easier/
not sure if the rimmed 7.62x54r is the easiest conversion in the world; but is 7.62x54r the only caliber you own?
There are many calibers with similar case dimensions to the 8mm Mauser that you can substitute with a barrel change.
Or, if you want, you can add a mcace rifle insert andmake a (single shot) in many other calibers, albiet with a very short barrel.
or is 22LR is your thing (or even 22 Mag, or one of the 17-cals) you can get a brownell's barrel re-lining kit and as these 2 caliber liners are just about 8mm in outer diameter, so you wont need to drill out the barrel. Just acraglas the liner in to the bore, then buy a chamber reamer and make the chamber you desire. A neat-o project but you'd have to want to do it.
But again, if you really want a 'real rilfe' caliber and not a 22, try a 6.5 Mauser, or 7mm Mauser, or something else where the chamber dimentions are either thesame or similar and only require a re-barrelling. Though, as pointed out, that may be more expensive than just buying a crate of Yugo 8mm from Ammoman and being done with it.
if you are concerned with chamber pressure in the antique rifle, or if it has alot of rust and jusst plain makes you uncomfortable using full-power 8mm loads, try the (more expensive) American 8mm loads which are significantly under powered compared to milsurp or european loads.
Just some thoughts.
If you are decided upon the 7.62x54r, then it ay involve a pretty extensive rebarrelling and bolt-face and chamber remodeling.
Let us know what you decide!
C-
