Was hoping some of you would be able to advise me on this? I have a Blaser R8 "semi weight" barrel in 338 Win Mag. Is it possible to have it re-chambered to 340 Weatherby Mag? Is the chamber area have enough material to maintain the integrity of the barrel to withstand the added pressure and length of the 340 Weatherby Cartridge?
If so how difficult of a job would it be for a competent gunsmith??
Many Thanks
Leon

Should be a simple rechamber job, but you will need to check if the action, magazine and follower will suit the longer cartridge. I know the Blaser will take the longer cartridge if you have a 375 length kit.
The 340 doesn't produce higher pressures over the 338 that you have to worry about, I have both.

Cheers.

Hi,

I've got an mag insert that says 300 weatherby, 375 etc. quite sure it'll work

Which do you prefer? I've got a 338 and find sometimes it tends to be a bit limited in terms of distance and wallop with heavier bullets. The 250 has quite. Loopy trajectory ..
I want the 340 for back up on plains game and the odd buff at distance.
It's not often that I do take a crack at a hunters trophy but sometimes i have try anchor it to keep from loosing it. So I don't have the luxury of angel or distance....
I feel when I need to the a dip I better be covered for any circumstance. That's why I carry a 577
Would appreciate your opinion.
Many thanks
Leon

ConWowo, Phil Kuehne at KDF in Texas did that exact thing. He does custom work on Blasers, plus normal repairs. (830) 379-8141tact them.

Biebs,
Thanks, checked your pm on my iPad and it says message no content... Didn't download. African email for you
I'll get in touch with the people there. I'm from Botswana and would probably try have it done in South Africa if it's not too much of a headache... Specifically bought the semi weight barrel for this purpose. I can't wait to try it out. It's my dream plains game calibre )
Many thanks
Leon

You might also look at having the 338 throat extended so that you can seat the bullet just to the base of the neck, it will allow for a little more powder and possibly around a 100fps increase in velocity.

DuaneinND,
Thanks sounds like an option. Would I then be restricted to handloads only?

quote:

Originally posted by Wowo:
Hi,

I've got an mag insert that says 300 weatherby, 375 etc. quite sure it'll work

Which do you prefer? I've got a 338 and find sometimes it tends to be a bit limited in terms of distance and wallop with heavier bullets. The 250 has quite. Loopy trajectory ..
I want the 340 for back up on plains game and the odd buff at distance.
It's not often that I do take a crack at a hunters trophy but sometimes i have try anchor it to keep from loosing it. So I don't have the luxury of angel or distance....
I feel when I need to the a dip I better be covered for any circumstance. That's why I carry a 577
Would appreciate your opinion.
Many thanks
Leon

In reallity, there's about 100fps difference between the 2 in the same length barrel. Both of my barrels are 26", with 225gr pills the 338 gets just over 2900fps, the 340 gets just over 3000fps, the difference is about the same with 250gr pills. This translates into a difference of around an inch in trajectory.
Not a big enough difference to notice in the real world. My MPBR with both is just over 300yrds, it's still good for 500yrds in the hands of a good shot.
You asked which I prefer.......... well....... um, I love my 338, it's a fair crack lighter than my 340, it is my go to rifle, brass is easier to get and cheaper, this is why I prefer the 338.
I also have a 338 Edge, but this a specialised long range target rifle and weighs close to 15lbs, I have hunted with it twice, but it's too heavy to lug around.

Cheers.

Rigbyhunter,

Thanks I love a 338 that's why is got a one in the first place.. Then thought perhaps a 340 is better.. Then again I KNOW the 340s reputation for recoil and I don't want to be practicing the opposite of what we preach the bullet has got to hit the mark! Many thanks you've helped to ease that inner conflict
Regards
Leon