30-06 cartrige size same as.....

[22lr]

Looking for options in taking a 30-06 action and re barreling it. What cartridges would work with no modification to the mag well, and bolt. Its a 1903a3 action and im not looking to just ditch the 30-06 but im just seeing what my options are. Cost of the cartridge is a concern, but I can roll my own. That said I don't want to spend 30 minutes prepping each round for a weird wildcat cartridge. Thanks ahead of time.

22lr

 

[rcmodel]

The list is too long to list them all.

About a gazillion factory calibers are based on the 30-06 case and/or case-head size.

22-250 Rem, 243 Win, 6mm Rem, 257 Roberts, 25-06 Rem, 260 Rem, 270 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, 7mm Mauser, 284 Win, 280 Rem, 308 Win, 8mm Mauser, 358 Win, 35 Whelen, etc.. to name a few.

The mid-length rounds like the 22-250, 243, 308, etc. might require a magazine box block for the shorter cartridges, but other then that it is just a barrel change.

rc

 

[fineredmist]

Two that will fill the bill - .270 & .25-06. Just change the barrel.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

All the cartridges that rcmodel listed and afew others. I have a long action M98 Colombian Mauser with extended magazine well chambered in .308 Winchester. The shorter cartridges feed just fine without a filler block.

 

[22lr]

Ok many thanks, just what I was looking for. I have no clue on what one I will pick but I think 22-250 or 308 are the 2 in the lead. Anyways it wont be till summer until i can get the work done but many thanks for the info.

 

[Jim K]

The question is what you want to use the rifle for, not what fits. Sort of like a woman going to the beach in Florida in August buying a fur coat because it is her size.

Jim

 

[Chawbaccer]

You know the 30-06 will do about everything. Unless you have a specific use you are best off just leaving it as is.

 

[22lr]

Its just for a bench gun, maybe coyotes. If only looking at changing if the round is going to cost less to load/shoot. I figure if im already doing a rebarrel why not if it is going to be cheaper. Dont get me wrong the 30-06 is a great cartridge (the reason I originally bought the 1903 over a Mauser), im just playing with ideas at this point. I have no worries about recouping money as I have no plans to sell the gun once I finish it, but cost is still a concern (other wise id be building off an original 1903 action) .

 

[Chawbaccer]

Ok, gotha. I am currently wanting a 6.5 Swede. Maybe it would fit your needs. You can also go for some of the less common as you can hand load. Maybe a 6mm Remington. 257Roberts.

 

[Clemson]

You are not likely to find a lower cost cartridge than 30-06. Even if .308 were $0.25 per round cheaper, you would have to fire 2000 rounds to make up the difference (and it really is not less expensive now). Try ordering ammunition from the CMP (www.odcmp.com).

Clemson