Hello all, I was wondering if I could change out the old 8mm barrel in my rifle for say a 3006,270 or 308 at a REASONABLE price or should I just put up with the underpowered 8mm 170 grain rounds??
I did a simple upgrade and wound up with one hell of an elk gun. I had my gunsmith re-chamber the original military barrel to 8mm-06 AI. The increased powder capacity of the round is like putting it on steroids. Total cost was $75.00. Performance is just short of a .300 mag.,without a belted case,and much less felt recoil.
I can assume you do not reload from the fact that you feel the 8X57mm is underpowered. In full power loadings, the 8X57mm is as powerful or slightly more powerful than a 30-06, and very few people refer to the 30-06 as underpowered. So start reloading.
Or rebarrel the rifle. Or rechamber the rifle, in which case you will have to reload.
Scorch;
You're right! I've found the surplus Turkish stuff the most powerful loading. The Germans loaded it right at 50,000 CUP, and you're very correct about the 8X57JS being with the 06.
If his barrel is good he could set it back to take care of headspace (if needed), lap the lugs (if needed) and have a fine rifle as it.
I got a new Douglas bbl in 8X57JS and built one on a turk action after checking.
Harry B.