Scrathced an itch i've been having for a while. Marlin 336 in .356 Win

[Ole]

I've been looking for one of these for a while and I took a dive on a Nonneman 35 Rem conversion to .356 Win this past weekend. I sent off $$ for it on yesterday. Might get it as early as mid next week if everything goes right. I've been on the fence on diving into one of these but the deal maker was that this one came with 150pc of fired brass.

The first bullet I plan to work with for plinking is the 190gr Ranch Dog 359". Has anyone here worked with this bullet in 356 win? Michael lists data on his website. I may go with something in the 2200fps range with H322 and something using IMR 4759 in the 1600-1800fps range.

I'll put up pics when I get the rifle. It looked like a dandy from the pictures I saw.

Wish me luck and if anyone has any tried and true recipes with 356's that they've tried I'd appreciate any guidance.

[starmac]

I looked at a winchester at a gun show a couple of years ago, it was I think unfired, but we just couldn't quite get together on a price. I keep thinking I will run across a 99 in 358, or I would probably have took it.

[dragon813gt]

I passed on a Winchester chambered for it. Brass is nonexistent and availability is one of my main requirements. Ended up buying a 99 w a JES 358 rebore so it all worked out. I do think about that Winchester quite often. The price was ridiculously low.

[starmac]

If I ran across one that was rediculuosly low, or even mediocre low I would grab it up. The brass comes up now and again, at least often enough I could get a supply. I just like leverguns, and some oddballs even more. lol

[AnthonyB]

Ole:
I am a huge 356 Winchester fan. I have a Winchester Big Bore set up with a Leupold Scout Scope and a Marlin 336 currently being fitted with a grey laminated stock. That one will likely get a conventional scope.
I have used the RCBS 35-200, 358156, and 35809 in my Winchester. The 35809 at 1900 fps will rattle your teeth, but should keep rabbits out of the garden. I ordered the NOE 360-230 FN on Monday and should have it today according to the shipping notice from Al.
I bought several hundred Winchester cases when I bought the first rifle, but 308 brass works fine for me. I use 356 brass for hunting because I have it, but it isn't needed in my rifles.
Congratulations on a great caliber, but please don't say anything else about it - I'll buy all the cheap 356s I can find!
Tony

[TXGunNut]

I've passed on a few Big Bores chambered for this cartridge because of the brass situation. I really like the cartridge but I have a 35 Rem and lust for a 358 Winchester. It would be silly to have more than one of the three....but that's never stopped me before.

[starmac]

Silly doesn't count in this game, at least I hope it doesn't. lol

[Slow Elk 45/70]

I agree, a man just can't have too many levers, at least it never stops me when I find a deal...IMHO

[JSH]

Can't these be made from 444?

[TXGunNut]

Can't these be made from 444?

IIRC the .307 is the parent case, my reloading books are a long ways off or I'd check.

[TXGunNut]

Silly doesn't count in this game, at least I hope it doesn't. lol

I think it does, and I've racked up lots of bonus points.

[starmac]

I think it does, and I've racked up lots of bonus points.

Even if it does count, who is going to hold it against you, or keep up with the bonus points? lol Who ever it is I ain't skeered of them.

[bdicki]

Can't these be made from 444?

http://www.saami.org/pubresources/cc...me%20Cover.pdf

[Idaho Mule]

They're junk. Stay away, very useless. NEVER trust someone that sells you one, and don't ask to buy mine. JW Oops, mine is a 94 Big Bore, not Marlin as the OP has. Still not for sale. JW

[Ole]

Rifle came today:







It's almost like the rifle was taken out and shot one time and put away. Almost zero wear on any of the metal and the wood is in great shape. Time to work up a couple loads for this guy.

[TXGunNut]

Looks nice, hard to imagine someone doing a conversion and then not using it. Looking forward to the range report.

[Idaho Mule]

NICE!! I am not close to the loading room at this point but I will post my load of 3031 and rcbs 200 fngc tomorrow. By the way, that is a nice looking lever. JW

[Idaho Mule]

Ole, just checked my load book and I am using 33 gr. of Imr 3031 under the rcbs 200 gr FN. WLR primer. I am sizing to .359. I am guessing this to be 1900 to 1950 fps muzzle velocity but have not chronied. I have not tried 308 brass in mine but it would be nice if it did work. I bought a few hundred 356 WW brass from one of the members here in the swapping and selling section. You will enjoy it. JW

[Ole]

I don't have IMR3031 but I do have H322 which is pretty close. Checking my books I was thinking about starting with 38 grains with that RCBS 200 grain bullet but I may reconsider after seeing Idaho Mule's post.

[JSH]

307 is just a rimmed 308. 444 is a rimmed basic 06. Dunno what neck thickness will end up though. I also have a donor 336 that is destined to become a 356 sooner or later from JES.