Rechamber Options - 375 Dakota

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FrogFan

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Due to lack of ammunition and brass availability I am curious if anyone has had success or considered rechambering a 375 Dakota, and if so, what cartridges are an option? I understand rebarreling would be simpler but I would like to understand any options that keep the rifle in tact. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated as an exhaustive search for this information has produced no results.
 
375 RUM would likely be the easiest to ream out to. But would need to see if you’ve got the box length available internally and it’s possible on extractor work so no issues with the minor rebated rim. Also to eject a full 3.6” cartridge some action clearance may need to be cut.
 
FrogFan said:
Due to lack of ammunition and brass availability I am curious if anyone has had success or considered rechambering a 375 Dakota, and if so, what cartridges are an option? I understand rebarreling would be simpler but I would like to understand any options that keep the rifle in tact. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated as an exhaustive search for this information has produced no results.
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I believe a 375 Dakota is based on the 404 Jeff, so your rechamber options are about zero. You might be able to get it rebored and rechambered for 404 Jeff, but for all that aggravation and tons of waiting, I'd probably send the rifle back to Dakota (assuming its a Dakota) and get a new barrel made in 404 Jeff. You'll have converted a very unpopular caliber into a very popular caliber.
 
375 rum should clean up the Dakota chamber. How long is your mag box? that will be the issue, bolt stop may need to be shortened too. Bolt face is slightly different but should work.

As stated 404 would work depending on mag box length.
375 Dakota 3.33" oal
375 rum/404 3.6" oal
 
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Yep i think the 375 rum would work in it if it fits in the magazine .
 
wvfred said:
A friend of mine has a 375 Dakota which is his favorite rifle. He has been able to get brass and recently bought loaded ammo from Hendershots.
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The answer is only a 404 Jeffery. The Dakota calibers are based on 404 Jeff brass. That is the type that will feed correctly. That is the only caliber that has the base size that will match the bolt face.

Option one, find someone to rebore the rifle from 375 to 404, option two is to have it rebarreled by Parkwest in 404J.

Bonus with option 2 is you've taken the least valuable, least desirable Dakota configuration and turned it into the most valuable, most sought.
 
Wyfox said:
375 rum should clean up the Dakota chamber. How long is your mag box? that will be the issue, bolt stop may need to be shortened too. Bolt face is slightly different but should work.

As stated 404 would work depending on mag box length.
375 Dakota 3.33" oal
375 rum/404 3.6" oal
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404 overall length is 3.53. It will eject loaded cartridges from a standard length action Mauser without cutting into locking ring. I guess a lot depends on which action Dakota used to build that rifle. Standard length action would have sufficed so I suspect it's not built on much more expensive magnum action. I very much doubt the mag box on this rifle will work for either 375 RUM or 404J. 375 Dakota would undoubtedly have a standard length box (i.e. 30-06 Springfield or about 3.34").
 
I appreciate all the help, but I decided to pass on the 375 Dakota. Finding the right rifle in left hand (.375 & up) is proving challenging.
 
Wayne at AHR used to make custom LH rifles based on the CZ 500 action that were reasonable in price and great in quality. Not sure if he's still doing that.
 
FrogFan said:
I appreciate all the help, but I decided to pass on the 375 Dakota. Finding the right rifle in left hand (.375 & up) is proving challenging.
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Are you specifically looking for a LH 375 dakota, or you just saw one for sale and passed? I believe that I have some 375 Dakota brass, possibly a LH rifle too if you're interested?
 
FrogFan said:
I appreciate all the help, but I decided to pass on the 375 Dakota. Finding the right rifle in left hand (.375 & up) is proving challenging.
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check local (or online) to find a Zastava LK M70 In left hand. 300 WM works for most any big bore rechambering as they came in 375 H&H & 458 wm as well. Stuff like 404 Jeff & 416 rigby are a hassle but 458 WM, 416 Rem Mag 375 H&H and stuff with that same-ish COAL are no problem.

I found mine local to me in 300 WM for 600 bucks. A boyds laminate stock/(they offer them in LH for the gun) & a rebarrel later & I have an awesome beater CRF True left hand action in 416 RM for bear country
 
'Couldn't help but see what the options were (the first cut inquiry results were comical!)
 
.500 options lol
 

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You should be able to have brass made/resized for the existing Dakota.
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This is with a complete rebarrel so the 404 Dakota was a good call, but the 375 Blaser is interesting.
 
A quick search shows there are no fewer than 3 mfrs that sell 375 Dakota ammo online. IF you're a reloader, you only have to buy it once. It is like $5-$10/rd but you can get it! I'd just look at it as paying for Brass, but I'd not want to lose my ammo at the airport(s) in Africa in that cartridge!!
 
Thats what I keep telling people about taking wildcats and specialized ammo for rifles .You lose your ammo your screwed .I knew people that went to Alaska lost there ammo none to be found for hard to find stuff .I told them to jusf bring a 338 win mag but they had to bring a 8 mm rem mag .They had to borrow a 338 win mag to hunt .
 
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