1885 Rechamber?

[inGobwetrust]

Can any of you tell me if a Browning 1885 in 30-06 can be safely rechambered to a flatter shooting magnum cartridge without too much hassle? What should I be careful of and how much should a project like this cost?

By the way, this would only be used for long range target shooting, not hunting.

Thanks in advance.

 

[inGobwetrust]

No one.........?

 

[Gordon]

I'm not in the business but: I would imagine the extractor would have to be modified for at least $100 and a rechamber to say .300 Win super mag would be another hundred or so.

 

[Soap]

Do you mean an 1895? If so, I would say pass. The action strength will probably not reliably withstand the magnum pressures. Besides, even if it will, it will never live up to long-range target rifle standards.

 

[Mike Irwin]

That's what I was wondering, Daniel...

But didn't Browning make a single shot called the Model 1885 after the Winchester High Wall, or something like that?

 

[inGobwetrust]

It's like this one. Magnum pressures are no problem. It has a 28" octagon barrel and a very strong single-shot action.

 

[Mike Irwin]

OK, that's what I sort of suspected, a single shot.

OK, whether or not it can be rechambered depends pretty much on the dimensions of the case that you want to use. It may be possible, it may not be. You'll really need to consult a competent gunsmith, or perhaps even contact Browning to see what they say.

What cartridges do you have in mind?

 

[inGobwetrust]

I'm not really sure. Maybe something like a .300 RUM or Weatherby. Heck-maybe even 30-378 Weatherby! No burning need to do it, just a desire for something different. As far as asking Browning goes..........they would most likely give the party line of strongly recomending against it, it voids your warranty, yada yada yada.

 

[Gordon]

As I knew it to be a single shot, thats why I said modify extractor as the flat breech face is fine as is. Stay away from 30 378 as I think the rigby case size might be pushing the barrel shank diam. I have a B-78 in 7mm STW that was rechambered from 7mm Rem Mag. I think a 300 Weatherby would be all you need in a 28" barrel. The 300 Rum is only 100 fps(than the 300 weath.) faster and the 30-378 is only 200fps faster. The 300 weatherby is available from 4 major ammo companies, it is 400 fps faster than a 30-06. Of course a 30-06 improved is only a three hundred fps slower than Weatherby (and 200 fps slower than a 300 win mag) . All told I'd save your $and get it reamed for 30-06 imp . You can still shoot 30-06 and get imp reloading dies. I think 2950fps with a 180grain bullet and 3100 with a 150 should meet any need! If not than the 300 weatherby gets 3200 with 180's and 3400 with 150's!, a speed at which only Fail safe and x bullets hold up for game use if they hit close in!

 

[Art Eatman]

Just stock, you should be able to load your own with some powder like H414--if not 4064--and get some 3,200 ft/sec from a stock '06, with a 150-grain bullet. Improved '06? Maybeso 3,300 to 3,350. The '06 really shines in a long barrel, since it's already a bit overbore.

If the twist rate isn't too fast, you can get some blazing varmint loads, using 110-grain or lighter bullets. 3,500 or better.

Art

 

[Soap]

Oops...I forgot about the high wall. That would make for a pretty interesting long range gun.

 

[Jim Watson]

A flat trajectory is of little value in target shooting. You must know the range and zero for it. Flat trajectories are for hunting; a deer has no X ring.

Your Browning would surely handle one or another .300 belted magnum which would gain some velocity. This would reduce the effect of wind over long range. It would also recoil more which would increase fatigue over any sizeable number of shots. It would also wear out the barrel faster.

I would not mess with a good .30-06 unless I were going to shoot routinely at 1000 yards. (And I DO have a good .30-06 and 600 yards is about tops for me.)