Savage 340 Questions

[Marlin Junky]

I'm thinking about buying a Savage 340 in 30-30 without the luxury of handling it first and would like to know the following before the purchase is made:

What is the maximum cartridge overall length that will function through the magazine? Does this COL complement the chamber throat assuming exclusive use of classic .30 cal. boolit molds up to and including 311284? How about the "SIL" mold varieties?

Do the cartridge rims need to be placed one in front of the other (from the bottom up) in the magazine in order for the rounds to feed smoothly?

Can this gun be accurized? In other words, are there techniques to work around the single action screw and barrel band? :groner:

Can the trigger be tuned? I like a 1.5 to 2# pull that breaks cleanly w/o noticeable creep (I would do the job myself).

What's the rate of twist and bore/groove diameters?

How about the number of grooves?

Were the barrels hammer forged, button rifled, broached, or...?

Is the action strong enough for at least Marlin 336 type loads?

That about covers it... thank you for any and all input!

MJ

[crazy mark]

They will handle 336 loads, I use the same loads and boolits in my 340's as my 336's.
Don't know how the barrels were rifled or about the trigger. Mine have 3.5 to 4# pull. I've only tested mine for minute of Blacktail at 125 yds. which is 3-4" groups. Never worried about where the rims were for proper feeding. Limited by OAL by Mag length.
Hope this helps. Can use pointy bullets.

[6.5 mike]

Rate of twist in my 325b is 1 in 10, 4 groove. My bbl specs are 0.300/0.3075. Also not sure how the rifleing is cut. OAL is mag length unless single feeding. Like Mark, my trigger is bout 3.5 to 4 lbs with a hint of creep, does not seem to affect shooting from field or bench much. They do make a good minute of bambi gun.
I think sav carried the specs over when they brought the 340 out. This is one of my most fun shooters, get it & enjoy.

[olafhardt]

My Stevens 325 will not handle 150gr Hornady pointed flat base bullets because the magazine is too short. Frank Marshall Jr wrote an article on the rifle and caliber in 3d edition Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook.

[Brasso]

The way the magazine is loaded automatically puts the topmost rim in front of the one below it. I have to single load pointed bullets of 150 grain and over. Never checked the trigger, But the gun has always shot "minure-of-deer". Also have one in 222 Rem that is quite accurate.

Sam

[HANDYMAN]

I don't believe the trigger is adjustable on these I've looked at mine and can't see how with out trying to completely take the trigger apart and stoning the sear.

[bgokk]

It's not a big deal but I have experience with several M340's. It seems that for some reason all that I have worked on are not properly beded.

The recoil lug on all has bottomed out in the stock. I have removed the wood so that the lug clears and every one has shot tighter groups.

By loosening the action and barrel band screws and pressing first on the tang of the action then the barrel near the band it will probably rock on the recoil lug. Clear the recoil lug's bottom and this will stop. That's all it takes.

I found this on .223, .22 Hornet and .30-30.

The .30-30 is mine and it cut groups from about 4" at 100 to 1.5".

The trigger on mine is heavy but crisp. I will some day probably work on it.

The info given by those above is true.

My groove slugs .3087. I have not shot lead in it yet. But it is next on my list of todos.

[Rocky Raab]

The only change I made to mine was to find an aperture sight for it (not easy). Never measured the trigger pull, but I can say it is not a target gun by any stretch of the imagination. I shoot only one bullet through mine, the Lee C-309-170-F. Crimped in the groove, they fit and feed perfectly. Oh, and the sharp edge of the chamber tended to catch and cut the shoulder of those bullets until I cut a very small bevel at the chamber edge with a chamfer tool.

[Char-Gar]

I have one and it is a very good shooter with cast bullets. They are what they are and it serves no purpose to try and trick them out. The trigger is not adjustable and 1.5 to 2 lbs is way to light on a rifle meant for hunting and informal target use.

[Huntducks]

I have a 340 in 225win and it uses the same mag as a 30-30 so I doubt you will be able to move the bullets out very far or use a long bullet.

I worked on my own trigger to try and get a lighter pull it is now lighter but has some creep.

My 340 is factory drilled for a side mount for a scope.

The stocks IMO are butt ugly.

It shoots well 1" @ 100 and a number of times I have almost sold it but it's the first CF I ever bought new and goes back to the 60's.

[Marlin Junky]

Shallow to average rifling depth coupled with a 10" twist is probably not going to deliver what I'm looking for... especially after being accustomed to Pre-55 336's. Then again, the barrel can be spun off and substituted with a new Shilen or Krieger... [smilie=l:

Thanks to all for providing input...

MJ

[NHlever]

For your purposes, I would look hard for a good used Remington 788. They are much more suitable to make a match type gun from, and have been used in CBA matches.

[Rocky Raab]

That's true - and they're only five times the price of a 340.

[Marlin Junky]

For your purposes, I would look hard for a good used Remington 788. They are much more suitable to make a match type gun from, and have been used in CBA matches.

What's the cartridge case stretch like with max loads and those rear lock-up 788's? I'm sure it wouldn't be as much as with a 336 but I'd like to use nothing but a Lee Collet Die to resize brass. Also, an after market barrel to do the following (especially since we're talking about a collectable rifle; i.e., a 788 in 30-30) is not an option:

I want 2000 fps or there about's and consistent 1MOA with a boolit in the 11-12 BHN range and a high enough BC to be used beyond 200 yards. I seriously doubt this can be done with a 10" twist with any bore/groove configuration.

MJ

[Kraschenbirn]

My "go-to load" for my 340 is the old 311466 CB (162 gr Loverin GC) cast very hard (21-22 Bhn), sized .310, and loaded over 20.0 gr. AA5744. Produces around 1980 fps, no leading, and will shoot into 1 1/2" all day using a second-hand 4X Tasco scope. Rifle is, essentially, "box stock", too...original side-mount for the scope, factory trigger, and only a little "touch-up" on the bedding.

Maybe, not the most accurate CB rifle I own and, definitely, not the prettiest but it does what it's supposed to do. Brass is readily available and, at $.11/round (powder, primer, and GC), it provides relatively inexpensive practice out to 200M.

Bill

[Marlin Junky]

My "go-to load" for my 340 is the old 311466 CB (162 gr Loverin GC) cast very hard (21-22 Bhn), sized .310, and loaded over 20.0 gr. AA5744. Produces around 1980 fps, no leading, and will shoot into 1 1/2" all day using a second-hand 4X Tasco scope. Rifle is, essentially, "box stock", too...original side-mount for the scope, factory trigger, and only a little "touch-up" on the bedding.

Bill

That's very good but I wouldn't point that non-expanding boolit at a deer, especially a deer I didn't want to tract through the neighborhood. If the rifling pitch was lessened (or the grooves deeper, or both) one could probably repeat your results with a significantly softer boolit.

MJ

[Kraschenbirn]

That's very good but I wouldn't point that non-expanding boolit at a deer, especially a deer I didn't want to tract through the neighborhood. If the rifling pitch was lessened (or the grooves deeper, or both) one could probably repeat your results with a significantly softer boolit. MJ

My 340 is used mostly, these days, as a trainer for introducing less experienced shooters to CF rifle shooting. I definitely wouldn't hunt deer with the 311466, either, but the old Ken Waters combination of 26.0 gr 4895 under a 311041 cast from straight WWs (air-cooled) runs just under 1950 fps from my gun and prints 2"-3" groups. Given my 'druthers, though - for whitetail in brush country - I'll take either my .35 Rem. 336 or my 1894 .44 Mag over any .30-30, anytime.

Bill

Btw: Max. OAL for the 340's mag is 2.550...same as factory JB loads...which pretty much rules out any CB heavier than the 311041.

[Marlin Junky]

Btw: Max. OAL for the 340's mag is 2.550...same as factory JB loads...which pretty much rules out any CB heavier than the 311041.

Bummer... thank you,

MJ

[leadman]

I had a left hand 788 in 308. Never had any problems with reloading the cases.

One gun I wish I really had back!

[HORNET]

For you 340 fans, Buckshot did a writeup a couple years ago on tweaking the triggers to reduce the pull weight and creep. It would probably show up in a search. I've got it printed out at home somewhere...
The only 788's that I've heard of serious case stretch problems on have been in the 6.5 Mag and .350 Mag. I think it's the combination of higher operating pressures and a larger case head diameter causing more bolt thrust than it can handle well. Still safe, but pushing things. Likely helped along by those who figure that "It's a MAGNUM !!" and use a heavy hand on the powder measure. The same claims were made of the Schultz & Larson rear lockers. Interestingly, I don't remember seeing any such claims on the Steyr Manlicher, but I have taken one to where it was VERY difficult to open the bolt (rawhide hammer time).

[gnoahhh]

The thing to keep in mind with a 340 trigger is that the sear acts as the bolt stop also. Not one of Savages better ideas. (The Model 1920's are the same.)

The .30/30 I had was my dad's which he bought new in 1956. I remember as a little kid thinking it represented the ultimate in high power rifles! After he died twenty years ago I played with it a bit and got good accuracy (sub-2 MOA) with a 180 NEI RN, cast at around 11-13bhn, at factory velocities w/ 3031. I carried it exactly once for deer, and all I shot that day was a fox, which died quite suddenly. Two years ago I gave it to one of my nephews as a keepsake of his grandfather. (As an aside, one of my uncles used a 340 in .22 Hornet as his Pennsylvania deer rifle for many years. He brags about killing six deer with eight shots, the first five being one-shotters. The last one took three shots to fell, which prompted him to move up to a .30/06.)

They are butt ugly indeed, but feel good in the hand which is all that matters. Remember when working up loads for it that it has but one locking lug. I always considered it to be on par with the Winchester 94 in that regard. Don't lose the magazine for it. They're becoming quite scarce.

[richhodg66]

I bought one of these not long ago and have done a very small amount of shooting with it so far only with the open sights and cast bullets. It has shot as well under those conditions as my '94 ever has and I haven't really worked with it yet.

They do handle nicely, very graceful in the hands. I think I'm really going to like mine a lot when I get around to working with it seriously. I wish they still made it and I bet if someone were to buy the tooling and patents and start production, they'd have a good market for it again.

[NHlever]

Well, I'm kind of sorry that I brought up the 788. It is about the only factory bolt action for the 30-30, and I've always thought that was too bad. The one I had did shoot both 150, and 180 grain cast quite well so that is why I mentioned it. I didn't realize that they had gone up to over $1000 in price.

[Eutectic]

Rate of twist in my 325b is 1 in 10, 4 groove. My bbl specs are 0.300/0.3075. Also not sure how the rifleing is cut. OAL is mag length unless single feeding.

I have never seen this configuration used.... Interesting...

The 340 .30-30 I have now is one turn in 12 1/16" twist. This is an accurate reading, checked both mechanically and physically. Rifling is 6 lands and grooves at .301" bore and .3085" groove. All 340 barrels I have seen were cut rifled with six lands and grooves. Headspace is bare bones minimum.

My 340 will feed 2 5/8" (2.625") overall length from the magazine. Accuracy is best for me however, with 311041 seated even longer (2.670") and loaded single shot.

Eutectic

[gnoahhh]

Well, I'm kind of sorry that I brought up the 788. It is about the only factory bolt action for the 30-30, and I've always thought that was too bad. The one I had did shoot both 150, and 180 grain cast quite well so that is why I mentioned it. I didn't realize that they had gone up to over $1000 in price.

If you think that's bad, have you priced any nice .30/30 Model 54 Winchesters lately? That one was the ultimate bolt action .30/30, but I digress!

[roberto mervicini]

Got one as gift... 30/30 in very good shape only the magazine is missing.
I try the trigger and to my test to much creep. I did not fire yet but I intend to, I am looking for the mag every time I have the occasion to go to gun shows, so far no mag, I could get one ordered from few outfit in USA but since I do not want it that badly I delay... dont' want to pay high charges for shipping.
Also own one other 30/30 savage, model 219 single shoot, about the same creepy trigger but very accurate, also a gift, it came with broken firing pin, I replace it, install the scope and shorten the barrel to 18.5" . I enjoy this little rifle.!
_______
roberto

[Marlin Junky]

I have never seen this configuration used.... Interesting...

The 340 .30-30 I have now is one turn in 12 1/16" twist. This is an accurate reading, checked both mechanically and physically. Rifling is 6 lands and grooves at .301" bore and .3085" groove. All 340 barrels I have seen were cut rifled with six lands and grooves. Headspace is bare bones minimum.

My 340 will feed 2 5/8" (2.625") overall length from the magazine. Accuracy is best for me however, with 311041 seated even longer (2.670") and loaded single shot.

Eutectic

This sheds a whole new light on the prospect. Assuming the above, my favorite 30-30 boolit (RCBS 30-180FN) should work. What is the serial number on your gun?

MJ

[Hang Fire]

The only change I made to mine was to find an aperture sight for it (not easy).

Williams make a readily availble aperture sight for the 325 Stevens and 340 Savage. I have one on my 325 30-30, works great.

[Marlin Junky]

BTW, what's the barrel length on the 340? Was it available with only one length barrel?

MJ

[kbstenberg]

Marlin Junky I haven't read the threads, but I will tell what I have.
The throat on mine is a tad bit bigger than my 94. My OAL is longer than my 94 also. I have been using the Lee 150F an the RD311-165gr.
Yes the case basses have to be staggered.
I am just got mine a month ago so I don't know much more. I am going to have to find a couple more magazines an a scope mount an rings. Hopefully some one here will have what I need.
Kevin

[sagamore-one]

I carry a Stevens 325C in my daily commute fed with 311284 boolits over 26.5 of Win 748 sized .311 lubed with 50/50 lit by magnum primers at 2.612 oal. Numerous feral dogs and cats have met their demise with this combo. Never chrono'ed... just loaded as advised by a shooting buddy.
No accuracy concerns. No sign of leading.

[HARRYMPOPE]

"I want 2000 fps or there about's and consistent 1MOA with a boolit in the 11-12 BHN range and a high enough BC to be used beyond 200 yards. I seriously doubt this can be done with a 10" twist with any bore/groove configuration"

your BHN will limit you more than twist i believe iin a 30 cal at that velocity/pressure.I have a 30BR 40X with 1-10 that shoots like you speak but it is with Linotype and a good chamber and bullet "bumped" to fit.Asking about a Savage 340 then adding that criteria is a bit much to expect even in the 788 30-30.

HMP

[Brasso]

"Also own one other 30/30 savage, model 219 single shoot, about the same creepy trigger but very accurate, also a gift, it came with broken firing pin, I replace it, install the scope and shorten the barrel to 18.5" . I enjoy this little rifle.!"

roberto mervicini, did you have to D&T the 219 Savage for the scope mount and what mount did you use?

Sam

[Hang Fire]

Shallow to average rifling depth coupled with a 10" twist is probably not going to deliver what I'm looking for... especially after being accustomed to Pre-55 336's. Then again, the barrel can be spun off and substituted with a new Shilen or Krieger... [smilie=l:

Thanks to all for providing input...

MJ

I have not found this to be true, I have never checked twist or depth of rifling on my 325 30-30, but know it is very accurate with cast. With the Lyman#311291 170 grain boolit and Williams aperture, it can hold it's own very well with, if not superior, to some of my other rifles with cast. The long neck on the 30-30 makes it an excellent cast boolit cartridge.

Pic is from my gun I.D. list, hence all the info.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y92/TANSTAAFL-2/ASteven30-30model325.jpg.

[krag35]

Savage 340, my first big game rifle, Dad bought it for me in 1975. Killed my first Deer and Elk with it. It survived my ealy attemps at gunsmithing and is still shooting today. now I run Lyman 31141's over 24 gr of IMR 4895 with a LARGE PISTOL primer. If I had to take it hunting tomorrow, would not hesitate.

[felix]

The twist is 12, I am fairly certain. ... felix

[Marlin Junky]

I have not found this to be true, I have never checked twist or depth of rifling on my 325 30-30, but know it is very accurate with cast. With the Lyman#311291 170 grain boolit and Williams aperture, it can hold it's own very well with, if not superior, to some of my other rifles with cast.

No doubt; however, I've stipulated certain requirements with respect to boolit hardness and velocity (soft and fast is my goal). A 12" twist is more likely to treat the boolits kinder than a 10" twist and I've learned a 1:12" twist will handle pretty darn long boolits. I think I'm gonna go ahead and buy this 340... should be fun experimenting with it.

Thanks to all for the input...
MJ

[jimwill48]

I love my 340 but use it mostly for very light loads. 150 gr. Lee Flatnose and 2grs of Trailboss. At 25 yds and factory open sights it will shoot into 1 hole. I use this as a backyard plinking and pest load. Noise level about like a standard .22LR, no recoil and will totally shoot threw a large groundhog. No idea of the velocity. The 340 is pretty accurate with full powered jacketed loads also, with factory open sights it will shoot into 2 inchs at 100 yards. just wish there was a better way to mount a scope or an easy to obtain aperture sight. Mine is marked as a house brand and has better wood than the Savage marked version, so stock looks a bit better. All in all a nice shooting little rifle.

[roberto mervicini]

[QUOTE=Brasso;1341936]"Also own one other 30/30 savage, model 219 single shoot, about the same creepy trigger but very accurate, also a gift, it came with broken firing pin, I replace it, install the scope and shorten the barrel to 18.5" . I enjoy this little rifle.!"

roberto mervicini, did you have to D&T the 219 Savage for the scope mount and what mount did you use?
Sam[/QUOTE



I use Millett Angle Loc 1" steel ring, they loc in to the dovetail of the barrel... but after few doz. of cartridges they slide forward (thought the scope dammage since point of impact keep changing before noticing the entire system slide forward ).
Since I did not want to cut notch on the barrel, I try buiding a stop in front of each ring and on the rail of the dovetail with arcagel tinted black. It work fine .