Author Topic: 35 remington (Read 2268 times)

Lurch · « **on:** May 03, 2005, 04:42:48 AM »

Has anyone ever rechambered a 357 mag barrel to 35 Rem? I know some have been rechambered to 357 Max, but was wondering about a step up from that. I THINK the slow twist rate in the barrel might work with up to 220 grain bullets but I'm not sure.

Smokin Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** May 03, 2005, 04:48:41 AM »

I rechambered one from .357 to .356 Winchester and the twist works fine for 220's.

JPH45 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 03, 2005, 11:47:44 AM »

I've shot 250's from my 357 Max, does just fine.

bajabill · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2005, 12:01:30 PM »

So the bore dimensions are compatable for both the handgun and rifle bullets in the 35 cal (357 and 358). Maybe a rechamber is the way to go for a decent 35 cal. I wonder why the 356 is never thought of for the handi since everyone believes the rim is what makes a cartridge easier to eject (I personally dont buy into that as the sole reason)

Smokin Joe · « **Reply #4 on:** May 03, 2005, 01:17:23 PM »

Part of the problem was a "supposed" problem with brass availability. I've had no problem finding it. If you get desperate, you can always crank it out of .444 brass.

JPH45 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2005, 05:17:08 PM »

The other part of the problem is that the idea of having a large/larger 358 cal is better than the reality of having. How many reports have we heard of folks rechambering 357's to the 35 Whelen while that seems to be a chambering that everyone is whining for........

For most folks, the 357 Max will do all they want. For many of the rest, the interest is elsewhere. For a small remainder, they quitely rechamber to something like the 356 or even perhaps the 35 Whelen and go on about their business.

Lurch · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2005, 05:56:25 PM »

If I attempted the 35 Rem rechamber, and I wasn't able to achieve the ballistics I wanted, while still showing at least a small amount of common sense, I should then be able to rechamber to 358 Win, right?

But if I can chamber for 358 Win it would be stupid to try to push the 35 Rem as hard as I was going to. Thank you for your input. Between it, and the epiphany I just had, things are much clearer now.

RugerNo3 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2005, 01:04:20 AM »

The one thing that has to be remembered when rechambering an existing barrel to another cartridge, the reamer pilot is useless and concentricity to the bore can make or break this job. A lathe and expert machining abilities will produce good results. Good Luck

Smokin Joe · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2005, 04:49:31 AM »

4-D Reamers will put just about any floating pilot on whatever reamer body you want and then rent it to you. That's how I did the .356........a .30-30 rim on a .358 body.

http://4-dproducts.com/chamber_reamers.html

mt3030 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 05, 2005, 05:13:39 AM »

JPH45 posses a good question. Considering the number of requests (I like Jeffs terming whining) we see on this forum for a 35 Whelen, why haven't we heard of any being made, either by rechambering or re-boring/chambering?

The option of rechambering a sb2 357 to 35 Whelen is there. (Only a sb2 action would be recommended, as apposed to the many older 357 Mags in use) Althought the twist difference between the two calibers might be a put-off to some, other members state they had good luck with 220 grain bullets in their 357 Maxs, and 225 grainers is very effective in the 35 Whelen. Even tho the heavy bullets (for twist) are stabilized at 357 Max velocities, I have no idea how they would do when pushed at Whelen velocities with the fast twist.

Then we have the re-bore option. This is more expensive, but for the price of a new Ultra ($250.00) a 223 barrel can be converted to 35 Whelen. AND you would have button rifling, which is supposed to be more effective if someone wanted to use cast bullets. (Or so say the cowboy match shooters.)

Wally

bajabill · « **Reply #10 on:** May 05, 2005, 05:35:56 AM »

My delima is that I am not or do not have a working relationship with a gunsmith to do this work.

I would not add 250 to a 100 dollar barrel to get a different chambering in a handi. I would rather search for a 500 dollar bolt action gun.

But, can a 357 be converted to a 35xxx rifle cartridge for about 50 bucks, or does it cost at least 100 for a gunsmith to give you any time.

mt3030 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 05, 2005, 06:12:39 AM »

Bill,
I understand your dilemma. For those that just want "a" 35 Whelen, I agree. Get a Remington or Ruger in that caliber, and never look back. They are all over the used gun market. (I recommend the Remington Model 700 because I've had good experiences with them in 35 Whelen)

I was wondering about the Handi-Holics, like myself, who do not hesitate to pursue their favorite rifle with a passion. I was just thinking that to relieve some of the tension (Or as Jeff put it, whining), someone would of made one by now and maybe had not shared it with us yet.

Yes it would be nice if a barrel could be reworked for $50 or $100. But in the real world, time is money. Smiths have a lot of money invested in their training and shops. Around $250 has been the going quotes for this work.

I haven't found it necessary to have a "working relationship" with a smith or any other craftsman to trust them. All I ask is they have a good reputation (references) and to stand behind their work. Most smiths that have a shop and an established trade to protect are going to take care of you. And I have found all smiths willing to discuss my options and explain what they can or can not do for me without it costing me anything.

Wally

bajabill · « **Reply #12 on:** May 05, 2005, 08:05:01 AM »

Im guilty, I want my cake and eat it too - a $100 whelen !!!!

As far as gunsmiths, more so than a working relationship, I dont even know of any near me that would do the work. I would have to dig a little to find them.

mt3030 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 05, 2005, 08:39:11 AM »

Bill,

For rechambering I can recommend Billings Gunsmiths, in Billings, Montana. (406/256-8390) For reboring, somone posted a list of smiths in a much older post. I searched and can't find it. I remember there was one in Cody, Wyoming and a couple in Washington. The only reason I remember those is that Cody is within striking distance from here and I was raised in Washington. Maybe someone will provide that list again.

Wally

bajabill · « **Reply #14 on:** May 05, 2005, 10:50:10 AM »

found someone 25 miles away who will do a whelen for $50 since he has the reamer.

What is the twist rate of the NEF 357mag.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #15 on:** May 05, 2005, 11:15:41 AM »

Twist rate is 1 in 18¾".....a bit slow for the 35 whelen which should be 1 in 14" to 1 in 16", or I would have done it already, in a heart beat!!!

bajabill · « **Reply #16 on:** May 05, 2005, 11:29:41 AM »

thanks quick, I found it with the search util

so, you think a whelen built this way would be waste of 130 bucks and the time and effort. What twist rate did HR use when they made the special run of whelens previously.

JPH45 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2005, 11:39:03 AM »

NEF's 1:18 stabilizes a 250 a leisurely 1200 fps or so just fine, faster is only going to be better. Twists faster than 1:16 are only needed for bullets heavier (actually longer) than 250's. Remington uses a 1:16 twist.

The proper question to ask a reamer supplier is if it is possible to have an lengthened or long pilot on the reamer. Simply explain the task at hand, rechambering a 357 mag or max to a larger chambering. The long pilot will align the reamer with bore.

The extractor wil have to be changed, no biggie, simply swap out the parts with 30-06 extractor parts. Any fitting needing done can be readily accomplished with a file.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #18 on:** May 05, 2005, 11:50:26 AM »

The H&R twist rate I don't know, but what's the point of building a 35 Whelen that you can't shoot heavy for caliber bullets in? I can already shoot 180-200gr bullets in my 30-06. The slow twist rate of the 357 barrel kinda negates the value of rechambering it to a 35 Whelen, at least that's the way I feel about it. Now, reboring a 26" .25-06 Ultra barrel or a 23" 30-06 UltraComp barrel to .338-06 has some merit even though it would cost quite a bit more....The web site below shows a minimum twist rate of 17½" for their 200gr bullets for the Whelen and even faster twist for heavier bullets in the faster 358 mags.

http://www.gsgroup.co.za/hvtech.html

bajabill · « **Reply #19 on:** May 06, 2005, 03:40:54 AM »

my other delima, Im left handed

If I plan on using a gun for paper punching and ownership only, I can justify a right handed bolt, if I may consider hunting with it I want it to be lefty or some ambidextrous action. So, for a bolt action whelen, I guess I could re-barrel a savage 30-06 easy enough.

BTW, Midway has the Addams and Bennett savage barrels for 100 bucks now, they say they are on manufacturers closeout, anyone know what is up with this. Are the A & B barrels acceptable quality relative to your average factory barrel?

MSP Ret · « **Reply #20 on:** May 06, 2005, 04:07:39 AM »

Ok OK, I'm now greatly interested, but in a conversion to .35 Remington, I have my .35 Whelen. What say you conversion guru's, if I rent a .35 Remington Reamer with a long pilot and have the use of a lathe will the conversion just entail the rechambering and a new extractor? If so which extractor?...Thanks...

By the way I'm kicking myself now, I was in Maine 2 days ago and stopped at Kittery Trading Post. I saw some used H&R's there, a 12 gauge Ultra Slug, used, like new, with a Laminated Camo stock for $150, and a Huntsman with a NT serial # that needed a good cleaning, it had a Bushnell 3200 Elite 3x9 (Rainguard?) on Weaver see through rings. They wanted $175 for the combo, the breech plug came out easily but there looked to be some corrosion on it as well as a little tiny bit just ahead of the chamber, that MIGHT have cleaned up with a brush. They were willing to sell me the gun alone for $80. I did not take it since I have my old but servicable and accurate TC Renegades and the H&R's are not legal in my home state ( :shock: :?

) of "The People's Liberal Republic of Taxachusetts". Now I am kicking myself for not buying the gun. I did not like the reduced and very close and small eye relief of the scope at 9 power and even at 3 power the eye relief seemed to be critical!!! If I was not just the right distance behind the scope the image was compromised. It surprised me since I have heard nothing but good about these scope here. It was not even close to the comfort and ease of use of my Simmons. Perhaps it was a bad scope but anyway I am now upset at myself for not buying the Huntsman for $80.00. In retrospect it had no problems a good cleaning would not have cured, KICK ME!!!....<><.... :grin:

Mac11700 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 06, 2005, 04:57:50 AM »

MSP:

Call them and have them hold it for you...give them your credit card info...and then go back up when you can and pick it up....

Mac

MSP Ret · « **Reply #22 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:29:23 AM »

I already did, but no luck. Before I left the store I brought the gun back to the used ML rack and their was a nice old (middle aged like me!!!) guy from NH who spoke with a slight European accent, he was looking at the used ML's and of course, being the nice fool I am I showed him the gun and put it in his hands telling him what a great deal it was and how wonderful these Huntsmans shoot and the cost and value of the Bushnell Elite 3200 scope. As I left he was putting it on lay-away, I suggested to him he get a breechplug wrench also since it did not come with one...I was thinking of getting the whole setup and offering the scope here to someone since some here like them but it may all be a moot point now....<><....

What do you guys think a Huntsman with a NT serial number (2003) is worth? It had a scope rail but needed a rear sight which had been removed, the front sight was in place however I would prefer the newer metal sights instead of the old plastic sights.

Also what is a used Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9(x42?) with the raingaurd lens coating worth? This scope had one scratch in the bluing and was made in Japan, I am not sure if they are still made there or (shudder) China...Do all of that model have such limited eye relief?...Thanks for any info

Mac11700 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 06, 2005, 05:51:53 AM »

MSP:

That's a shame you missing out on it...next time...follow your instincts...as far as the Bushnell...every bushnell I've looked thru had the same problem with eye relief...that's the main reason I use the Leupolds...nothing worse than having to worry about getting a scope cut.....but...a ton of folks swear by them...so...whoknows???

Mac

bajabill · « **Reply #24 on:** May 06, 2005, 06:19:29 AM »

the extractor issues seems like it could be a last minute expense/headache however. Especially if you dont have a bunch (or any) of spare handi rifle parts sitting around. How have others tackled this part of the rechamber. I can see this getting over 200 dollars real easily.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #25 on:** May 06, 2005, 06:23:15 AM »

Shucks, I was hoping just a reamer rental, rechamber the barrel and a new self fitted extractor, oh well, such is life....<><.... :grin:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #26 on:** May 06, 2005, 07:02:04 AM »

Brownell's sells the ejector for about $10, that shouldn't be an issue, although it would take a bit of fitting to convert it to the new caliber.

Brownell's H&R parts

bajabill · « **Reply #27 on:** May 06, 2005, 07:51:07 AM »

and then, any problems with ejection are your own doing :lol:

MSP Ret · « **Reply #28 on:** May 06, 2005, 08:43:07 AM »

Thanks guys, it may be worth the try to get myself my long desired .35 Remington Handi!!!....<><.... :grin:

mt3030 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 06, 2005, 12:19:18 PM »

MSP Ret,
Again, thanks for the heads up on Kittery Trading Post. Used to shop there when I lived in northern Maine. You tipped me off to the 357 Max last year, and now I was able to get the 12 Gauge Ultra you saw last week! Do you know if the Ultra Slug models are built on the sb2 action or not? The salesman I spoke with, John, stated the barrel neither said sb1 or sb2. H&R catalog says the 12 gauge Ultras are sb2. I thought only the 10 gauges were on sb2 actions. (I'm new to the shotguns!)
Thanks again...Wally