Rechambering FN98 8x57 to 8x68 S

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CanadaBoy

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I'm thinking of rechambering an old FN action M98 sporter from 8x57 to 8X68 S. I like the FN98 action and the Husqvarna sporters in 8x57 are the most affordable FN actioned 98s I can find. As far as I can tell the 8x68 is as long a case as can easily fit in a M98 action and would be the easiest magnum class cartridge to build without rebarrelling (and therefore probably the cheapest). While 8x57 would be fine for moose at moderate ranges the 8x68 would give me a good rifle for long range shots on moose and bear without breaking the bank.

My question is will any modifications other than rechambering (such as modifying the bolt face or feed rails) be needed? I know finding a chamber reamer may also be a problem but I'm sure I can get one somewhere. Also if I provide the reamer what would be considered a fair price for having the rechambering done ?

I'm also going to look into 8mm-338 as 338 brass for resizing is more readily available.

Looking forward to your thoughts and opinions, i'vce never done a project like this so any advice is appreciated.
 
The 8X68 will require changes to the bolt face and probably to the rails, feed ramp and mag box to accommodate the larger and longer case.


cd8x57jsmauser.jpg



8X68S
cd8x68s.jpg
 
Completely doable and I once considered it. Have a look at what I did with the "8mm ARP". The link is below my sig line.
 
The only brass available i'm aware of is RWS for the 8x68mm.I know of a fellow that had his rechambered to 338-8mm so he could get brass..............Harold
 
Andy and mbogo3 are both right on the money. If you have to purchase a reamer, mbogo3 has the better option. In Andy's case RWS brass is very expensive but not to difficult to find and you don't have to fire form it.
No matter which option you choose, if any, you will also have to modify the mag well, guide rails and bolt face. For the 8x68 you will also have to lengthen the mag well. They both have a substantial increase in power over the 8x57. In the end it would probably be cheaper, but not nearly as much fun, to buy a Remington 8mm Mag or a rifle already chambered in 8x68 or 325WSM.
 
So basically rechambering to either 8x68S or 338-8mm will be a fair amount of work. I appreciate the 8x60 suggestion but from what I've read now that 8x57 brass is easy to come by I could load 8x57 to within 50fps of the 8x60 using 170gr bullets. Maybe I'll just keep lurking in the exchange forum until something I fancy pops up.

Thanks for the advice guys
 
Traditionally, the 68 mm length was the longest round that firms like BRNO and Mauser made their actions into. the 8x68 or 10.75 x 68 was a factory available round from these companies for years.

The amount of effort is not that great to modify a standard action. The ones I have did not require a magwell / box change. I do believe that some say that the 30-06 Mauser box is slightly longer and "squarer"then the 8x57. I do not know if that is true or not.

8x57 is a very good round. 8x60 is much the same but a bit better. 8x64 is getting better. 8x68 is a great round. Extremely efficient, without a belt, handles the heavier bullets well, and as usual, made decades before the 8mm mag was "invented".

The reason that the 57 or 60 can be loaded up to close to the longer brass is that you can seat the bullets further out then in the 64 or 68, thereby gaining some room.
 
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