So, I stumbled in to a M1a Socom with a bad barrel. Getting it back running is about the same regardless of caliber choice, add a couple hundred and it could be the longer barrel configuration too.
So, 308? 338 Federal? 358 Winchester? Seems like the fatter bullets go well with the stubby barrel for a woods gun. It also overcomes the accuracy shortcomings of the format, not trying to turn the far-beyond-223 power of the 308 case into greater reach, but rather into greater whump.
Between 338 and 358 there’s the balance between beloved old sledgehammer and young upstart with better commercial availability. Here’s the thing, I’m into the project but maybe won’t keep it, so commercial ammo makes a thing more saleable.
What do you think?
Re: Picking a caliber
2i'm no judge of these things, but if you're gonna sell it, i'd want it to stay .308.
i'm retired. what's your excuse?
Re: Picking a caliber
3I think 308 would be more saleable; but I don't reload and I have told myself no more calibers, for now.
But I do think the 358 Winchester, would make a very interesting heavy brush/woods type rifle, and you only have to find
one other person who thinks its a good idea and wants it to sell it.
But I do think the 358 Winchester, would make a very interesting heavy brush/woods type rifle, and you only have to find
one other person who thinks its a good idea and wants it to sell it.
"it's a goddamn impossible way of life"
"And so it goes"
"And so it goes"
Re: Picking a caliber
4You always make the right decision. I just want to see the pics.
It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Re: Picking a caliber
5.338 Federal is an interesting cartridge, like a big version of .450 bushmaster. .308 is boooooring.
Re: Picking a caliber
67.62 NATO, lady.
I'll even spot you some samples when you get it done for real-world tests.
SR
I'll even spot you some samples when you get it done for real-world tests.
SR
"Oozing charm from every pore, he oiled his way around the floor."
Re: Picking a caliber
8It’s a slightly shorter case, so can’t be done as a simple rebore of the original barrel.
Re: Picking a caliber
9If you're not going to keep it, common will sell better than weird, except to us weirdos. But you know that. So if you're going to go weird, may as well go real weird. They are, IMO, too heavy for a reasonable woods gun.
Re: Picking a caliber
10This sounds like a fun project. I'll say .308 also for saleability. I suspect you might be making it to make it, so, maybe sell. For me, making is cooler to do somehow.
Yeah, pics yeah, which enables kibitzing.
CDFingers
Yeah, pics yeah, which enables kibitzing.
CDFingers
Crazy cat peekin' through a lace bandana
like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eyed Jack
like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eyed Jack
Re: Picking a caliber
11Marlene - I am not qualified to have a real opion. But I vote for .308 for the generality of it all.
Re: Picking a caliber
12So leave it short at 308? Make it longer? Big weird bloop tube? Muzzle brake like a Patton tank?
Re: Picking a caliber
13.308 in at least an 18” barrel. My vote would be for 21”, but that’s just because that’s how I want one.
Re: Picking a caliber
14what do you want the rifle to do, marlene?
i'm retired. what's your excuse?
Re: Picking a caliber
15Anything but a semi-auto and I'd be rooting for the .358 Win. With reduced powder charges you can load .357 handgun bullets and use them for plinking up to whitetail. BUT, one has to assume that you would be turning your M1A into a straight pull bolt action. Which wouldn't be a deal killer for me.
If liberals interpreted the Second Amendment the way they interpret the rest of the Bill of Rights, there would be law professors arguing that gun ownership is mandatory. - Mickey Kaus, The New Republic
Re: Picking a caliber
16358. Go with your gut. I can tell from your first post it’s really what you want to do.
'Sorry stupid people but there are some definite disadvantages to being stupid."
-John Cleese
-John Cleese
Re: Picking a caliber
17Thanks Mason. You’re right. I look at the short gun and it’s really clear what I think it should be.
Re: Picking a caliber
18You can still do all manner of other weird shit to it as well.
'Sorry stupid people but there are some definite disadvantages to being stupid."
-John Cleese
-John Cleese