I want to rechamber a 30-06 barrel to the AI version. I have a solid pilot 280 AI reamer so the pilot will not support the front of the reamer. If I get the barrel setup properly in the lathe and use a floating reamer holder will the reamer follow the original hole well enough to cut a concentric chamber?

I thought about making a bushing but it would be a very thin bushing and I wonder if it is really necessary? Also this is for a hunting rifle, not a bench rifle.

Dave Kiff will alter your reamer to take interchangeable pilots. I assume most other reamer-makers will as well....

The only time a pilot IS needed is when following someone elses hole. For a 1 shot use, you can make a pilot out of tool steel, harden it and loctite it over the original. Make sure it has sufficient clearance, is highly polished with smooth, polished, rounded edges. Did I mention smooth and highly polished?

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The only time a pilot IS needed is when following someone elses hole. For a 1 shot use, you can make a pilot out of tool steel, harden it and loctite it over the original

I've done it both ways. If I was going to use it more than once I would convert the die. Clymer did mine. About half the cost of a new die. But I have also did it the same way as malm suggested. Also made my own tips for a reamer with a removable pilot. Not really much difference.

to actually answer the original question - not no but hell no! The use of an unsupported reamer will not work and lead to very bad things. You have to support the front of the reamer

I didn't want to send it in for one chamber. I will see what I have to make a bushing out of. Thanks for the info.

If you know you will never use the reamer again for anything else, well making your own temporary pilot will be okay. BUT, what if someday you want a .35 or a.338 or something else bigger diameter than the .280 on that same case? If you have the reamer converted, then all you have to do is undo the pilot holder (usually a screw) on the converted reamer, slip on the appropriate pilot, replace the holder, and go. In the long run, if you are going to use the reamer for anything else, ever, converting it now will save a lot of time and money.

You have a good point. I will think about it at the silhouette match today!