Re chambering a rifle to a smaller case?

[scythefwd]

For the gunsmiths out there,
Is it prohibitively expensive to have a chamber cut off a barrel in order to have it re-chambered in something smaller (cartridge, same bore dimensions), re-chambered, re-threaded, and re-installed? Would it be cheaper to have a custom barrel made and installed instead?

I am looking at a 7mm rem mag, but I don't care for the mag... so I was lightly playing with the idea of having the chamber cut out, re-reamed, threaded, and re-installed as a 7mm-08. A new barrel, installed will run about 450 + shipping. I understand this is a lot of work but technically it is feasible. Just be cause it is feasible doesn't mean it is affordable though so whats your say?

Also, is the barrel threading on a Weatherby Mark V action the same as the threading on a Weatherby Vanguard (Howa 1500) action? That would open up my aftermarket barrel options.

 

[Shadow 7D]

usually it means installing an insert, and then it's usually used to convert something like a Mosin to x39 soviet, or to Tok, or something like a Vz. 52 in 7.62x45 to 7.62 soviet.

Often it's done in such a way it's reversible, and there is problems in corrosion can develop between the chamber and insert, lining a barrel is more expensive than buying a NEW barrel most of the time, unless your something like the British government, and just redo old Enfeilds into .22's with 303 to .22 adapters -- steel .303 shells with a .22 bore in them so they fit in the mag, but you remove the case, you had to pop them out with a rod.

 

[scythefwd]

Shadow, I understand what you are saying but that isn't the action I am asking about. I am specifically talking about this proceedure

1. remove barrel
2. cut off the breech of the barrel far enough forward to get rid of the old chamber and throat completely (nothing left but rifling)
3. ream new chamber and throat to smaller round (say 7mm-08 in a barrel that was a 7mm rem mag)
4. thread barrel for action
5. re-install barrel in the action and verify headspacing

 

[Shadow 7D]

Yeah, it's common, in some calibers and was done to convert the above mentioned vz. 52 in x45 to the Warsaw standard x39, you pull the barrel, turn it on a lathe ( I believe it's called setting back) YOU DON'T COMPLETELY REMOVE THE CHAMBER, as the barrel profile (unless it's a Bull barrel) will be too thin at the throat, you remove just enough to shorten the chamber so you can ream it for the new round.

If your reducing the chamber, and would have to completely remove the old chamber, it's often done by boring out the old chamber to the throat then threading the chamber and installing a permanent insert. Again, I don't think a new barrel would cost that much, but then I tent to have less expensive guns.

 

[scythefwd]

Shadow, thanks for the more thorough explanation. A new barrel would run 450ish. Douglas barrels has a package deal where they install/fit a new barrel to your action for that. Most other places I look, shilen, krieger, etc. are wanting 400 for a barrel give or take, and most of those aren't installed. Those aren't even threaded (unless the howa 1500 or weatherby vanguard can take a weatherby mark V barrel because the shanks are threaded the same)

 

[Chawbaccer]

Trade your 7 mag in on a 7-08. Other than the barrel you have to re-work the feed rails, the magazine box, and the bolt will need work or replacement.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Just found a Remington 700 in 7mm-08 on gunbroker for $429 buy it now and its brand new.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=235502798

I would save yourself the trouble and just get another rifle.

 

[scythefwd]

Taurus, I'm looking at a savage 110 that I might be able to trade for. My overall expense (including what I paid for the stuff I am trading for) is <$40. I traded a couple of guns that were gifted me for a bow. He is looking for 250 for his setup and I'm offereing about 450 dollars worth of archery gear (a fully ready hunting setup including climbing stand). Brand new, the archery gear is worth over 600 (priced a week ago).

425 for a remington 700 in 7mm-08 or $40 savage 110 in 7mm rem mag (or 450 for a weatherby in in 300wby).

I'm actually talking to several different people about trades, which is where they wby 7mm rem mag came up. Its a savage (which is very easy to do a barrel swap and I might be able to find a used barrel).

I do have the option of downloading the 7mm rem as well (and making the brass last for freaking ever as well as the barrel).