The title is the question... wondering if a .270 WSM can readily be re-chambered to 6.8 Western by pulling the barrel, shortening the breech end by a thread or two and running a 6.8 finishing reamer to re-establish the shoulder. Seems possible.
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Can you rechamber a .270 WSM to 6.8 by shortening the shank/chamber end and running a finish reamer?
- Thread starter ObiJohn
- Start date
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fseaman
Well-Known Member
There is no short answer.
More questions need to be asked.
What rifle?
Original barrel?
Barrel profile?
Is the barrel in such good shape that it is worth the expense?
I like the word "false economy". It means, are you going to spend more or have a huge hassle by trying to save the barrel. I did this with one of my first rifles before understanding that the life of the barrel past the throat is also a factor.
and
On a technical basis, sure. It is the practical considerations that will get you what you want in the long run.
Wilderness Blacktail
Well-Known Member
Im interested in hearin why ya want to? No judgement jus curiosity.
It seems totally doable assuming there is enough knox on the barrel to set it back
It seems totally doable assuming there is enough knox on the barrel to set it back
As I see it, the advantage the 6.8 has over the 270 WSM is the ability to stabilize heavier bullets. Your finished product would be a 6.8 Western with a 1/10 twist.
How do you know it's a 10twist?
Not knowing your "actual" barrel spec, this is best consulted with a competent/reputable gunsmith. Rebarrel with the right twist for your intended purpose, instead of rechambering.
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shooterntn
Well-Known Member
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- Jan 12, 2017
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6.8 going have a faster twist rate.
Changing the chamber is not going to change the twist rate of the barrel, if it's a slow twist 270wsm it will be a slow twist 6.8western, no better off IMO.
Will.284
Well-Known Member
I've got a Winchester 6.8 western and love the gun it's a bit heavy but it's a hammer and very accurate. I'd just rebarrel, to many factors. If the reamer explodes you just bought it and a barrel. For that expense you could but a new gun in 6.8
pavementends
Well-Known Member
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- Nov 30, 2017
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I understand it is not a question of should but of could. Perhaps one of the real gunsmiths, with chamber drawings for both, will chime in.
How does everyone know that his twist rate is 10? No where does it say it is. I built my 270WSM with a 7 Twist! Personally though I'd just buy a new barrel and start from scratch. I built my 270WSM with a 7 twist and had it done with a total of .200 Freebore.
quick answer is yes. you need to take a little over .100 and redo headspace but like mentioned factory 270wam are 10 twist and if you are staying with lighter bullets you are ok. the 6.8 has better brass options. rebarrel is best if it fits your budget.
270WSM brass made by ADG, Nosler and Norma.
Thanks everyone. The twist is the reason why a new barrel is the better choice... I should have thought a little more.
