Rebarrel FN/Browning

hansol

hansol

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Hey all,

I'm not sure if you guys caught my other thread in the "hunting rifles" section, but apparently I have a 1960s FN Mauser/Browning rifle currently in
7mm Rem Mag configuration.

I'm curious as to if it would be possible to rebarrel this rifle into a bigger caliber? So far I am toying with the idea of something along the lines of 35 whelen, or even 375 H&H. That being said, I have no freaking idea what exactly that would entail, price-wise or work-wise, or what the FN mauser action on this rifle would be able to handle for a new cartridge. So I guess basically I am asking: what are the possibilities for this rifle regarding calibre configuration?

Any input, or rantings, or thoughts, would be very much appreciated. Thanks -Cameron
 
Because it's already got a magnum bolt face, you are limited to those cases.

7Mag, 300Win Mag, 338 Mag, 358 Norma and the like. The Norma would be a VG choice if you are looking for a 35cal.

The 375H&H may require a longer mag box and extra work to your reciever than the other '06 length magnums.


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As the above post stated...

only I would recommend the .338 Win Mag because of the popularity and ease of getting ammo....
 
Hey all,

Guntech, what exactly would go into having the rifle re-barrelled in 358 norma? I googled that calibre little bit, and like what I see. I also happen to be a relaoder, so crafting ammo for the rifle to bang off would be no problem. Thoughts? -Cameron
 
...... or you always get a 375/338 Magnum.

It necks up a 338win case to 375cal. It will equal a 375H&H and requires no other changes to your reciever.

I have one in the works now on a 700 action. Your Browning action would be much nicer than the Remington.

375Taylor001.jpg
 
Hansol, the difference between 338 and 35 calibre cartridges on similar sized cases is mainly in our minds. Critical real performance on game is indistinguishable. Not trying to knock your choice, but as Guntech pointed out, available anywhere and most if not all gunsmiths have reamers. The average gunsmith will not have a 358 Norma reamer. bearhunter
 
There's a very good reason why the .338 WM is such a popular cartridge.
- It works.
- You're not going to come up against anything on the North American continent for which it is inadequate.
- It's a joy to load for, and is usually very accurate.
- In a pinch, you can buy factory loads anywhere.

That being said, it seems a shame to whittle around on an FN Browning for any reason. They are beautiful classy rifles, and highly prized in their original configurations. It's a bit like pimping a Mercedes.
 
Fitting a new barrel to a Mauser type action is a routine job. .338 is certainly more common than the proprietary .358 Norma, and there will be more 'smiths with the tools. Heck, even I have a .338 reamer.
 
Hey all,

Thanks for the replies. Tumbleweed, unfortunately (although I use that word sparingly) my FN Browning isn't in original cofiguration. It has custom woodwork on it, and has been rebarrelled into 7mm rem mag. So tinkering with it isn't a problem.

As for the 358 Norma mag thing, I was just toying with the idea as it is something unique, a calibre that not everyone in hunting camp has. Like I said, I don't have an issue reloading and making my own brass and all that, so I thought it might be a fun little project. But if not a lot of smiths can do it, then that may be a problem.
 
hansol said:
As for the 358 Norma mag thing, I was just toying with the idea as it is something unique, a calibre that not everyone in hunting camp has. Like I said, I don't have an issue reloading and making my own brass and all that, so I thought it might be a fun little project. But if not a lot of smiths can do it, then that may be a problem.
Click to expand...

You supply the barrel blank - I have the reamer...
 
Well just so everyone is up to date:

I chatted with SuperCub a bunch, and am now having a custom rifle made up in 375/338. The barrel is currently being made by Pac-Nor, and should be shipped in 10 weeks or so. I have a california walnut stock on order, and that should be here sometime soon as well. Then I will begin work on a hand-rubbed oil finish for the stock.

Hopefully it turns out to be a decent shooter. Will post pics when I get all the parts, but don't hold your breath. Cheers -Cameron
 
WHAT! :eek: .... you're not going with the .375 RUGER? :confused:

Don't your know it IS the KING of the 375s and all other .375's are wannabes?

You won't be able to shoot your way out of a wet paper bag with a 375/338. :evil:



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375 Ruger? What's that? One of those new super-duper amazing godly cartridges that gun writers are promoting now to be the ONLY way to get game, but will drop it when the promotional cheques run out for a newer, even better, super-duper amazing godly cartridge? (Maybe it will be called the Super-DUPER short mag.) What was I thinking?! I guess I won't be able to hunt with this thing then, or even shoot decent groups at the range. What a waste of money. Wildcats are bad and useless and don't do anything. The gun rags told me. I'm going to slit my wrists in the bathtub I'm so upset. Cheers -Cameron


(And yes, for you politically-correct type, the above was satire. Well mostly. The part about the bathtub was anyways. You can look forward to me being alive and healthy for the next 104 years, as it is my goal in life to live to be 125. So far I am winning)
 
hansol said:
I have a california walnut stock on order, and that should be here sometime soon as well. Then I will begin work on a hand-rubbed oil finish for the stock.
Click to expand...
Don't forget that if this stock isn't properly bedded, it won't only be a poor shooter but will probably split your stock at the tang after the wood behind the recoil lug breaks.



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Wow it will bust? Why will it do that? I know the stock is already pre-fitted perfectly for my action, and that these "Browning Safari Grade" rifles sometimes came in .458 win mag, so...

Is there any way to reinforce the tang? I've heard of steel rods and all that, but am not too familiar with the process. Cheers -Cameron
 
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