30.06 conversion to .308?

[jscusmcvet]

I have a 30.06 springfield 1903. I'd like to convert it to .308, so that it shoots the same round as my M1A. I seem to remember seeing this conversion before. What are the details? Seems like it would be a modified chamber and that would be about it... Anyone have any expereince with this?
Thanks,

John

[arlon]

The 06 is a bit longer so my guess would be the barrel chamber would have to be shortened, rethreaded and rereamed (or buy a custom barrel and build from the ground up). Probably way more effort than it's worth. I'd just sell the 03 and buy myself a nice .308.. Even if you got the 308 to chamber you'd still have a short cartridge in a long action and I doubt it would ever feel right.

[theicecreampeople]

my dad had a company MCA sports ...he made this ,its a incert ...he no longer has the business but i emailed the link to him for you ....its a easy fix will let ya know when i find out ...j

[TangoBlue]

You really sure you want to do that? Have you verified the value of that rifle? Once you get it re-barreled and chambered it won't be worth much at all in that caliber. The 30.06 is great and flexible cartridge for reloading.

[crismateski]

if you want matching calibers buy a Garand, trust me, you wont look back, I love mine

[ssc45]

I seem to recall that there was an insert that was placed into the chamber of the M1 so that it could shoot the 7.62N. I do not recall if this insert was also used on the 03. I also seem to recall that it didn't always work. If memory serves, the Navy used this insert and there were some on the market years ago. Another option is to have the barrel recut. To get the 308 chamber will result in a shorter barrel. The other option is to buy a new barrel and have it chambered for the 7.62N. A good smith will keep the shape the same as the stock barrel. The one thing that I have no info on is how the rounds will feed from the mag, since it is a bit long for the 7.62. Just thinking out loud, but it would seem that the feeding could be a bit troublesome.

Good Luck, SSC

[Junior's 12 Valve]

Another option is to have the barrel recut. To get the 308 chamber will result in a shorter barrel. The other option is to buy a new barrel and have it chambered for the 7.62N. A good smith will keep the shape the same as the stock barrel.

Huh? (Yoda voice) A gunsmith you are not.

I'm guessing you're just trying to save a few bucks by converting a rifle you already have to a different chambering, instead of just buying a new rifle?

My suggestion is to sell your 1903, and buy a new/used .308. By the time you spend your paychecks at a gunsmith shop, they'll probably charge you more than just buying a new rifle, not to mentio the extra cash you might have in your pocket if you decide to sell it and come out on top.

Heck if you just like the 1903 and want it in .308, good news. they make them new, today.