Thread: Reaming a 708

Can a 708 be reamed to 7x57

No, not without a bit of work as the 7x57 shoulder is narrower - to do it the barrel would have to be set back. A 284 reamer would be your friend . . . .

the case heads are the same size but the body diameters are different the 708 being wider so i dont believe it possible unless you make an ackley type improved.

Why? In most loading manuals a 7mm-08 will out perform a 7x57, why not .284 or 280ai?

x57 is bigger in every dimension and develops less pressure so As long as you've got the bolt throw to clear the extra half inch should be fine

Wait. Sorry, got that arse-about. Looking at drawings on my damned phone.
But as said above set the barrel back 5mm or so and be fine

Originally Posted by Cooper

Why? In most loading manuals a 7mm-08 will out perform a 7x57, why not .284 or 280ai?

Because i dont live in ponsonby and dont drink lattes

Originally Posted by northdude

Because i dont live in ponsonby and dont drink lattes

Rebarrel it to 308 then

7-08 is a larger diameter at the shoulder

And 7x57 is a recognised big game calibre capeable of downing elephants whereas the 708 isnt. So he will be well positioned if marauding herds of pachaderms are spotted in the vicinity of the kaipara heads.

Originally Posted by northdude

Because i dont live in ponsonby and dont drink lattes

Dude, they're not an Aucklander's gun exclusively.

We have 'em down here in the south island as well.

Owning one won't turn you into a raving left footer*

(*see Black Adder)

Originally Posted by northdude

Because i dont live in ponsonby

In these eyes of the rest of the country anyone in the Auckland area is a latte drinking snowflake.......


Unless you specifically want 7x57 I'd consider the 284 as well.

Originally Posted by Marty Henry

And 7x57 is a recognised big game calibre capeable of downing elephants whereas the 708 isnt. So he will be well positioned if marauding herds of pachaderms are spotted in the vicinity of the kaipara heads.

just because its a recognized that it has killed alot of big game (by a skilled hunter, who knew the anatomy of the game and was a skilled shooter) doesn't mean its a big game caliber. Like shooting deer with a 22. Sure it can be done but it wouldnt be alot of peoples first choice. And then dont get started on the ethics debate.

Originally Posted by northdude

Because i dont live in ponsonby and dont drink lattes

Why do you have a 708 then?

You could yes, 284 is also a great idea and if you want to be really bad ass, go 7x57 Ackley.

I bought a new 7-08 takeoff barrel for my T3 and had it reamed to .284 Win. That rifle is my day-to-day shooter and drops everything with 162 ELD-X. In a Tikka action with long bolt stop and mag there is room to seat out as far as you like without mag or extraction problems. Would be the same in any other LA rifle. Lapua 6.5-.284 brass necked up is the go too.

If you want something a bit different go .284 Shehane. Blows out the .284 Win case taper and gives 3 grains or so more capacity. That would launch anything up to 180s with authority.