Rebore .351 to .357

[browningautorifle]

I’ll be working on the bolt weight first though.

Won't be hard...you'll see.

[rcathey]

Hello all! Time for an update.

I wasn't able to shave off an entire pound like I was hoping but I did get a bit over 15 ounces converted into shavings. This is close and I suspect will work fine.

I started with drilling holes but that didn't take off enough weight and eventually I chucked this up in a 4-jaw and started shaving some off that way.
Were I to do this again, I'd start with the lathe. I think it would make for a more attractive finished product and I'd be able to get even more weight off. Since the holes were already there, I wasn't able to go as thin as I would have on the lathe.

I had a few missing parts so I determined that I'd be better off just buying another and transplanting the slide. It's in slightly better shape but has been poorly maintained - I'm having a devil of a time getting the guide rod out to disassemble it. It's soaking in penetrating oil as we speak.

Once I've got it apart, I'll sell the original slide from this one on the other project base.

A couple side by side pics really show how much weight is gone!

Attachment 103830Attachment 103831

[browningautorifle]

I just remember drilling the holes...across I think, not vertical. You could also have joined the holes up and removed the material in between several. I can't remember how big the holes were either. Just as big as I could...and further back into the slide. Anyway, forge ahead...

[Dale_Oldfart]

I found a place that sells 351 ammo and shells, from Australia! Rusty Wood Trading Co, BC Canada

[browningautorifle]

Rusty Wood Trading Co

Yes, well known to the shooters here. I see you're from "The Gonish"... Long time since I was there studying the bridge.

[rcathey]

Gosh, even I had forgotten about this project haha.
I’ll have to dig it out of the vault and see where I left off — lots has happened since November of 2019, that’s for sure.

[browningautorifle]

I’ll have to dig it out of the vault and see where I left off

That would have made for a good project during this past year. I too want to see fruition...the magazine fitment.