think that LBT still sells the lapping paste. This smoothed the pits enough to stop the leading and restore accuracy. Your barrel may be too badly pitted but it's worth a try, I don't think you have a lot to loose at this point. You could get the barrel rebored by LaBounty to .338 or .358. Then a simple rechamber to .338-08 or .358 Win. The 358 Win. is said to be a good cast bullet cartridge.