1895 rebarrel/ new caliber

[Oklahoma Rebel]

I have a new marlin 1895 and was wondering if anyone has rechambered one to .348 or .358 cal? and how hard is it? I know you would have to find a cartridge with a similar rim and overall length that's close to make it easier. im not serious about doing it but would like to know for curiosity's sake

[EDG]

Try the .33 Win (uses 45-70 brass) or a .38-56 (uses 45-70 brass)

[tim338]

50 AK, 450 AK are another two that have been popular for conversation on the 1895.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

of .33win and .38-56, which is more common, also I have only heard of 38-55

[Nobade]

33 win was a smokeless cartridge, I believe 38-56 was only loaded in black powder but not 100% certain. Both can be made from 45-70 cases so would work with the 1895's bolt face. You may possibly run into the need to make a new lifter though, since both of those cartridges have quite a bit of taper and the original lifter is made for the 45-70. If you like 40 cal, I bet a 40-65 would be an easy fit. Not very much taper to it like the other two.

-Nobade

[Oklahoma Rebel]

thanks for the info appreciate it

[labradigger1]

If you go with 33 wcf I have a Douglas xx 30" blank barrel with a .3333 bore.

[Reg]

Best to get a hold of someone who has "been there and most likely done it " John Taylor comes to mind. I not only see lifter problems but cartridge guides as well especially with the taper of the 33 Winchester. Most conversions are do able but not always economically practical.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Had an 1886 that began life as a 38-56. Essentially it is a necked down 45-70 that uses the same bullets as a 38-55. Original loadings were around 1200-1300fps wich is adequate for medium game hunting. It can be pushed up to 1500-1600 fps; the 86 handled that ok. 45-70 brass is readily available, but reforming is necessary. I still have a M71 in 348. It is a big cartridge that can handle most anything in North America. Brass if you can find it is expensive. Not a lot to choose from in bullets either. Original loadings were 250 and 200 grain. The 33 Win was indeed a smokeless cartridge that was highly regarded in the hunting community. It too can be formed from 45-70 brass, but finding loading data for it might be an adventure. 38-55 is a different ball of wax. It is still loaded; brass can be found and selection of available bullets is good. 358 is a rimless cartridge that is available although it can be made by necking up the 308. Lots of bullets to choose from and brass is readily available, but I would recommend sticking to a rimmed cartridge for a lever action. Make sure to get prices on any of these conversions before as they probably would run into some spendy numbers. LLS

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

Doug Turnbull rebarreled my 348 to 50-110 and did the fussy work.

[RG1911]

I hope I'm not highjacking the thread, but I have an 1895 in 45-70 with a micro-groove .4595 bore, so it doesn't shoot worth a darn. Can the barrel be relined? (I would prefer to be able to buy commercial cast slugs and not to have to get into buying a custom mold and sizing dies to cast my own .461 or probably .462 slugs.)

If not, can it be rebarreled without taking out a second mortgage?

Thank you,
Richard

[Edward]

My 1895 does 1 3/4" -2" all day w/Lee405 and NOE 460-350-RF sized at 459 PB or GC at 100yd an 3-4" at 200 micro does not bother me ,
PM for loads

[Nobade]

RG1911, learn to paper patch those bullets up to the size you need and save yourself a barrel job. It'll shoot great!

-Nobade

[Shawlerbrook]

If you decide to go that way, I would recommend Regan Nonneman. He does this often, and I had work done by him and he is very god.

[EDG]

Many ordinary molds will cast that large. Try getting some samples from the members here.
Some suppliers can/will supply unsized bullets that are that large. A lot of the commercial cast bullets do not shoot very well in any rifle so what you prefer are fairly expensive bullets that are often mediocre to terrible regardless of the fit.


I hope I'm not highjacking the thread, but I have an 1895 in 45-70 with a micro-groove .4595 bore, so it doesn't shoot worth a darn. Can the barrel be relined? (I would prefer to be able to buy commercial cast slugs and not to have to get into buying a custom mold and sizing dies to cast my own .461 or probably .462 slugs.)

If not, can it be rebarreled without taking out a second mortgage?

Thank you,
Richard

[Oklahoma Rebel]

I think I am going to stick with the 45-70, this sounds a little more complicated than my abilities can manage, and rg1911 it sound like you only want to buy boolits, not get into casting, but I think your accuracy would be a lot better with a .461 boolit, maybe you could go to swappin and sellin and find a caster willing to sell you some?

[Oklahoma Rebel]

as far as paper patching, I am clueless, for some reason that just never appealed to me, I don't know why, don't need to anyways but it could also be the answer for you. it is at least worth looking into

[BrentD]

If you are interested, I have a original 24" .33 WCF Marlin barrel for a 95. If you are interested, shoot me a note at brentd@iastate.edu