308 Reamer

[BlueFlyer]

Years ago I bought a Mauser 93 action & barrel chambered in 308W for $65. The barrel is now on its last legs.
I have a Maddco match barrel that I cut the chamber end off to make up a barrel adaptor for an Omark 44 action.
I now want to reprofile and fit the Maddco barrel to the Mauser 93 action to make a light weight back country rifle.
There are Tokar reamers out of Ukraine for US$110 delivered - some feedback is negative - has anyone experience of their product?
PTG have a basic solid pilot for US$115 or US$150 for a premium reamer - this is probably where I will go.

Or does anyone have have a 308W chamber reamer they would be happy to sell? Luckily there are no import problems getting chamber reamers into Australia.

 

[Josh P]

I read enough bad reviews of those reamers to not even consider them as an option.

Sounds like you got a good deal either way!

 

[khesser]

I personally would avoid ordering direct from PTG. Too many horror stories about quality and shipping issues from them past few years from gunsmiths I know. Brownells has a good selection of reamers I’d look there first.

 

[gbflyer]

Opinions vary, however I have had good luck over several years on many occasions renting from 4D Rentals.

 

[Josh P]

Opinions vary, however I have had good luck over several years on many occasions renting from 4D Rentals.

I’ve Ive heard the same. For clarification, I was referring to the Tokar brand. (One shouldn’t post while distracted! Apologies.)

 

[BlueFlyer]

renting from 4D Rentals

They would bve a great option - but they will not hire to customers in Australia. I have asked.

I personally would avoid ordering direct from PTG.

I used PTG for my custom 416/348 Ackley Improved reamer and it did take a long time (6mths)for it to be delivered - but I got it and the quality was first class.
I just called PTG and they have 308W in stock so I figure there should be no problems with delivery.
Brownells have taken 3 months to deliver magnum cross bolts to me in Australia, so I am not a big fan of them.
Think I am going to go with PTG - unless someone on the forum wants to sell a 308W reamer?

 

[gbflyer]

Dave Manson or JGS for me. Too many issues with PTG. Lots and lots of info out there.

 

[Areaonereal]

Manson reamers are fine quality and good pricing with excellent service

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Manson reamers are fine quality and good pricing with excellent service

I would go here first, then JGS, pt&g as a last resort and even if they have it on the shelf they may still manage to stuff it up.
Gumpy

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Also Clymer
Gumpy

 

[BlueFlyer]

Also Clymer

The cost of a solid pilot finishing reamer and Go gauge plus shipping are
PTG = AU$343
Brownells - Clymer = AU$354
Manson = AU$416

I am now inclined to go with Brownells - Clymer. I assume Grumpy you are saying Clymer ar OK?

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Yes, they make a good reamer, did you check out brownells Australia? I’ve bought throaters from them, they order stuff from the USA and drop ship the items, that way they carry the risk
Gumpy

 

[BlueFlyer]

did you check out brownells Australia?

Yes that is how I would buy it. As you say it removes all the import risks.

 

[BlueFlyer]

I have been offered a 308W chambered barrel threaded for small ring Mauser for the cost of postage. Removed from a donor rifle for a custom build.
This is now plan A.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

How did this end up? Reason being that I just pick up a 308 reamer and gauges, don’t know how many chambers it’s cut , but wouldn’t be many , if any at all
Gumpy

 

[BlueFlyer]

Another member on here from the NT, sent me a couple of barrels he had pulled from project rifles. They are in good condition and suitable for what I need. Thanks for considering my request.