FN 49 8X63 Conversion

[granite]

What is your opinion on using an factory FN 49 8X57 barrel - reamed to 8X63 and then using it on a FN49 currently barreled in 30-06? The longer rounds will fit in the 06 mag, and the FN has an adjustable gas regulator, so it should handle the round? Ammo of course is cheap as borscht in this caliber.

Let me know what you think.

[Claven2]

I don't know why it wouldn't work if you have the reamer. Make sure you dial down the gas though - it's a stouter round than the .30-06, so you'll want to bleed some pressure off. Also, get a gunsmith's advice and quote pressures to him from Cartridges of the World so he can give good advice on whether the action can handle it.

[buffdog]

The 8x63 Swedish was developed in 1932 as a Military cartridge.

The book "Handloaders Manual of Cartridge Conversion" lists a load of 57 grains of 4320 with a 170 grain bullet for a velocity of 2820 f.p.s.

A 1967 Hornady reloading manual gives an 8x57 Mauser load of 52.5 grains of 4320 with a 170 grain bullet for a velocity of 2800 f.p.s.

Next: Semi-automatic firearms such as the FN 49 operate from gas pressure. This pressure has to be "balanced" to operate the action, and the FN system can be adjusted. If underpowered, it will not function, if over pressure, it will be hard on the action, or even dangerous. Remember, your nose is just 6 inches behind 50,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.

The cost of such a conversion would be expensive. It would involve cost of a reamer, labor for a gunsmith ( if you can find one who would agree with the conversion --- and deemed it safe ), and probably magazine or feed rail alterations. The action is designed to use a cartridge 1/4 inch shorter and the feed lips, etc, may not be in the right place.

Before you do it, try some of the MODERN loads from Norma or other European manufacturer. The 8x57 can be made to perform almost to the level of the 30-06 but the reloading manuals tend to be on the lower end of the scale because of LIABILITY. There are several 8x57 cartridges, the earlier being .318 bore and after 1900, generally .323 bore. European hunters are well versed in the difference, but here in Canada and the USA, many are not. A .323 bullet fired in an old Mauser with a .318 bore is dangerous, so these loading manuals, having no control of the type of firearm the reloader will use, tend to be conservative in their loading.

Best of all, buy a FN 49 in 30-06 Calibre. It will probably be a lot cheaper, and you will have the same thing as what your are trying to accomplish, loading dies, etc, are readily available and cheaper, and there is still surplus 30-06 available.

Why try to re-invent the wheel?

[Claven2]

I think the easiest way to convert one would be to rob the bbl off an 8mm one and install it onto a .30-06 SAFN after reaming the 8mm bbl.

Should work rather well IMHO, though it would be expensive and consume two guns in the process.

[happydude]

Not worth it in my opinion. 8x63 is pretty much un-reloadable and once the source of ammo is gone, you've got a worthless barrel. Not to mention that 8x63 is not a common cartridge and you're probably hard pressed to find a smith with the right tools.

[Claven2]

Not worth it in my opinion. 8x63 is pretty much un-reloadable and once the source of ammo is gone, you've got a worthless barrel. Not to mention that 8x63 is not a common cartridge and you're probably hard pressed to find a smith with the right tools.

You think?

Interesting in that I have dies and brass and reload it regularly. Berdan cases are reloadable easily, and also 8x63 is very easily formed from 9.3x62 - you don;t even have to trim it.

Reamers are around. I know of at least three reamers in Canada ;) Clymer makes them.

[stencollector]

I know of three of those reamers just in Western Canada. I have one, but up to this point I have only used it on a very successful M1919A4 conversion.

I have a pallet load of that ammo. I have been considering modifying something from 30-06 to this caliber. The FN49 wouldn't be too bad a choice. The 8mm barrels are available cheap and brand new. I just need a shot out 30-06 to have a go at it.

The other conversion that has been sitting in the back of my mind is converting a M1 to 8mm. It would pay for itself after the first 1000 rounds have gone down range.

[happydude]

I've been told.

Still, I wouldn't do it. If you're going to reload 8x63 you might as well reload 8x57 or 30-06, I'm going to say that it probably isn't going to be cheaper to reload 8x63 but...

Anyone know how much 8x63 Marstar has left? Rumor has it that they're out but I could be wrong.

[Claven2]

they are sold out.