Barrel taper

[Beekeeper]

That said is there a formula for figuring a barrels taper?
I have an 1888 Commission rifle that I have shot the barrel out.
I need to replace and would like to keep the original contour so I can reassemble it in its original form.
Would kinda like to change caliber to 270 versus 8MM.
pressures are approximately the same so I think it will work very well.

If you have any info you could share I would appreciate it
Thanks


beekeeper

[Scharfschuetze]

Perhaps having the original barrel bored out and relined would be an option.

[country gent]

If you want to have the taper duplicated by a barrel maker. Send them the barrel and let them measure it up. Measuring the barrel at about 6" forward then about an 1" back from muzzle then 2 -3 points in between allows the taper countour to be charted. The back and muzzle dimensions can tell you actual angle in degrees and mins with a little trigenometry.
Another trick it wont tell you the taper or angle but you can duplicate the taper almost exact. Set the old barrel in your lathe between centers adjust tailstock while indicating taper in until you get zero zero zero. Mount new barrel with a lathe dog on it and turn to the tailstocks setting. Will get you very close but you wont know what the taper is for future refrenece is either.

[Uncle Grinch]

Gee... a 270 Win in an 1888 Commission rifle? I don't know about that, it seems off hand to be too much for that old action.
What about a 7x57 or 257 Roberts?

You may want to look deeper into this conversion.

[KCSO]

The commission rifle was rated for about 45,000 cup and the 270 Winchester is 52,000 that is way over what the commission rifle can handle. You need loads more in the 30-40 Krag area for the Commission rifle. As to barrel taper the barrel is covered by the barrle shroud unless you have Turk or a 88/14 conversion so what is under the shroud is not that critical except for the breech and the muzzle. The original 88's were all cases based on the old low pressure 8mm case IIRR 6.5, 7mm, 8mm, and 9mm and possible 10. something were offered in the sportig conversions. So you would be loking at 6.5x55, 7mm, 8mm, and 9x57 or so,

[swheeler]

What's wrong with the 8mm? Numerich has new in the white 88 barrels for sale right now, they have them on eBay too, just a thought.

[Dan Cash]

Were it mine, I would keep it an 8mm. That is one potent and effective cartridge.

[Whiterabbit]

send the barrel to your barrel maker. If you use PacNor, it's even easier. when you order, select a custom contour, then in the notes box write "copy factory contour". Then ship your barreled action

[UBER7MM]

+1 to what Uncle Grinch & KCSO said.
.
There might be a second issue with the trigger guard. I never dismantled a 1888, but the Mauser 98 magazines need to have the magazine well enlarged to fit a 30-06 sized cartridge (3.34" or longer to mate up with your rifle's throat). The ramp on the bottom of the action will need to be re-worked and polished as well.
.
7x57, 257 Roberts or 6mm Remington might be less problematic COALs, as well as less cartridge pressure for the older action.

I hope this helps,

[Frank46]

I have a small ring 88 action that should the Gods allow will get a 8mm standard bore size .323 swedish 8mm screwed into my 88 action. The replacement barrel comes with the swedish crown and serial number font that this barrel must have come from one of the swedish gunmakers because at one time you could get the 1896 sporter in 8mm mauser caliber.And before I forget all the swedish and 1888 commission rifles all had the same small ring threads same as on the 1888 action. Frank

[swheeler]

Bk did you get one of those new 88 barrels ordered?

[webfoot10]

A 93 or 95 Mauser barrel in 7mm will fit the 88 action. Sarco had new 95 carbine barrels listed in ShotGun News awhile
back, Would make a nice cast boolit hunting rifle.
webfoot10