Reboring to 338

[nhenry]

I've got a wild hair that needs plucked...

I want a milder 338; RCM, RPM, 338-06, etc. I don't really know why I do, I just do.

Right now my main hunting rifle is a 280 AI. I'm thinking of sending it in to JES Rebore to have it punched out to a 338-280 AI, or send it to get rebored and then have another smith (GA Precision in this case since they're in town) chase out the chamber with a 338 RPM reamer.

Is this stupid?

What could a guy reasonably expect from something like that? I'm thinking of using either the new 190 Hammer Hunter Tipped, or the 210gr HHT.

 

[Browninglover1]

Just buy a new barrel blank and be done with it. I wouldn't waste time or money on a rebore.

 

[nhenry]

Just buy a new barrel blank and be done with it. I wouldn't waste time or money on a rebore.

Reboring is significantly cheaper than buying a quality blank and then having a smith chamber it. Like less than half the cost. JES's turnarounds are also a few weeks whereas most smiths are running 6+ now.

 

[Browninglover1]

$325 for a rebore or $400ish for a new quality blank, I can tell you where I'd spend my money every time. You can even get a custom blank from PVA at the contour you want for $330.

But the world is full of choices, you get to spend your money how you see fit.

 

[6fatrat]

If the 280 barrel is a good shooter save it.
If you want match grade accuracy from the new barrel, buy a barrel from top barrel smith.

 

[K.E.C.]

I sent him a 308 and had a
338 Federal made, shoots great

 

[trout004]

So, there may be other threads on this topic, but I find this interesting. What would be the disadvantage of reboring to a larger caliber if one wanted to do so? Would it essentially be a "new" barrel on the inside at that point, if not why? The one advantage that I can see is cost savings. Are there any other benefits?

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I've got a wild hair that needs plucked...

I want a milder 338; RCM, RPM, 338-06, etc. I don't really know why I do, I just do.

Right now my main hunting rifle is a 280 AI. I'm thinking of sending it in to JES Rebore to have it punched out to a 338-280 AI, or send it to get rebored and then have another smith (GA Precision in this case since they're in town) chase out the chamber with a 338 RPM reamer.

Is this stupid?

What could a guy reasonably expect from something like that? I'm thinking of using either the new 190 Hammer Hunter Tipped, or the 210gr HHT.

My 22" 338 Sherman is a Savage prefit from Preferred Barrels. Took about four months I think.

190 HHT with 60gr of Varget =2953 FPS. You would probably be a little less with a straight 338-06.

Something to consider if you re-bore it (I know nothing of this) is the barrel contour. Mine is their No 2 I think, but it is pretty hefty. I wouldn't want to thin with a 338 anything, they seem to torque quite a bit.

 

[nhenry]

$325 for a rebore or $400ish for a new quality blank, I can tell you where I'd spend my money every time. You can even get a custom blank from PVA at the contour you want for $330.

But the world is full of choices, you get to spend your money how you see fit.

400 dollars for a quality blank, plus the fee to get it chambered and threaded which is another 300+. Plus cerakote and fluting to match what I have. It's a no brainer if the reboring is accurate like what I've read.

 

[nhenry]

My 22" 338 Sherman is a Savage prefit from Preferred Barrels. Took about four months I think.

190 HHT with 60gr of Varget =2953 FPS. You would probably be a little less with a straight 338-06.

Something to consider if you re-bore it (I know nothing of this) is the barrel contour. Mine is their No 2 I think, but it is pretty hefty. I wouldn't want to thin with a 338 anything, they seem to torque quite a bit.

What barrel length is your Sherman?

 

[Shane Lindsey]

22"

 

[nhenry]

So, there may be other threads on this topic, but I find this interesting. What would be the disadvantage of reboring to a larger caliber if one wanted to do so? Would it essentially be a "new" barrel on the inside at that point, if not why? The one advantage that I can see is cost savings. Are there any other benefits?

From everything I've read on the topic, yes it would practically be a new barrel. Any fire cracking would be removed and you'd be left with fresh metal. The main advantage is cost savings, by a wide margin. The other advantage would be time savings.

I don't know that there's necessarily a downside to it aside from losing you current chambering. I have tons of 280 AI brass that would be easily converted to 338, though. I guess buying new bullets and powder would be a downside, but with all the money saved from having it rebored instead of a new blank you could get 8lb of varget and 200ct HHTs.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I have asked a few about setting barrels back and re-chambers. Most won't do it, so definitly get that lined up first if you do the re-bore. Most prefer to start witha blank slate.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

you could get 8lb of varget and 200ct HHTs.

Not today my friend. 338 anything is expensive.