Converting milsurp type rifle to 7.92x63mm?

[mtallman]

Hi,
Up here in Canada, we've got a dealer with an awesome deal on this surplus ammo (7.92 x 63mm). They are clearing it out at something like 20k rounds for $3k...now my real question is if it would be possible to get a bolt action rifle capable of this cartridge. There are next to no guns in the country of this calibre, so I know of a couple guys who have bought 8mm barrels for their 1919's and rechambered them.
I know the Swedes converted some Mausers to this cartridge, so it can be done. I would like to take a bubba'd (sporterized) milsurp rifle and convert it to this calibre. I was talking to a friend today and he mentioned that a bubba'd P17 would be an ideal cantidate for this. I have also thought about a K98 or other 8mm Mauser.

The reason, obiously, is that I could get a lifetime of surplus ammo now that would cost pennies compared to factory .303 or 8mm (surplus in these calibres has dried up in Canada), to participate in milsurp matches. Now before I get flamed about wrecking a historical rifle, I wouldn't be taking a mint 1939 K98k...i'd be talking a sporterized one that has already been cut up, and restoring it.

Now, my question is, does anyone know if this would be a difficult procedure, or has anyone done this? I wouldn't mind some advice/ experiences as I don't really know where to start. Also, if one could be found at a decent price in the states I could import it. If anyone knew of a gunsmith that does this type of thing in the states I could buy one too...the $300 importation fee I would have to pay would be worth the $5000 I'd save on ammo.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[MErl]

I would think you could get a standard mauser, lengthen the magazine (which seems rather difficult) and a chamber reamer. many were converted to 30-06 so the length can be done.

 

[BADUNAME13]

Delete please

 

[.45Guy]

Delete

 

[aka108]

Few years ago I obtained a really ratty K98K Mauser, 1942 built. The 8mm barrel was a mess. Otained a unissued stepped barrel in 30 cal from some company in California. Installed the new barrel, headpaced and mounted the old iron sightsfrom the 8mm on it. Every thing else left as was. The 30-06 rounds will fit in the Mauser mag. Cut the head off a 30-06 cartridge and nailed it to the stock so I'd be reminded of the correct caliber. It's a beater but shoots well.

 

[Prince Yamato]

Can't you buy australian arms enfield rifles from Marstar that are converted to that caliber?

 

[dstorm1911]

Collumbia as well as haiti and many other south american countries converted 98 mausers to 30/06 the only modification is the rebarrel to 30 cal., no magazine mods needed but 63 mm is the absolute max if bullets are not correct OAL ya will have issues, I've got a ones from each of the countries that issued em in the 1950s if ya need more info, going to 7.92x63 (was a common chambering in many european countries for sporters) ya just need to recut the chamber..... for a 98 large ring mauser

 

[Ian]

You should be able to rechamber any 8mm Mauser barrel for the 8x63 Swede. The author of this page about the cartridge says he used a chamber reamer ordered from Clymer and a Turkish Mauser.