8mm Mauser to a 35 Whelen

[RLM690]

Just to toss it out there. I have an 8 mm Mauser Cottage Industry Rifle, cant determine maker, have been pondering the feasibility of re-boring it to a 35 Whelen. Its in pretty fair shape, Butter-knife Bolt Handle , double set triggers, express sights. I would like to keep the same barrel so I think re-boring it could be an option. Any opinions out there? Also recommendations for a good Smith to do it?

[ar15barrels]

No personal experience with him, but this guy specializes in exactly what you are looking for:

http://www.35caliber.com/

I have seen good comments about him from people with TC barrels he did.

[kendog4570]

Assuming yours is a sportered military Mauser 98, most are safe pressure wise, the problem is the 30-06 cartridge length in an action designed around the 8MM family of cases. A significant amount of the bottom lug seat reinforcement area must be cut away in the feed ramp area to accommodate the slightly longer round. Do you know exactly what action you have?

[RLM690]

All I can tell is that is a large ring Military Action. Im presuming all markings were polished out by the Gunsmith who built it. Tapered sporting barrel with two leaf express sights and a ramped front sight. Similar to a Type B Mauser and very similar to photos of Guild Guns on Google. I have been able to make out a faint trace of a serial number and other than proof marks, thats all I have.

[God Bless America]

Consider 9.3x62 instead. The German version of 35 Whelan. Meant for mausers.

[buffybuster]

The 35 Whelen is nice and the 9.3x62mm is a personal favorite, but the rifle sounds nice "as is". If the bores in good shape, why don't you consider keeping it 8x57 (if it's a "S" bore) and loading some 220's.

[GreenAndy]

I had Jesse (www.35caliber.com) Rebore a 1903 to 9.3x62. He does good work. Its a shooter. It’s a better shooter than my custom 35 Whelen.

Your rifle sounds nice as-is. But if you want a more common caliber or it has a rough bore, go for it.