.25-06 or .243

[crp]

I have two take off barrels. One in .25-06 and the other in .243. I am interested in converting one into 6.5-06. Would some one please tell me if one or both of these barrels will work? Also, what would have to be done to convert the barrel to 6.5-06? thanks

 

[Scorch]

First, the barrel would have to be re-bored and rifled, because 6.5-06 uses a .264" bullet and the two barrels you have have a smaller groove diameter than that (.257" for the 25-06, .243" for the 243). The barrel would then be threaded to fit your action. Then the barrel would have to be chambered and headspaced on your action. All in all, you are looking at about $350-400 worth of work to do what you are looking at. You could probably do it cheaper by buying a Adams & Bennett barrel and taking it to a smith for threading/chambering/crowning the barrel.

 

[James K]

There is a lot of discussion on these sites about reboring and re-rifling barrels as if it were something easily done with a dull pocket knife. It is a complex and expensive proposition and requires specialized machinery only a few companies in the country have. Most of the time it is much less expensive to simply buy a new barrel (or a new gun) in the desired caliber.

If you have an appropriate receiver and the .25-06 barrel is in good shape, there is no practical advantage in going to 6.5-06.

Jim