I posted this under gunsmithing too.
I started an earlier thread about relining, but looks like I'm going to rebarrel instead. It's Swedish Contract Remington Rolling Block chambered in 8x58R Danish Krag. I know it's an old action, so I'm trying to decide what cartidge I would like to chamber it for. I'd really like a .25 caliber. My ideas so far are .25-20, or .25-35, or my new idea is .256 Win. Mag. I guess my big question is, can the action handle any of these? I don't think .25-20 would be a problem at all, but I'd really like .25-35 or especially .the 256. Ideas?

As long as the action is not worn out and still has sharp edges, a .25-35 would be no problem. They sold thousands in 7x57mm and .45-70. I think a .25 caliber in a 24-inch octagon barrel would be great.

Post deleted by Grasshopper

Bara, it really depends on which action you have. I am not up on the Swedes but if it is one of the black powder actions I wouldn't press my luck with a 25-35. There are a few cases of blocks blowing open (the automatic ejector rollers) and your face is awful close. If it is a smokeless hardened action the 25-35 is no problem there were tons of them built in 7x57 and as long as the angles are not changed between the trigger and block they are safe.

SS

Sharpshooter,

you have a valid point! The Danish Krag action is almost certainly a Black powder action. Thus it would not be advisable to rebarrel to a smokeless cartridge.

Bara,

You would be well advised to have said action inspected by a competent gunsmith who is familiar with Rolling Block actions.

[color:"red"]I just talked to my buddy the Gun Doctor, and he said that any smokeless cartridge should be on a #5 action. (Which was originally barreled in 7x57) DO NOT BARREL A DANISH KRAG ACTION TO A SMOKELESS CARTRIDGE! [/color]

Grasshopper

Bara, I've done a couple of rollers and in the end they are just not worth it. Either buy one of the new Pedersolis in the black caliber you want and shoot it, or go with a Ruger #1 or similar. The truth is that you can by a Ruger #1 in a similar caliber for less than the barreling job is going to cost on that roller.

If you are thinking Schutzen the roller is not going to be competitive. You'll need to consider Ballard, Ball-wall, high wall, etc to play that game.

SS

Thanks for all the info. This is an 1889 Remington that was converted to a sporter in 1896. They (Carl Gustaf) hardened the action and the rolling block when they converted it to 8x58R. I just don't know what the pressures were of that smokeless round. I've read a few places that I could use 30-40 Krag data to load the 8x58R. However, the bore is a little rough, so that's why I was thinking of rebarreling. Plus 8x58R brass is a bit scarce and dies are a bit pricey too.

I'm not planning on schuetzen, just another single shot for my collection. I'll probably shelve my ideas for a while.

Thanks again

John

Check out the Swedish Commercial forum. There are a couple of threads about rolling blocks and the 8x58RD.

http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=41