Converting a 32-20 to a 218Bee?

[andym79]

Hi guys, I have a hankering for a 218Bee, they are however expensive and even then might have worn barrels, especially as they were more commonly shooting jackets than larger bore model 92 (or 92 based rifles) like 44-40.

I thought it might be wise to get a 32-20 with a worn out barrel and a good action and have it re barrelled for 218BEE.

How much would this cost roughly?

Who can do it?

I think in SA it may only be Sprinters.

Also, I think I would be better of going for a 1:14" twist instead of the 1:16", it lets me stabilise bullets at a slower speed. I would like to shot cast and a 1:16 twist means a minimum speed of 1900fps for a 55 grainer whereas with a 1:14" I could go from 1000fps to the limit of the bullet or the projectile. Likewise for a 44 grainer the 1:16" needs 1600fps whereas the 1:14" needs a mere 700fps (too slow).

[andym79]

Got a couple of quotes, with the cost of a barrel, cutting the chamber, cutting for the extractor, cutting for the dovetails and bluing its going to be about $1000. So I would need to find a 32-20 or 25-20 with a good action cheap!

[wrenchman]

The model 92 even with a wore barrel would be worth much more here.

I have read many stories of lots of model 92 gun going down under.

How long is the barrel? I understand you guys were big fans of what we call traper models with real short barrels.

[artimu]

Just FYI there is a Savage 219 in 218Bee on UG, looks like it's in decent nick.

http://usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=40715

Single shot b/o. Dunno if that's of any interest to you but there you go.

[RoginaJack]

Why not use a Cadet Martini action for your Bee and I'd suggest you have a think about getting it reamed out to a .218 Bee Improved or Mashburn Bee.

With a lever action, you might have a problem with loading pointed projectiles in a tube magazine.

[andym79]

So I guess a 310 Martini action, would work fine for 218 Bee as the Rim diameter of a 310 is only .002 larger than the 218 bee. .410 versus .408.

but what about rim thickness? Would the extractor work okay, the Bee rim is .022 thicket than the 310!

I suppose I could have a barrel liner fitted?

[RoginaJack]

Yep, mine was a .310 Cadet and just had it re-barreled to .218 Bee Imp. No problems re rim thickness, extraction etc., the gunsmith sorted that all out.

Sportco from S.A. re-barreled a lot of the old .310 Cadets to 22LR, 22 Hornet etc. and I've seen the odd .410 shotgun too.

Cheers.

[Usurper]

What did that set you back Rogina?

[RoginaJack]

You'd have to get a gunsmith to have a look and quote - depends on what barrel profile, length and make etc that you were after.

Have a look at usedguns, they often have one for sale.

Cheers.

[Usurper]

Hm, no luck at the moment.

I'll keep an eye open there.