Arisaka type 38 (project rifle)

[clone]

I have recently come across a Arisaka type 38 thats been rechambered in 257 roberts, but the barrel has been shot out. I was thinking this could be a good project rifle. Can barrels be found for it easly?
I was thinking of a common, flat shooting, caliber like 243 Winchester or 25-06 Remington. That raises another question. What caliber will fit this bolt? I am guessing it will have to be a short action round.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Why not keep it in .257 Roberts? Or even better, 6.5x55. The original cartridge would have been the 6.5x50 and if it has been rechambered for .257, then it will accept a case length of 57mm. The .243 would work. The 25-06 would likely be too long. I suppose a "common caliber" depends on what part of the country you're in.

 

[KI.W.]

I have rebarreled .308 with thight chamber and heavy barrel 12" twist. Sako and Lapua 125gr FMJ-bullet 3300fps. Bolt action is very strong. Here in Finland you can only bend shooting plases for picking ones shooted cases.

 

[clone]

The 257 roberts is a bit pricy, and a cheaper round would allow me to get more practice. I like the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser idea.

Will the 308 fit the bolt or will it need to be replaced?

 

[Jim Watson]

This is one of those things that is feasible only if you can do most of the work yourself.
I think E.R. Shaw will make an Arisaka barrel.
http://www.ershawbarrels.com/normal.asp#

If the rifle were converted to 6.5x.257, then the bolt face had to have been opened up for standard head diameter, including .308.