308 Norma mag

[heretohunt]

I am considering rebareling/chambering my model 70 Winchester to 308 Norma mag. I have acquired dies and a reamer from an old friend who passed away. Am I asking for trouble? I have read that is very similar to a 300 WinMag. Some claim it is a little bit better. The biggest problem would be finding brass?
This is not a project that will happen right away but considering it for the future. My 30-06 is in need of a new barrel so something will be done in the future.

[Pathfinder76]

Originally Posted by heretohunt

I am considering rebareling/chambering my model 70 Winchester to 308 Norma mag. I have acquired dies and a reamer from an old friend who passed away. Am I asking for trouble? I have read that is very similar to a 300 WinMag. Some claim it is a little bit better. The biggest problem would be finding brass?
This is not a project that will happen right away but considering it for the future. My 30-06 is in need of a new barrel so something will be done in the future.

There will be a lot more to converting your 30-06 to 308 Norma than just a new barrel.

[heretohunt]

Originally Posted by chuck

There will be a lot more to converting your 30-06 to 308 Norma than just a new barrel.

Yeah, I’ve never done that kind of change before. Obviously the case head is different size. So replace the bolt?

[Pathfinder76]

Originally Posted by heretohunt

Yeah, I’ve never done that kind of change before. Obviously the case head is different size. So replace the bolt?

On a CRF Model 70 the bolt face can be opened relatively easily. The extractor would need modification, a new magazine box would be needed and possible work on the feed rails.

[marky_mark]

you would be better off with a 30 nosler or anything based off the nosler cartridge
They fit in a 30/06 length action, easier to find brass ammo dies etc
A lot more current load data

[fps plus]

It will work. Some guys use 338 mag brass necked down , neck will be a little shorter than original 308N mag
1 / bolt face needs to be opened up
2 / feeding may need some tweaking .

Give it a run , learn by doing . Good 30 cal mag.

[brewster29]

Been there, done that. Unless there is some sentimental value in the reamer and dies I would go straight to 300 Win mag for ease of acquiring brass alone. It’s easy enough to get 180’s to 3100 fps. Mod 70 actions are plenty long enough for long seating. As already noted your bolt face and extractor mods are pretty simple, feed rails may need opening up.

[Grizzly Adams]

If you're going to do it. .300 Win. Mag would be a way better option.

Grizz

[Pioneer2]

Easy to make from .300 Win mag...……………….RE#19 and H4831 for 180gr ……………….IMR 4350 for 150gr

[heretohunt]

I can see that the 300 wm is more practical. Probably even more so is just keeping it as a 3006. I thought if brass was reasonably available the 308 Norma was a bit different. I realize that I can make brass from a few different cartridges but I want to have the proper head stamp.

[Pathfinder76]

Don’t let headstamps scare you off.

[Pioneer2]

People had their act together and put ammo out at the same time as the .308 NM the .300 win mag wouldn't exist.Stolen by Winchester.

[David Henry]

You would be surprised at the interest that still remains in the 308 Norma chambering, in my opinion it is superior to the 300 Winchester Magnum from a reloader's standpoint. I fit several barrels every year chambered for the 308 Norma or the 30 338 Win Mag, brass may be a bit more costly but Norma's quality is worth that little extra outlay, if you need to see the head stamp that matches the barrel marking. Bit of nostalgia thrown in the mix as well I suppose. D.H.

[heretohunt]

Originally Posted by David Henry

You would be surprised at the interest that still remains in the 308 Norma chambering, in my opinion it is superior to the 300 Winchester Magnum from a reloader's standpoint. I fit several barrels every year chambered for the 308 Norma or the 30 338 Win Mag, brass may be a bit more costly but Norma's quality is worth that little extra outlay, if you need to see the head stamp that matches the barrel marking. Bit of nostalgia thrown in the mix as well I suppose. D.H.

Where are they getting the Norma brass from?

[hookset]

I reload for my 308 norma mag and it is an amazing round. I reload 165g,180g,200g,220g. Use the lighter grain for deer and larger grain for moose/bear/long range. I get great groupings and it has the longer range power and accuracy. I was lucky enough to get about 8 boxes of original brass that I am still using. I thought I found some nosler brass online at some point but I did not buy any. I think it was quite expensive but was good to see some was available.

Sounds like a great project and I think you would be happy with end result. Good luck!

[traderal]

I shot my first buck at 525 yards with a 308 Norma from a Schultz and Larsen back in 1966. Also had a Parker Hale that I loaded 110 grainers for coyotes. Had 18 cartons of new brass which I later sold for 10 dollars a carton. Every time I see a rifle chambered for a 308 Norma I want to buy it even though I now use 300 win mag and Weatherby. The Norma and a 7x57 are a must have at least once in your lifetime.

[Backwoods Runner]

Have you considered chambering it to a 35 Whelan ai. A very formidable thumper. Very surprising ballistics and a lot easier to build off what you have.

[Steelhorse Cowboy]

Own a 308 N Mag..
buying brass has been a chore...was lucky enuf to buy out 60 new at a show a couple of yrs ago..
if the barrel ever goes south I'll rebarrel it to 7mm Rem Mag or 300win just for that reason.

Heres a idea...rebarrel the 3006 to 280AI

[heretohunt]

I have definitely considered a lot of different cartridges, Including the 280ai. I have a 7-08 and a 7 rem mag so they are a bit too similar. With my 3006 being nfg don’t have a 30 caliber. I have all of the gear for a 308 Norma mag except the brass. I realize I can fire form a bunch of different brass to suit my needs. I would like to have the 308 Norma stamp on the case. I have young kids that I would like to show consistency of the head stamp matching the barrel stamp. I realize it’s not a big deal but Perhaps with a little bit of work it’s easily accomplished. I am hoping to find a small group of diehard 308 Norma fans but I am starting to realize it is a little too obscure. Perhaps with the way that Bullet technology is changing it will be revitalized by the long range community.

[heretohunt]

Originally Posted by Steelhorse Cowboy

Own a 308 N Mag..
buying brass has been a chore...was lucky enuf to buy out 60 new at a show a couple of yrs ago..
if the barrel ever goes south I'll rebarrel it to 7mm Rem Mag or 300win just for that reason.

Heres a idea...rebarrel the 3006 to 280AI

I sent an email to Norma this morning to see if they still produced 308 norma mag brass or if it was available in Canada or the US. I will report back here when I find out.

[Sheepcrazyguy]

I have a 308 Norma. Voere built on a 98 Mauser action. I don’t use it as much as I used to but it’s a great round. Build it! You won’t regret it!

[WildBillG]

If you want to do some thing a little different just rebarrel as 30-06AI. That will give you a velocity boost and all you have do is fire form your 06 brass. If you want a 308NM though Norma should have brass for it. Look for a deal on a 7RM or some thing in that class and rebarrel it. Then use your 06 action and make an AI rifle based on thhe 06. These are just my thoughts. You might not want to listen to me as my wife says I have to many guns.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by heretohunt

I sent an email to Norma this morning to see if they still produced 308 norma mag brass or if it was available in Canada or the US. I will report back here when I find out.

You need to get a bit more versed in searching the inter web.

https://x-reload.com/norma-brass-308...med-25-bx.html

Still made, still pricy.

Easier to re form 7mm Wby Mag or similar brass IMO.

[heretohunt]

Originally Posted by Dick284

You need to get a bit more versed in searching the inter web.

https://x-reload.com/norma-brass-308...med-25-bx.html

Still made, still pricy.

Easier to re form 7mm Wby Mag or similar brass IMO.

I see that they list it but it isn’t in stock?

[catnthehat]

Re-barreling or re- chambering is a very personal thing ? Everybody has an option for sure.
Mine is if you are looking for something better the cost likely does not transfer over nor do the ballistics
If you are looking for something different then have at 'er!
Personally for me if the barrel is worn too much I would re- barrel in 280 or something similar .
Cat

[heretohunt]

Originally Posted by WildBillG

If you want to do some thing a little different just rebarrel as 30-06AI. That will give you a velocity boost and all you have do is fire form your 06 brass. If you want a 308NM though Norma should have brass for it. Look for a deal on a 7RM or some thing in that class and rebarrel it. Then use your 06 action and make an AI rifle based on thhe 06. These are just my thoughts. You might not want to listen to me as my wife says I have to many guns.

I have considered that but I don’t feel that the 3006 is under powered. And I have a couple of sets of dies and all the gear. The norma just intrigued me and so I thought I would look into it.
As for your wife, I am sure she is a lovely person but I’ll bet you don’t tell her how many shoes she needs.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by heretohunt

I see that they list it but it isn’t in stock?

Also here:
https://www.wolverinegt.ca/reloading/brass.html

[Diesel_wiesel]

personally i've had both 300 win mag
and 308 norma mag both in a sako hunter deluxe
had them both at the same time
I only sighted in the 300 win mag
didn't care for the cartridge or caliber or the recoil its kinda like a 30-06 kills at one end wounds at the other
but the 308 norma got used everytime i went hunting for 12 years
made some extremely long range shots with it same powder same bullets as the 300 win mag less recoil and more accurate
at one time in the 70's if memory serves me correct
the 308 norma magnum was known to be the most accurate caliber at 500 yards , but that may have been gun writers in those firearm magazines BSing too
with all the new calibers out there and new bullets and powders that has changed years ago
you wont regret building a 308 norma magnum
(and any and all 30-06:s should be rechambered and rebarreled to a 308 norma what ever a 30-06 can do a 308 norma can do much much better in my opinion LMAO)
its every bit as good or better then a 300 win mag , not quite as powerful as a 300 wby mag
especially if you reload you can make it become extremely accurate and fast
the 300 win mag was designed for a 165 grn bullet and does well with 165 grn
the 308 norma was designed to do the same with a 180 grn bullet that the 300 win mag was designed to do with 165 grn
just advertising placed the 300 win mag ahead in the market and pushed the 308 norma magnum and the 300 H&H out same as the 243 pushed the 257 roberts out but the 243 i doubt if you can even get 120 grn bullets for
same as the 300 wsm and the 300saum
the 300 saum does the same maybe 30 feet a second slower but it also uses way less powder and way less recoil,
my 300saum useing 65.2 grns of RL17 & 165 grn nosler bullets chronographs an average of 3298 fps
I'm not sure what a 3oowsm is capable of

[Pioneer2]

My FN Browning Safari has a 1-12 but shoots bullets up to 180gr into 1/2" or less.With the 150's you make one hole and deer simply vanish out of the scope picture with a satisfying wack.Hair drifting in the breeze.

[andy1]

Get rid of the belt altogether. 300 prc.