Good morning,
I am very close to checking off one of the guns on my bucket list. I have always wanted a 35 Whelen but the price of factory rifles has been holding me back.
I recently had my old 03 Springfield re-barrelled with a new Criterion barrel so I figured I would try something similar on my next project.
I actually posted an ad locally looking for Springfields with bad barrels. It didn't take long to find a beautiful specimen. It looks like a 60's or 70's sporter job. Beautiful stock, 24 inch barrel that looks original but with the front sight replaced with a banded front sight. Lyman rear sight. Beautiful blueing. And a terrible bore.
My plan is to send it to JES for a rebore. I was thinking of a 3 groove 1-16" twist.
My question is about the specs. JES lists the groove diameter on this rebore as .359" Should I plan on sizing my bullets to .361" or will .360" be good?
I have a Lee 358-200 mold already. I have never cast with it but if I have to I can Beagle it up.
Am I on the right track? I don't want to buy a NOE or Accurate mold until I get the rifle back and slug the bore and throat.
Thanks in advance.