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How Rechamber a 1936 German Stalking Rifle?
mljackso
Member Posts: 297 ✭✭
I might want to rechamber my stalking rifle. See photo below. I believe it to be the obsolete caliber 8.15 x 46. The proof marks under the barrel are marked 7.6 mm x 46. The proof load is BL.G. Over 11 gr. The date mark is 10/36. The octagonal barrel length is 25 1/2". There is no maker's name to be found. This gun has a sturdy and tight action, and appears to be a prime candidate for rechambering to something more useful. I am seeking recommendations for what to rechamber it to. I think it needs to be a caliber larger than 8.15 mm and a cartridge chamber depth more than 46 mm (to have metal to remove). Considered 9.3 x 74R, but this is comparable to a 375 H&H and the break open action on this rifle might not be strong enough. Any thoughts?
Comments
Is any brass available?? Might be able to get a few rounds and load your own.
Either way of modifying it will kill the collector value, and from what I can see it is a nice rifle.
Re-Chamber...metal is only removed from the chamber IE to fit a different case. Caliber remains the same Example changing a 375 H&H to 375 Weatherby
Re-Bore is to increase the diameter of the barrel ID. Does not necessoraly involve a chamber modification IE converting a 25-06 barrel to a 35 Whelen
Besides cartridge length, you also have to consider the cartridge diameter at all points, including the rim
Just to add to what everyone else here is saying about not changing the rifle. The case I believe makes it pretty hard to re-chamber to something else. The 8.15x46 is a bit of an oddball round but it was a very popular target round in it's day. There are several sources for this round. Yes it would be expensive to just buy rounds so what I would suggest is to reload for it. That is, if you intend to shoot it much. Any way you look at it, this rifle is going to cost you a fair amount to shoot. But, it's a pretty nice rifle that has some collector value. So what I would suggest is leaving it in this configuration and finding ammo for it.
" I am also a novice."
Single shot break action German stalking rifles are not as easily re-chambered as a bolt action rifle. There are many more variables that have to be taken into consideration before attempting something about which you have a limited knowledge. It would take a first-hand examination by a gunsmith who is knowledgeable about break actions and the manufacturing of those action before you could choose a cartridge for this type of project. Chances are the cartridge might be some improvement but it certainly WON'T be a 9.3 x 74R.
" I am a collector first and a shooter second and a hunter third."
If this was true you wouldn't be asking these questions. Collectors don't start out by wanting to re-chamber stalking rifles since they know that this would ruin the value. I would start by buying some books on German rifles and then look at the books about stalking rifles. Dietrich Apel has some good ones to read. Your local library might have some but you'd have to check.
"I won't do it if collector value is reduced."
It will not only reduce the value but unless you have a specialized gunsmith, the chances are good that it will be ruined. This is not a project for an amateur or a gunsmith without practical knowledge.
This is a fine cartridge although not as well-known as some others. Here are some bits of information:
The operating pressure is 24,000 PSI.
The original use was as a target cartridge and for hunting small game. Millions of deer have been killed by hunters using a cartridge similar to the 8.15 x 46R.
The original bullet weight was 158 grains (0.316") using a 1:14" twist.
The original load was 38.6 grains of powder producing 2380 FPS/1990 ft. lbs. in a 23.6" barrel.
Buffalo Arms has the brass and a run of lead bullets made specifically for this cartridge. You don't need a thousand cases as these low pressure cartridge cases will last indefinitely given proper care. Fifty case will last you a lifetime. I know folks that compete in Schuetzen contests that use the same 10 cases over and over, year after year.
Cases can be made from the 30-30 Win. but you need to have a lathe to turn the rim diameter and maybe thin the rims as well. The case length can handled with a case trimmer or done on the lathe while working with the rims.
If you don't like the cartridge or don't want to make the effort to get it shooting, I suggest selling it to a shooter that does want to use it or to a collector.
Best.
Your email is bad....I tried to put you in contact with a guy who has info on how to make the load, and even supply the loading die.
He owns a similar rifle.
If you're not into reloading and don't want to, buy dies, brass and bullets and have a friend load them up for you.
We can get you loading data.
Don't make the mistake of further altering that beautiful outfit.
I notice someone has beaten up on the receiver crosspins. It's worth having them cleaned up and restored.