Re chambering by hand

Deepening a chamber and rechambering for a different cartridge are two entirely different things. When chambering for a different cartridge, the reamer is not well supported and aligned. There is a tendency to push a little too hard and set up a chatter. Regarding the use of a hand drill or a drill press, I have known guys who did both, with decent results. Just because something is possible though, doesn't mean it's a great idea!
If I was going to ream a chamber by hand, without removing the barrel from the action, I would make an extension, which was a close fit in the receiver, to provide some semblance of alignment.
 
Thanks guys for the encouragement and support! Waiting for the go no go field gauge to show up next week and I will keep this thread updated on my progress and experience!
Keep the suggestions and info coming, I will need all of it to be successful!
 
dan belisle said:
Disagree. Have owned multiple examples of both. 8mm-06 definitely has a velocity advantage. The Ackley and Gibbs versions even more. - dan
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Yup, but not enough to spend time and money on.

The OP is doing this as a fun project, and I'm all for that. As for the practicality not so much.
 
Leeper said:
Deepening a chamber and rechambering for a different cartridge are two entirely different things. When chambering for a different cartridge, the reamer is not well supported and aligned. There is a tendency to push a little too hard and set up a chatter. Regarding the use of a hand drill or a drill press, I have known guys who did both, with decent results. Just because something is possible though, doesn't mean it's a great idea!
If I was going to ream a chamber by hand, without removing the barrel from the action, I would make an extension, which was a close fit in the receiver, to provide some semblance of alignment.
Click to expand...

This, the pilot will not be in the bore until the reamer has cut deep enough for it to enter, as mentioned this leads to all sorts of issues./\
 
Ok after making a few measurements looks like the pilot will be engaging in the land right from the start!
 
Yes I will try to figure a bushing of some sort. Would it be better at the front ring or at the back of the receiver?
 
DGY said:
Yes I will try to figure a bushing of some sort. Would it be better at the front ring or at the back of the receiver?
Click to expand...

Perhaps the reamer extension could be bolt diameter, so that the reamer and extension would be essentially coaxial with the bore and receiver.

I mentioned withdrawing the reamer frequently and cleaning the chamber. The reamer needs to be cleared of chips every time, and more cutting oil applied.

You are working with a Mauser. Remove the bolt stop/ejector assembly. Then the reamer and extension can be easily inserted and removed. When checking headspace, remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt. You can leave the extractor in place. Slip the headspace gauge under the extractor claw. It will be held in place while attempts are made to close the bolt, and will be withdrawn when the bolt is opened.
 
tiriaq said:
Perhaps the reamer extension could be bolt diameter, so that the reamer and extension would be essentially coaxial with the bore and receiver.

I mentioned withdrawing the reamer frequently and cleaning the chamber. The reamer needs to be cleared of chips every time, and more cutting oil applied.

You are working with a Mauser. Remove the bolt stop/ejector assembly. Then the reamer and extension can be easily inserted and removed. When checking headspace, remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt. You can leave the extractor in place. Slip the headspace gauge under the extractor claw. It will be held in place while attempts are made to close the bolt, and will be withdrawn when the bolt is opened.
Click to expand...

Yes. The extension should be made to fit the receiver bridge ID. It is even possible to build a reamer stop into the extension, to control headspace. Of course, if one can do this, he probably doesn't need to chamber by hand.
 
tiriaq said:
Perhaps the reamer extension could be bolt diameter, so that the reamer and extension would be essentially coaxial with the bore and receiver.

I mentioned withdrawing the reamer frequently and cleaning the chamber. The reamer needs to be cleared of chips every time, and more cutting oil applied.

You are working with a Mauser. Remove the bolt stop/ejector assembly. Then the reamer and extension can be easily inserted and removed. When checking headspace, remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt. You can leave the extractor in place. Slip the headspace gauge under the extractor claw. It will be held in place while attempts are made to close the bolt, and will be withdrawn when the bolt is opened.
Click to expand...
I was looking into that this morning, making the extension the size of the bolt body!
Thanks again that is real good info tiriak and leeper! Really appreciate it!
 
dan belisle said:
06 brass is still way easier to get than 8x57. - dan
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Yup, just adding insight to the query. Postwar shooters wanted to use their bring-backs or rifles from the surplus market, the conversion to 8mm-06 was an easy way to accomplish that goal.
 
tiriaq said:
Perhaps the reamer extension could be bolt diameter, so that the reamer and extension would be essentially coaxial with the bore and receiver.

I mentioned withdrawing the reamer frequently and cleaning the chamber. The reamer needs to be cleared of chips every time, and more cutting oil applied.

You are working with a Mauser. Remove the bolt stop/ejector assembly. Then the reamer and extension can be easily inserted and removed. When checking headspace, remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt. You can leave the extractor in place. Slip the headspace gauge under the extractor claw. It will be held in place while attempts are made to close the bolt, and will be withdrawn when the bolt is opened.
Click to expand...

Done, I found the perfect size pipe OD and made plastic sleeves that center the extension perfectly w/o any play!!
 
Sounds like a fun project!
I have read somewhere that one potential pitfall with an 8mm-06 conversion is the possibility of having 2 different diameters of neck section. What happens is that there is a little bit 8 X 57 neck that doesn't get cleaned up by the 8mm-06 reamer, and if there is any significant step down from one to the next accuracy can be terrible.
I will try to find the article concerning this problem and add a reference.
 
Jonnyofalltrades said:
Sounds like a fun project!
I have read somewhere that one potential pitfall with an 8mm-06 conversion is the possibility of having 2 different diameters of neck section. What happens is that there is a little bit 8 X 57 neck that doesn't get cleaned up by the 8mm-06 reamer, and if there is any significant step down from one to the next accuracy can be terrible.
I will try to find the article concerning this problem and add a reference.
Click to expand...

You'll often see a line in the brass in the neck. Doesn't harm shooting the rifle. Just looks unprofessional. Used to see quite a few 7 Rem Mags that had been rechambered to 7 stw that had a chamber ring right about where the old Rem Mag case shoulder had been. Similar idea. - dan
 
Good day all, I just received the go no go field gauge so now I can start on the reaming of the old 98 8x57!!
Just need to read a little on how and when to use the gauges!
I’ll get back here with some progress!!
 
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