The Accurate Reloading Forums
NEED A REAMER : CONVERTING A 280 TO 284
10 May 2012, 06:38
bluemule1NEED A REAMER : CONVERTING A 280 TO 284
Hello
I have asked my local gunsmith to convert a 280 to a 284, he said he needed a reamer.
Where would I find a reamer to do this, is it cheaper to rent or should a person buy a new one and then try to sell it when done?
10 May 2012, 06:52
roughoneIf I am only using a reamer once, I rent. I have had good luck with 4-D Reamer Rental.
(You can't fix stupid)
Falls of Rough Ky University
Our victory cry is FORK U!
10 May 2012, 21:08
ramrod340Just working from memory but I believe that your barrel will have to be set back about .3". I would guestion if you have enough shank not to mention how it will look in your stock.
As usual just my $.02
Paul K
10 May 2012, 21:20
bluemule1The rifle is a Thompson Venture in a 280, my gunsmith said there is enough to set back, if the stock doesn't fit right I can get a different one.
My main reason for doing this is I like the 284, but no one is cambering them any more. The only ones available are the ones collectors want, I just want to have one to hunt with.
I have a 99f in a 284, but since it has collector value I will sell it, and convert the 280 to 284.
FWIW...there isn't any difference between the two cases as far as hunting is concerned as I'm sure you are aware of.
The fact that the 284 is discontinued is also a MINUS, except for the fact you will be able to find brass for it for a long time to come.
I've had both cases configured in several ways in several guns over the past 40 years, I see nothing wrong with having BOTH or rechambering, but I think I would leave My T/C strictly alone and just have a new barrel chambered for 284 installed or buy another rifle.
A custom contoured and chambered new barrel with bluing or any exterior coating probably won't cost much more than all the messing around you need to do to convert and restock/bed.
I would also KEEP the Sav 99 in 284, that has more "ANTIQUE/COLLECTORS/HUNTERS" value for certain.
If the gunsmith knows what he's about, he can also rechamber and just full bed the stock with colored epoxy and fill in any "gapitis".
I think you are looking at tossing money into a black hole when there are many alternative ways to solve your conundrum.
10 May 2012, 23:23
ramrod340quote:
I think you are looking at tossing money into a black hole when there are many alternative ways to solve your conundrum
You should build what you want. But you could buy dies for the 280 as cheap as renting a 284 reamer. Not have to worry about setting the barrel back or the gap etc. I'm on vacation and don't have access to most of my data. If the 284 is a must I "BELIEVE" a 284 will clean up a 7-08 chamber. If so lot less work than starting with a 280.
As usual just my $.02
Paul K
Of course your stock won't fit; you will cutting off the breech, and you will be lucky to have enough meat to thread, and the thickness over the new chamber will be much thinner. My opinion, only; shoot the 280; it is a great caliber as is. 284 causes problems with that rebated rim, hard to get brass. No benefit; there is a reason it is dead. But if you really want it, go for it. Or buy an old 284.
11 May 2012, 00:54
highcountry2284 on a 600 rem maybe 5 - 6 lb pack rifle
a 280 on a 600 probably not
11 May 2012, 02:00
GeorgeSquote:
Originally posted by highcountry2:
284 on a 600 rem maybe 5 - 6 lb pack rifle
a 280 on a 600 probably not
Does the .280 even fit in a Rem. 600 action?
George
11 May 2012, 03:12
ramrod340quote:
Does the .280 even fit in a Rem. 600 action
Sure. Oh did you want a bullet in it?

The 600 was designed for more around the 2.8" OAL Can't imagine a 280 with bullet working.
As usual just my $.02
Paul K
11 May 2012, 04:57
highcountry2284 in 600 rem not 280
11 May 2012, 05:12
bluemule1I see your point, anyone want to trade a 280 bolt action rifle for a 284 bolt action rifle?
11 May 2012, 07:13
ramrod340quote:
284 bolt action rifle
or maybe a 7-08 with a quick hit with a reamer.
As usual just my $.02
Paul K
Why not convert to 280 IMP. Simple conversion.