Remington 1903 30-06 mod question

salty · 09-24-2006, 07:54 AM

Hi guys,

I have in my possession a great condition 30-06 1903 remington mauser action sporterized rifle. I put a fine finish on the stock last year and the rifle is looking sweet. I am interested in having this gun re-chambered into something great. What do you guys recommend and where is a quality gun smith that I can send this rifle out to? I do not know of any in my area so this is why I am posting this here. I was thinking along the lines of a 338 mag. Is this able?

if not I am going to put a sweet scope on it and let her rip.

Ridge Runner · 09-24-2006, 08:00 AM

338 win mag would take a rebarrel and bolt work to open the face up. I'd go with a 30/06 AI or possibly a 30 Gibbs built on a 270 win case. That would only be a simple rechamber.
RR

salty · 09-24-2006, 08:55 AM

would I have to hand load for the 30-06 AI ? How much does it cost to have a re-barrel and re bolt done?

Ridge Runner · 09-24-2006, 10:00 AM

yes the AI or gibbs would require handloading.
A good barrel (lilja or kreiger) would run ya 500 after chambering crowning and installation, open up bolt face 50-75, and ya may need to modify the bottom rails to feed the fatter cartridges.
RR

Pawildman · 09-24-2006, 10:17 AM

I think I'd stay with what you've got now, if I were you. You're looking at a new barrel, bolt work , bedding the new barreled action, and possibly a reworked or new trigger. If you are seriously looking at another caliber, I feel you would be much further ahead financially to look for a good used but not abused rifle of your choice. JMHO.

Ideaman · 09-25-2006, 04:11 PM

Working on guns is FUN! Changing things, upgrading, having something a little different is one of my favorite past times. BUT I promise you these endeavors done correctly by a gunsmithshould be more expensive than a brand new rifle. Its all in what you want. Myself, it sounds like you have a great gun, I would consider keeping it as is and buying a new one. If you do move forward with a re-chamber find out the cost of All work needed first, make a realistic assesment of what you will have when you finish.

Most of all do something you will enjoy.

One note, you can get a Mauser action cheap, and build a gun yourself with some study and a few tools.

Superpig · 09-26-2006, 09:35 AM

Most any competent smith could do the work. However, it would be costly and probably in the end not worth it. For all the work involved my local smith would be in the $500-$700 range depending on the barrel manufacturer and grade of barrel you chose. The 30-06 is a great round and factory ammo can be bought at any place that carries ammo. The 30-06 is so plentiful that you can buy factory ammo designed for varmints to the largest game North America has to offer. So my suggestion would be hands down to leave it as is. If you want or need a 338 Win. Mag. you can buy one for the price of doing the work to make your rifle into a 338.