I recently bought a ZKK 601 in .308 Win with the view to stripping it out for the action. I purchased knowing that the barrel was past its prime as I didn't want to destroy a good ZKK. The plan was to build it into a scout type rifle in .338/.284Win for Sambar work similar to Jeff Cooper's .350RM.

The problem is that the overall condition is pretty good and then I found an original Jena scope and mount for. I fired a few groups and it keeps most around 50mm at 100m. The barrel looks OK from the chamber end but its definitely worn when looking from the muzzle end.

Basically I've started to really like it and I'm starting to think about maybe keeping it together as a BRNO with its original stock and scope etc and maybe treating it to a stock re-finish and maybe a re-blue. However, I know that the barrel's life is limited and want to see if its possible to get the original barrel opened up to .358 Win. This also appeals to me as the magazine looks a little tight for 250gr .338's on the .284 case. Since I've purchased dies and components, I might keep the .338/.284 plan for a longer action (BSA Royale?)

Does anyone in Australia know if any of the local barrel makers cut larger diameter calibers into an existing barrel? If no locals, has anyone in Oz used an overseas firm to do this sort of work?

Regards

George