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Thread: Re barreling question on Browning B-78

  1. #1
    Boolit Mold
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    Re barreling question on Browning B-78

    I recently got a browning B78 that is in great condition. I didn’t notice in until I received the rifle , that there are no barrel stamping as to maker or caliber of the barrel. Obviously re barreled at some point. I checked with Browning and they tell me it was made in 1973 but don’t see a caliber listed. The rifle is now chambered in 338 win mag. , that is what it was advertised as and a spent cartridge fits. Browning say they didn’t offer a 338 in Winchester or Browning 1885’s or B78’s. Don’t know if this was a custom build or someone just thought is would be good idea. I am now a little nervous about how safe to shoot. The only stamp on the barrel is under the fore stock hanger. Stamped 107. Any of you folks got any opinions on what I do next?

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master



    M-Tecs's Avatar
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    Browning chambered both the B78 and 1885 in 7mm Rem Mag. The 338 Win is basically a necked up 7mm Rem Mag. Providing the barrel was properly installed you have zero issues.
    2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. - "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

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  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    That action should withstand anything you care or can tolerate to shoulder. If you are indeed a little nervous as to the exact chambering a chamber cast will answer all.

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master
    Mk42gunner's Avatar
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    I'll second what the previous two posts, it should be fine if the barrel was installed correctly.

    If you are still nervous after looking it over, you could sand bag it down and fire it remotely the first time. But I bet it will be fine.

    Robert

  5. #5
    Boolit Mold
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    Used a hornady OAL gauge to check and is indeed a 338 win mag., so confident with that. Have mixed brass but only 225 gr. SST’s to load. Need to select a powder. Now suspecting a custom build since the stock checkering/pattern also is different from any I have or have seen. Which would be great.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails IMG_0549.jpeg   IMG_0551.jpg  

  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master


    stubshaft's Avatar
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    Nice looking rifle. I use WW760 in my 338's for bullets in the 200 - 225 gr. range.
    Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway!

    Men who don't understand women fall into two categories: bachelors and husbands!

  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy
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    If you have it or can get it Reloader 19 will get you all the velocity and accuracy youll need.
    Crash87
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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check