Rechamber 300 blk to 7.62x39

[blkhog]

I've built a 300 blk and love it. Ejection took a little work to iron out. Now I'd like to put together a 7.62x39 on another Stephens 200 action. I'm having trouble finding a .310 barrel at a decent price and lead time, but I can get another .308 diam barrel threaded and chambered for the 300 blk. (16.5", ss matte threaded 5/8x24)

1)Would this be safe for shooting factory ammo? ( I pulled and miked some bullets and miked some new projectiles and they are all
under .310, most around .309-.3095)

2) Would fire-lapping help?

3) This barrel is 1:8 twist, would that work ok for factory(cheap steel) 123gr projectiles?
Would it work for heavier .308 bullets loaded in x39 brass? Subs and supers?

I'm thinking that this would make a nice light rifle for my Dad, who is recoil sensitive, and may feed/eject a little better.
AND just be cool and work with my suppressor!

Thanks in advance for your insights and advice.

[geargrinder]

Don't forget the different bolt face size for the 7.62x39. Those aren't real common.

[Opus Dei]

I've never had much interest in 7.62X39, so I'm working off memory. I seem to recall the early Mini-30s had .308 bores. I also seem to recall when Winchester started making their white box target loads in 7.62X39, they used .308 bullets. That also might've changed.

So, Yes, I would think it's feasible based upon history. Also the accuracy and longevity issues of the above examples.

[blkhog]

Thanks for your input! Yes, the bolt heads are different, but the x39 shares a common case head with the grendel and ppc cartridges. These bolt heads are in stock at several suppliers. The mini 30's did have a .308 bore, and some issues I've heard. Possibly(???) Savage used .308 bores but I haven't been able to confirm this. Anyone?
The .310 factory ammo would be for just plinking and some accuracy degradation would be ok. That's not the ammo I'd pick when accuracy really mattered anyway. My primary concern is that if this gun will chamber and fire this ammo I want it to be safe, since I have other 7.62x39 firearms and ammo could get mixed.
I'm hoping that the 1:8 twist would allow good accuracy with .308 projectiles in handloads. I found a few threads on other forums that indicate a faster twist would be suitable for heavier(>150gr) bullet weights, especially since my case capacity will likely limit velocity. Of course, now I do have a lead on a 1:10 Lothar Walther barrel,too.

Hoping to learn as much as possible before jumping in. Please keep the info/advice coming!

[blkhog]

Oops, double posted.

[thomae]

Savage 7.62x39 barrels are .308 diameter. You should be able to purchase the correct bolthead and magazine from Savage since they sell rifles in that caliber.

[geargrinder]

Thanks for your input! Yes, the bolt heads are different, but the x39 shares a common case head with the grendel and ppc cartridges. These bolt heads are in stock at several suppliers.



Do you have a link to some of them. I've got an odd project in mind and would like to try one.

[Opus Dei]

Thanks for your input! Yes, the bolt heads are different, but the x39 shares a common case head with the grendel and ppc cartridges. These bolt heads are in stock at several suppliers.



Do you have a link to some of them. I've got an odd project in mind and would like to try one.
I got one from Gun Shack.

[hunter2]

BFG has them in stock.

[geargrinder]

BFG has them in stock.


BFG? I know their tires but I didn't know they sold gun parts. ;D

[lskok]

We still have the 7.62x39 / 6.5 Grendel Bolt Heads in stock:

http://www.gunshack.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=252