RE-BARREL 308 to 7X57 ????

[razmuz]

I notice the OAL of the 308 is 2.800 and the 7X57 is 3.071.  My question is can a Savage Model 16 in 308 be re-barreled to 7X57?  Or can the Savage 308 be changed to 257 Roberts AOL 2.775?
I've got to many 308's.

[Steve L]

Razmuz, have you given any consideration to the 7-08 Remington. It is the 308 necked down to 7mm so a simple barrel swap should do it with no other problems such as cartridge feeding from the magazine or changing bolt heads.

The 7x57 is to long to use in a short action but for all practical purposes the 7-08 is its equal unless you plan to use heavy (over 150 grain) bullets.

[Zachary]

I agree with Steve.  The 7mm-08 would be a much better choice.  Even moreso, it's ballistics are better as well.

Zachary

[razmuz]

Thanks fellows, but I already got a Model-7 in 7M-08.

[BlackHat]

If you have a 7mm-08, how about a 260 Rem, which is the 308 brass necked to 26 caliber. As the 7x57 is to the 7mm-08, the 6.5x55 Swede is to the 260 Rem. About the same ballistics, but in a more efficient case.
Or, I'd love to go the other way. If you are going to re-barrel, go up to .35 caliber and build a .358 Win, a necked up 308 brass.
I have a Savage 10 that I keep thinking about rebuilding as a 358 Win. Just might have to get around to it here someday.
Blackhat

[Steve L]

Couple of questions. What do you plan to use the rifle for? What ranges? do you reload?

The Roberts should work in a short action but the 115 to 120 grain factory offerings may be to long for your magazine. Midway has pre-chambered and threaded Adams & Bennet 257 Roberts barrels for the Savage.

The 257 Bob is the little brother of the 7x57 Mauser and would be a great chambering for varmints through deer but like its big brother you really need to handload to get the full potential out of this round in a modern bolt action although I do beleive that Remington offers a +P loading for it.

[Graybeard]

If ya want it just do it.

It is really nothing more than an old wive's tale that the 7x57, 6MM Rem. and .257 Roberts (all the same case) must have a long action to work. They all do just fine in short actions. Seat your bullet based on what the magazine allows and be happy.

GB

[Steve L]

Graybeard, I never stated that the 7x57 couldn't be chambered in a short action just that it is simply to long. In order to get the 7x57 to feed from a short action Savage magazine bullets must be seated 2/10 deeper than MOAL robbing powder space and increasing pressure. I thought about doing a 7x57 on a short action myself and came to the conclusion that in order to reach the full potential of this round it would need an intermediate or long action, otherwise it would just be lots of time and money spent to end up with a glorified 7-08.

[Graybeard]

But ya ain't robbing powder space. That's the old wive's tale. The reason the case is longer to start with is because it has more powder space. If you seat the bullet to comply with the magazine length requirements of a short action and compare it to a gun with the bullet seated for a long action you will not likely change your velocity by more than 10-15 fps. If anyone thinks this is of any consequence then they aren't living in the real world.

My point is ya lose NOTHING when using these rounds in short actions as compared to long actions. It is merely a myth that continues to be perpetrated but is simply not true.

GB

[razmuz]

I guess I'll go buy a box of 7X57 ammo and see how it will fit in the Savage 308 magazine; maybe I can talk them into selling me one 7X57 round?  I found a gunsmith in Louisiana that will rebarrel it with a Douglas 358 barrel for $300.  He says he will remove the Savage barrel locking nut and put the barrel on like most traditional barrels.  By the way, an 8MM loaded with 150gr Hornady on the cannelure fits the magazine, but loaded with Nosler Ballistic Tips it won't.  Thanks for your input.

[Steve L]

If you do not mind the barrel locking nut (some detest them) you can rebarrel yourself. There are a few well known barrel makers who will send you a completed barrel ready to install to your action. By leaving the barrel nut on you can also use your Savage as a switch barrel. After the factory barrel is broke free (some are tough) barrels and bolt heads can be changed out in a matter of minutes. If you are iterested in this option you can E-mail me for more details, splilly@charter.net

[Crispin Goodall]

razmuz,

Please check your PM for additional information.

Best.

[Good Old One Shot]

I think that you would be happy with a 7X57, but the .308 is also a great round.  I don't know if you would want to convert.

[razmuz]

I already have a couple of 308's.  What I really want is a commercially made rifle  specifically made for the 7X57.