Winchester model 88 caliber change

[Porker]

Hi all,

Made up my mind on a Gunsite 308 in left hand stainless to go with my Ruger 338WM left hand done on a 375 alaskan. So, have my model 88 to be replaced with the gunsite 308, as two 308's are impossible to keep with the laws down under.

Was wondering if its possible to change the caliber to one in the 308 cartridge family. I know about the 243/358/284's that this model came in. Looking for a easy shooting varmint caliber, as i'm all ok with the 338wm and 375 Win BB lever action for bigger stuff. The Gunsite 308 will be the all rounder and I want a smaller caliber.

Taking in account the rotary mag and other tech issues, is such a conversion possible with just a barrel change?

Was thinking along the lines of 7-08 or 260 Rem .... any suggestions or am i looking for pie in the sky...

 

[MudRunner2005]

In Oz you can't own 2 guns of the same caliber? ***?

I'd go 7mm-08, if I were in your shoes. 7mm-08 can be an impressive little round with the Berger 168 VLD's in a 26" 1:9 twist heavy barrel.

 

[HARPERC]

I've seen them re-barreled but not for awhile. Either the .260 or 7-08 works, but the .284 would be my choice in 7mm, just a quirk.

 

[shortgrass]

If you go with the .284 you'll need magazine parts intended for the .284 as it's not interchangable with the others you metioned. Do the .243/.260/7mm-08 for a 'simple' barrel change.

 

[Porker]

thanks guys, so .... 7mm -08 or 260? Is the feel of the 260 identical to the 6.5x55? Always wanted the latter but if the 260 is very close, I will stick to 260. Think the 7-08 is close enough to 308 ... want lowest recoil possible ... also ... heard that you need to specify which bullet weight in 260 you want your barrel customed to.

Apparently there is accuracy problems with the Rem mod. 7 in 260 with 140g pills due to the chamber cut for lighter bullets??

 

[Deleted member 46119]

8 twist and 260 rem. BTW: My '88 is in .284 win.

 

[shortgrass]

In Oz you can't own 2 guns of the same caliber? ***?

Military calibers Muddy,,, military calibers..........