I'm looking for some advice and confirmation of my plan to fit a used full round #4 38-55 barrel to my CPA action.  I bought the barrel knowing it would probably not index to my action.  I was right.  When snugged up tight in the action the extractor cut is 191 degrees short of lining up.  Ok, no problem I could just chuck the barrel in my 14x40 lathe, support the outboard end in the 4 screw spider, check the shoulder alignment and set back the shoulder by 0.033 inches.  The threads are 15/16 x16.  

The problem is the overall length from the barrel chamber end to the shoulder.  On my 32-40 barrel this distance is 1.480".  On the 38-55 it is 1.430".  I reckon this is the critical distance to get the falling block to just snug up against the barrel.  It seems if I back out the 32-40 barrel about 3 to 5 thousandths I can just get a 2 thou feeler to fit snugly.  To maintain extractor alignment, and sight holes, etc., I need to set the shoulder back one more revolution or 0.0625".  Then I will need to cut back the barrel end by about 0.045" which means recutting the chamber and headspace plus cutting back the extractor slot.

I can do that but what chambering reamer to use?  I can rent one for $30 and I assume it is a SAMMI dimensioned reamer.  I plan to mainly breech seat with tapered bullets for Schuetzen but I'd like to shoot some fixed as well with black powder.  Do I need a different reamer and/or some special throating?  

BTW - I have the longer 38-55 brass on order.  I need to cerrosafe cast the chamber and slug the barrel.  

Maybe I should ship the action and barrel to a proper gunsmith or CPA.  Am I getting in way over my head?   It isn't the cost that is tempting me to do this but the satisfaction of the job if I can pull it off.  I don't want to end up with a 22" barrel and a bin of chips

Dave

Second Franks recommendation, except the "free bore feature". If you're going to shoot paper patched, free bore is the way to go. May still need to throat the barrel even with free bore. Will allow you to seat the bullets shallow allowing more powder space in the case.

             Joe.