Thread: Rechambered rifle

Hi all.

Anyone know how much work would need to be done to rechamber a 7 x 64 rifle to a 280 Remington. I know they are very close ballistics wise but I don't reload so there would be more factory ammo a available for the 280.

The 7x64 is actually about .010" smaller diameter in the base and shoulder than the .280 and the reamer would cut nothing out of the chamber. If you fired a 7x64 in the .280 it would expand noticeably. Although .280 is a bit hard to get it is still made and will show up again in the market. Go and talk to a commercial reloader. .30/06 cases can be easily reformed into .280.

Originally Posted by gundoc

The 7x64 is actually about .010" smaller diameter in the base and shoulder than the .280 and the reamer would cut nothing out of the chamber. If you fired a 7x64 in the .280 it would expand noticeably. Although .280 is a bit hard to get it is still made and will show up again in the market. Go and talk to a commercial reloader. .30/06 cases can be easily reformed into .280.

I think you miss read his post.

He has a 7x64 and would like to rechamber to 280 not the other way round.

Sorry, I just re-read your post. I got it arse about face! A 7x64 can be easily rechambered for .280 but the barrel may need to be set back slightly to get the correct headspace. If you had iron sights and wished to keep the rifle looking original then the barrel would have to be set back one full turn. Not a big job and should be completely done in under 2 hours by a competent gunsmith.

I reckon 7x64 ammo might be more available than .280. At least here in Oz anyway. Not many straight .280 chamberings from any manufacturers now. Euro coys INC Tikka, Sako etc do the x64.

Also, Euro loads for the 7x64 will be appreciably hotter than the 280, which was loaded down for the 740/760 series rifles.

I'd spend the gunsmith money on buying ammo when you can find it - and I have a 280.