Brownells 98 Mauser barrel

[DonHowe]

I recently bought one of these contoured, short-chambered barrels in .308 Win. Brownells sells them for like $99. This past week a competent friend helped fit it to an action. The solid pilot on a std reamer would not fit. It took a .298 pilot to fit the bore. Yesterday I slugged the barrel and got a groove diameter of .3065".

[GBertolet]

That does seem to be a little tight. I had a Douglass Premium 30cal barrel go the other way @ .301 bore diameter. I had Mr Manson give me a live pilot of .3005, instead of the usual 30 cal .2995 size, to go with his reamer. I was for a 788 Rem in 30-30. As long as your barrel is good otherwise, it shouldn't affect how the rifle shoots.

[DonHowe]

This does not really bother me but the proof will be in the shooting.
I did think a heads up to others worthwhile so as to not be blindsided.

[Old School Big Bore]

Let us know how it shoots. I've been waiting for months on a savage-type 98 barrel from Rhineland/Troup.

[DonHowe]

That .3065" is just ahead of the throat. This AM I slugged it at the muzzle and got .3077".
There is a good chance a replacement would be the same. Could be a candidate for firelapping???

[wmitty]

Can a reverse taper barrel ( Increasing groove diameter as muzzle is approached) be made to shoot boolits accurately? I’m asking as I have never encountered one.

[DonHowe]

Logic says no but I will try it and see what the target says.
This barrel may give this rifle double life. Maybe after a few thousand insensible j-word bullets it will be ready for a second life as a boolit shooter!
Actually this project was rebarreling a .338-06 to a commonly available (???) Cartridge, not necessarily as bolt shooter. I need to remember that.

[wolfwing]

Actually this project was rebarreling a .338-06 to a commonly available (???) Cartridge,

I'd bet you could find 338-06 ammo easier than 308 ammo - right now. What did ya do with the take off barrel?

[skeettx]

Sooooo, how does it shoot?
My idea is once it is shot 40 or so rounds it will
measure just fine.
And cleanings are a MUST !
Mike

[DonHowe]

I'd bet you could find 338-06 ammo easier than 308 ammo - right now. What did ya do with the take off barrel?
You are correct about the ammo just now unless one wants to $2.00/round for premium bullet stuff. You CAN however but .308 brass.
I am having to look forward to who has the rifle after me, most likely a grandson who is a reloaded but not a wildcat reloader (tho he will likely get a .30x57 also).
The .338-06 barrel was handed off to a friend to be sold on the internet. It is a mid 80s McGowan with maybe 250-300 rounds through it. Gray green Parkerized finish.

As for the .308 barrel, it has occurred to me to shoot some jacketed stuff through it then slug the chamber end again.