Gunsmithing Rebarreling 338 Lapua to a different caliber?

[Lukas Koukal]

To give you a little background - I have an offer to buy a Blaser LRS-2 in 338Lapua, complete build in a case for less than the scope sitting on top of it is worth. If I do, however, I realize I won´t be able to feed it long term - here in EU, even reloading for that caliber is expensive and factory ammo sells for around 6-8 USD a round. Say the barrel has about half its life gone, so I´d be forced to get a new one anyway.

Now the question is: What other calibers could I go with on a rebuild? Any 30 magnums? I realize downgrading all the way to .308Win isn´t realistic, but having it in 300WM, that I could live with.

Is the rifle worth such a project? Thanks to all. Lukas

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Rebarreling 338 Lapua to a different caliber?

Bolt is going to need to be replaced or bushed to get to more common cases. I have never seen a blaser so I can only say you may or may not need mag/follower work and possible headaches with the rails. I would buy it and part it.

 

[skog]

Re: Rebarreling 338 Lapua to a different caliber?

the blasers have user replaceable barrel and the bolt locks into a barrel extension. you can order both replacement barrels and the correct bolt head needed for almost any caliber you desire. Not sure though if the extensions are available a la carte so you could have your gunsmith of choice chamber one for you. Also you may need to buy new mags depending on chambering you choose.

 

[808Huntress]

Re: Rebarreling 338 Lapua to a different caliber?

Lukas,

Skog, gives good info ive had 3 blasers and the barrels are changeable by you. All you need to do is buy the barrel in the chambering you want, Changeout the bolthead extension/magazine if needed and thats it.

Its really simple to do even I could do it

In Africa couple animals with my Blaser in 300 RUM

Hope this helps....Aloha!