I have a rem 788 .243 and i would like to rechamber it to a 6mm AI. How difficult would this be? Would there be any potential problems with this conversion? Any comments are appreciated. r j

If you have plenty of money and like 788's then go ahead. I can tell you have never had an improved cartridge.

If you mean the 6mm Rem/.244 Rem improved then the magazine length may be short if long bullets are the idea.

Better to sell the 788 and get a nice rifle to use with the money. Short of that make a drop tube and stuff more 4350 or 4831 into it.

To add that the sharp shoulder of the improved case will make FL sizing more difficult.

[ 11-27-2002, 20:31: Message edited by: Don Martin29 ]

The 6mm AI kicks 243 butt. On the 788 you have a few problems though. Not with rechambering, that's the easy part (for any competent 'smith). As Don mentioned, there may be feeding problems. I own a few 788's, and only have an Improved cartridge on one of them (a 22-243 Middlestead). The other thing is going to be cartridge length. If you use stock mags, you're pretty much restricted to 2.8" COL. The magazine can be extended, as can the magazine well. 6mm 788 mags are no longer in production (and have become relatively expensive), and even though they are the same length externally as the 243/308 et al, the guiding shoulders on the mag are farther forward, so you can'y use the 308 mags without a lot of mods. As a single shot, there would be no problem. Which barrel length 243 do you have, 18.5" or 22"? If it's the 18.5, you are wasting your time. Either rebarrel or go to a differant rifle. The other thing on 788's is that it is a rear locking action, and a LOT less forgiving of borderline handloads then, say, a 700. They are a great action within their limits, usually much more accurate then an equivalent 700. FWIW - Dan

It has a 22 inch barrell. Looks like i better find a model 700 to play with.