Marlin 1893 action strength?

[NYBushBro]

I've been wondering about the action strength of the Marlin 1893 (or 1936) versus the Winchester 1894 action.

Can someone here steer me in the right direction for data?

(I'm sure Paco would know... :-) )

[Salmoneye]

Not sure what you are asking...

Any of those guns can sufficiently handle a max SAAMI spec load...

If you are wondering what the failure pressure is of each, then blow some up and let us know what the readings were when they blew...

;)

[Outpost75]

What do you want to do with it?

The metallurgy of the 1893 is not as good as on the 36 or later 336. The postwar 336s are stronger than the 36. The 1893 is as good as Winchester 94s made in its era. The postwar 336 is stronger than the 94, but the post 1930 94s are more than adequately strong for any reasonable project.

[NYBushBro]

To clarify: I have an 1893 (32 SPL), and a Model 1936 (30-30), both with the square bolt.

Just wondering whether these would be appropriate with the LeverEvolution powder loads that Larry worked up with (probably) a more modern rifle.

Old guns are my thing... except for the 444 and (modern) 45-70... if you can call a 1970's rifle MODERN. :-)

[725]

Early on the Marlins were made with the steel of the day. Not as strong as more modern metals. When they improved the metal, they roll stamped a notice on the barrel. Can't remember exactly but, it was something like, "Safety steel", "safety ??something??", or the like. That brought it up to the standards of the day over black powder. That steel still isn't today's steel. Load the old Marlin light and, without seeing your gun or knowing anything about it, I'd say you would be OK. Best to have a knowledgeable smith check it over. It's not of the same capacity as a Mod 336.

[Salmoneye]

Just as they did with the 1898 family of exposed hammer shotguns, Marlin (the old Marlin) would have put out a notice about the 1893, 1894, 93, 94, 36, etc. if they thought they were unsafe with modern SAAMI spec ammunition...

I personally shoot an 1893 in .30-30 from 1912 with factory ammo, but it is not a steady diet...

I mostly shoot very reduced loads with cast, and even round balls...

[pls1911]

I have several 93's, 1936s, and 336s.
All function fine with factory level power loads... not to be confused with hot rodded loads of any sort.
All mine normally get fed cast boolits at about 1800-1900fps, about 10% under factory level.