243>>>>>6.5x55 swede

[woodguy]

Can I rebarrel a weatherby MKV 243 ss action w/ a 6.5x55.Suggestions on a reasonable set up also appreciated.Thanks,woodguy

[iiranger]

It just takes  money. Rim on Swede is slightly larger diameter as i recall. You could make cases out of .30/'06 brass long ago but they were slightly swollen at the base when fired. I would guess the Weatherby is probably "sloppy" enough that no bolt work will be required. Otherwise, the .243 is 51 mm as I recall and the Swede a whole 4 mm longer (55mm). Magazine should work with minimum change. All you have to do is pick the barrel/barrel maker and bring money.  "set up?" Huh? Any good 'smith can advise you on what appeals to you and what your budget can stand... Basically, "what are you going to shoot at?" Heavy barrel for targets off the bench or pencil barrel for mountain climbing???  luck

[gunnut69]

The rim diameter variance is minor and I've heard american ammo is the same diameter as the 308.. I have NOT checked but the difference won't make a difference. As iiranger said it is just a rebarrel.. The difference in case length is about .114 inches, a bit less than an eighth inch. There is a greater difference in loaded length but it should work out just fine.. It does give the user a bit more bullet weight and penetration. I prefer the 125 Nosler Partition in mine(M70 Featherweight) but that's for whitetail. The 140 grain variation would also be a great choice and would certainly increase penetration..always an issue with small bore rifles and big game..

[Brithunter]

Hmmm well for some reason especially Winchester seem unable to make cartridge cases to the specifications that the design calls for. Even their own 30-30 rims are undersized 

  Now with the 6.5x55 Swedish it can make a big difference with hot loads and it also can effect accuracy. One thing to check is overall cartridge length which the Weatherby you have can accomodate as those 6.5mm bullets are long 

[Lost Okie]

Gunnut69 is correct, rim size is not an issue.  243 has same rim as 06 and Rem brass for 6.5 is same.  You might see an issue if you used Lapua brass.  Overall lenght of loaded round may be an issue due to length of bullet, especially 140 or 160 grain. 
6.5x55 is an outstanding cartridge, especially for deer.

[Nobade]

Check to see how long your magazine is. Will a loaded Swede round fit? If not, make it a .260 and throat it so that the loaded length will just fit in your magazine.