Rechamber 7.62x39 to 7.62x51

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Ohno

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Would this be possible?

I understand the mags would have to be modified to accept the longer shells, but assuming that can be over come would it be a straight forward reaming?

Also if we are assuming the rifle is a gas operated semi auto ala sks/vz85 would that need modification as well?

I'm guessing the bold face would need to be modified as the rim on the x39 is .447 and the x51 is .473

Mmmm always thinking of the next best thing.
Judging from the fact no one has mentioned this before I'm sure there is a good reason for it.
 
I've heard it mentioned in reference to the SKS specifically. I'm no gunsmith, but the reasons I saw on the responses were basically that the 7.62x51 is so much longer that the action on the SKS and other semi's simply wouldn't function with that round. You might be okay with a bolt. If someone does get it working with the SKS, please PM me! And if it does work with the SKS, you might suddenly see way more of them around at hunting season! I can only hope...

I just remembered, you'd need a new barrel as the 7.62x51 is .308 diameter and the 7.62x39 is .311. So you couldn't just cut a new chamber.

Maybe the length of action thing could be solved by handloading your 308's with lighter bullets seated further back? Seems to me the SKS action is a bit long for the round.

The SKS may be able to take the pressure etc from a 7.62x51, as it's significantly overbuilt for the 7.62x39 anyways.

Any real gunsmiths care to take an educated stab at this one?
 
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Depends if the potential rifle action was designed to withstand the pressure of the x51, and whether the action was long enough.

A gas system set up for the x39 is designed for the x39. I suspect something would have to be modified for the x51. Hell, even the type of powder used in any given cartridge will affect the gas system to some degree.

Pretty hard to come up with something original in this day and age. There are many thinkers and tweakers preceding your arrival on the planet. But don't let that stop you from trying.;)
 
"...Would this be possible?..." Not without changing the barrel, mag, bolt face. The 7.62 x 39 uses a .311" diameter bullet in European rifles, it's 200 thou shorter and the cartridge head is 27 thou smaller.
The next best thing it wouldn't be. It'd be going backwards. Ruger attempted to chamber the Mini-14 in .308. It didn't work either.
 
I suppose that anything is possible if enough time and money is thrown at the project. Whether a SKS/VZ is strong enough, or has a long enough action is anyone's guess. Rechambering a chromed barrel takes a carbide reamer. Whether the original barrel would shoot accurately enough could only be determined by testing. Balancing the gas system for function would be an adventure. Practicality of such a project would be very low.
The Ruger XGI was not a rechambered Mini. It was designed from the ground up around the .308 cartridge. There are different stories about why the project failed. The most plausible ones I have heard report functionning problems with the wide range of .308 ammunition available, and less than acceptable accuracy.
 
tiriaq said:
The Ruger XGI was not a rechambered Mini. It was designed from the ground up around the .308 cartridge. There are different stories about why the project failed. The most plausible ones I have heard report functionning problems with the wide range of .308 ammunition available, and less than acceptable accuracy.
Click to expand...

You mean less than acceptable accuracy compared to a Mini 14?
 
"...The Ruger XGI..." Announced by Ruger at the SHOT show in January 1984, They announced that it wouldn't be made in June of the same year. It appeared in LeBaron's catalogue for two years after that.
Ruger auctioned off one of the experimental rifles in 2007. Sold for just over 8 grand US.
 
The way a bolt locks up in a SKS is less than stellar .
For a cartridge like the 7.62x39 its ok . Use it for .308 and the trigger will be the detonator .
 
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