Ive got a Czech BRNO with a good 29" bbl that Im considering re-chambering to 8mm/338 as a first time "cutting my teeth" project. Are the millsurp step bbls substantial enough for this to be a safe conversion? Would an 8mm/06 be more advisable from a saftey standpoint?

Also curious if I need to take any special measures to assure a true center with said rechambering?

the 8MM-06 is a better thought....I wouldn't open that stepped barrel to the .338 Mag cartridge.

Stay with the 8mm/06. vangunsmith

8X68S would be a better option, although the magazine would have to be lengthened a bit for a CIP length (OAL @ Euro standard) of 3.425".

The shoulder diameter of the 8X68S is somewhat less than the .338, but the case head is a full .425" and has no belt. The case taper is almost identicle to the 8X57, so feeding should be like "greased sausages".

This cartridge was designed for the M98 action.

It is "doable" without a whole lot of trouble and this has been done quite extensively in Europe after WWII.

There are several posters here that have either done it, or are in the process of "getting it together", myself included in the later.

I always thought the 8mm/06 cartridge was really nice.
That way you won't have to open the bolt face up, and that can be very tricky if you have not done it before.

-Spencer

WJ,

Ive considered the 8X68s as well. I think its everything a Magnum cartridge "should" be and I expect it would also be easier to make feed in a Mauser box then the PMM. I cant help but wonder though if it also might be a bit on the intense side for a step bbl or maybe if the twist rate of the bbl might be a bit much for it.

Considering the green nature of my situation Im probably better off with the 8mm-06 for now. It should be a good learning exersize.


Thanks again guys..