CZ BRNO

[50 Shooter]

So I got to fondle a rifle made on a BRNO action, which is massive as is the barrel that's on it. The rifle is an odd ball caliber, call it a wildcat, its chambered in 8mm-378 WBY MAG. The owner waited a couple years to get it and has only fired it once.

Now it might go up for sale, I figured that if it was in a better caliber it might sell. I was thinking .338 Lapua but I'm not sure if it will work because the 8mm is close to .338 in diameter. So, any of you gunsmiths out there know if its possible?

[ar15barrels]

If its chambered in a 378 weatherby based wildcat, the case head is the same basic diameter as the 338 Lapua.
You should be able to rebarrel the action to 338 lapua without much problem.

[50 Shooter]

Randall, do you think the same barrel could be used or would it have to be scrapped? Looking at the cost of a new barrel vs using old and having it turned to .338 Lapua.

[ar15barrels]

The old barrel is 8mm, not 338 caliber.
You can't make a 338 lapua without a 338 caliber bullet.

[LynnJr]

The 8mm barrel is 0.323 while the Lapua is 0.338 so the barrel won't work as it sits today.
You can get the barrel re-bored from 0.323 to 0.338 but the cost of re-boring is almost as much as a new barrel.
The 378 Weatherby case necked to 8mm should do everything a 338 Lapua can do so I would leave it alone until the barrel is shot out.
Are you planning on long distance elk hunting with this rig?
Cliff LaBounty does the re-boring

[50 Shooter]

No, the owner is thinking of selling the rifle. Being a wildcat round I'm not sure how much interest there would be.

I know that BRNO actions are worth about a grand or more on their own. I didn't ask how much the owner had in the rifle but I'm sure it has to be at least a couple grand.

Guess I'll see when the owner decides to sell it.

[LynnJr]

Nothing wrong with a wildcat as long as you get the dies with the rifle.I was given a 338 Norma that was shortened and improved for free and the dies alone ran a little over $700.
I think you can buy the CZ actions from Brownells for under $1000 or get a Stiller repeater for right at $1000 and a long wait time.

[50 Shooter]

Yeah, the dies come with the rifle as well as some ammo that was loaded. Just waiting to see what the owner wants to do. If anyone wants to see some pics of it you can PM me your email and I'll send them.