Author Topic: rechambering (Read 508 times)

tom barthel · « **on:** October 23, 2005, 11:54:26 AM »

Hi all

I just made a .30-30 AI and am thinking about a .303. The .30-30 AI was simple. Just ream out a .30-30 chamber. Has anyone converted a 7.62x39 to .303 yet? If so, what all is involved? Would a standard .30-30 ejector work? What is the depth of the rim recess? I'm only thinking about the conversion at this time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I haven't fired the AI yet. I have loaded 30 rounds for whenever I get time to shoot.

Thanks and God bless.

Tom

Fred M · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2005, 12:52:23 PM »

Tom Barthel

The 303 rim is 0.064" and 0.540 in diameter. A 30-30 ejector would need to be ground down about 9-10 thou. No big deal the difference in rim thickness is only one thou. One problem with the 303 rim thickness it has a lot of variation with the different manufacturers specially with millsurp stuff. Anywhere from 56 to 65 thou.

In order to make sure you get good firing pin penetration, you best to secure a supply of cases with little rim variation since the chamber in a 303 MK3 or 4 is not the same set up. The army rifles have no rim recess and can operate with 10-15 Thou head space and have interchangeable bolt heads to make up for set back or big head space.

.308 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2005, 05:20:40 PM »

Congrats Tom. :grin: As soon as my 30-30 barrel gets here I'll join you as an AI owner.

303 Brit rechamber sounds interesting, too. Take care, Lamar...

DPRinks · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2005, 05:42:13 PM »

Fred;
I believe you are a fulltime gunsmith, correct?
I have an Ultra in .35 Whelen, in the interests of longer case life, I have considered having it made into an AI, is this practical?
Thank you

Fred M · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2005, 06:38:29 PM »

DPRinks.
Heck no, I am a retired construction engineer. I am so old I have moss growing on my head instead of hair.

35 Whelen AI not too good in a Handi, cases stretch too much in the light action cutting down case life. But if you don't mind fire forming cases it is OK. But then how much are you shooting a gun like that? It is a good AI conversion with a better shoulder for positive head space.

Needs to be reamed very careful. The AI will stretch less than the standard in a Handi by how much I don't know. Since you can't set the shoulder back fire forming will be a bit of a pain.

You would first expand to 375 and then make a new shoulder with the 35Wh-AI die.

DPRinks · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2005, 06:11:46 PM »

Thank you.