What's built on the 30-30 cartridge...

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Wildcats or factory sponsorings. What calibers/cartridges are built from a base 30-30 case?

I've got a pre-64 .32win 94 that just might need a new barrel. So, since the rest of the reciever is in top condition, what could I rechamber this to with only a barrel change? What ever I do, it must keep within sammi specs for the frame/reciever.

Ya'll got any ideas? I've already got a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that drives tacks for a lever gun. Don't need another. And I'm not looking for a long range shooter. That's what my bolt action rifles are for.

I actually haven't determined whether it needs a new barrel yet, so nothing's set in stone regarding a caliber change. But I'm intreagued at some possibilities.

-Steve

 

[db_tanker]

7-30 Waters
7mm International Rimmed
30 Herret
357 Herret
35 30-30
30-30 Ackley Improved


I am sure there are others...they just ain't coming to mind.


But first you need to check out your bore really good Steve...Plus you could also try cast bullets, or even try some 8mm bullets if your bore slugs oversize...8mm measures out to 323, and IIRC a 32 WS should slug to 321 normally...

 

[steveno]

I can't imagine that a 32 special can be shot enough to require a new barrel unless it was abused. I would leave the rifle alone as I think the value will only go up

 

[The Bushmaster]

Steveno is absolutely correct...Even my "Jack Handle" has gone from the $50 I paid for it in 1960 to around $500 today...

 

[Jim Watson]

.32-40
.38-55
(Slightly longer cases than .30-30, but the same head size and OAL. In fact the original calibres for 1894 Win, the smokeless .30-30 was not ready until 1895.)
.25-35
(A run of those was USRA's last gasp trying to muster up some enthusiasm for American made Winchesters.)
219 Zipper

I don't know about the very short .30 Herrett or somewhat short .357 Herrett running through a '94 action.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

I thank you for all the input. Balistically speaking, the Herret's don't interest me. So they're out. The 38-55 has my attention though. And even 30-30 Ackley. But yes, I'm going to perform a thorough cleaning, Get some new factory slugs and sand bags and see how she shoots. Nothing's determined yet. Serial number places it at 1950 vintage. Hence not wanting to change anything other than the barrel if warranted.

-Steve

 

[only1asterisk]

I'm in the "don't mess with it" crowd. What's wrong with the current barrel?

To answer the original question, I'll add the 375 Winchester, 25-35 Improved and the 338 Mungo. These are on the 30-30 case. However, there are other cartridges that could be made to work: 307 Win, 356 Win, 7mm STE, 444 Marlin, the old Leverpower series and others I can't think of at the moment.

David

 

[McCall911]

I've noticed that Huntington offers case-forming dies for the .41 Long Colt and .401 Herters Powermag, among others, which are made using .30-30 brass.

http://www.huntingtons.com/dies_caseform.html

At $400+ dollars, though, that's some pretty expensive hardware! IMO it would take a lot of shooting for such a purchase to be cost-effective.

 

[mothernatureson]

30-30

Since the 32 Win was a blackpowder round, the bores of many of these old rifles are in poor shape, and the 32 Win is a poor performer in a worn bore, not so with the 30-30 win. Take a look at Sam Fadala's book, "Winchester Model 94". He talks about custom rifles and calibers. Get that fine old gun back into service!

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

I don't really want to mess with it..

"I'm in the "don't mess with it" crowd. What's wrong with the current barrel?"

Accuracy! Or lack there of. My Marlin 30-30 will tag a 10" steel plate at 200 meters off hand all day long. I'm sure that off a rest it'll hit a 6" plate consitently. Not that I'd stretch a 30-30 out past 150-175yds on a regular basis for deer with open sights, (thinking about putting a Lyman peep on that one), but it's nice to know that I can if need be.

With, (admitedly older than I normally keep on the shelf), 32win, this thing prints a 12" group/scatter at 80yds.

That's not even hunting accuracy in my book.

I'm well aware of the slow twist rate for the 32 of this vintage. It's just not inherantly accurate. So, changing the barrel/caliber sounded like a good idea.

444 marlin would be the cat's meow! But wouldn't there be other modifications that would be cost prohibitive? I've found new 30-30 barrels for less than a hundred bux.

I'll try to find Sam Fadala's book. Thanx.

-Steve

-Yes, putting Dad's old rifle back into service is the objective. I need to take a game animal with it before retiring it. I also want it servicable when it's time to pass it down to one of my sons.

 

[Pointman]

I've been drooling over this 26" straight octagon .38-55 barrel for a couple weeks and thinking about the possibilities....

 

[justashooter]

32 spcl barrels have a very long twist that is designed for a slower, softer bullet. rare to see these "worn out". prolly just needs a good cleaning.