Rebore marlin 30-30 to 356 input

[JSH]

I picked up a crossbolt safty JM marked marlin in 30-30. Am really thinking about a JES rebore to 356. Any do's and don'ts?
Figured on using 444 brass to make the 356 if worse comes to worse.
Jeff

[Tatume]

JES can set it up so you can use 308 Winchester brass. That doesn't necessarily mean you should use 358 Winchester loads though.

[schutzen]

I'd go for a .38-55. I did this with a 336T that had a ruined barrel. Marlin re-barreled it and changed the necessary parts for $300. That was 5 years ago? It is a sweet shooter with cast bullets.

[Nobade]

Yep, a rechamber of a 35 Rem to 356 rimless works pretty well but if it's a 30-30 now you'll need a new bolt assembly. Go 38-55 and don't look back, you'll love it.

-Nobade

[Tatume]

I've read that rifles chambered for 356 Winchester will also feed and extract 358 Winchester. If that is true, then the 30-30 bolt should work fine. I would ask JES about it, as he is the expert.

[bgmkithaca]

Why use other brass when you can get .356 brass and not have to fret over it working. Powder valley has had it in stock for at least a month.

[Tatume]

I like to form my own. Why not?

[missionary5155]

Good morning
Another vote for 38-55 ! I have 3 now and no regrets getting any 30-30 redone by JES. You end up with a nicest .377 groove diameter barrel that will shoot cast as well as any. You can load for "wabbit" right up to big nasty bitty critters with 350 grainers. A very versitile caliber for the cast lead shooter.
Mike in Peru

[nekshot]

I would have a marlin on the way to jes if it wasn't for a unexpected insurance bill. In my application I chose 356 over 38-55 because first I reload so the pressure is no issue, second I can handle the ballistics better with a 356 than a 38-55 ( yep, I aint what I used to be and used to do) and third I have a 358 bolt and fourth in the 70's I had a BLR in 358 that I traded away and now want to correct that wrong with what I have. I'd go for it!!

[Baron von Trollwhack]

I've read that rifles chambered for 356 Winchester will also feed and extract 358 Winchester. If that is true, then the 30-30 bolt should work fine. I would ask JES about it, as he is the expert.

I have a 356 W rebore of a Marlin 30-30 by JES. It does in fact feed and extract 358W cases loaded with the RCBS 200 FN boolit and is very accurate . I still prefer the rimmed cases though, but the option is nice.

BvT

[358wcf]

Yes, as a prior shooter mentioned, Powder Valley does have 356Win brass in stock, NOW!
Just last week, seeing another shooter mention that in a thread, I called and ordered 5 bags of 50 rounds each- I'm strongly leaning to build a single shot using a Falling Block works action I traded into, and its going to be either a 356Win, or a 38-55. The 356 has the more "modern" ballistics and is an easier sell on my son-in-law, who will be the final owner when I'm gone, and I already have two 38-55s in the gunroom. I might still go with the 38-55, tho--- I won't build a new rifle or rebarrel unless I have an adequate amount of brass ON HAND to last many years- just my practice-
Anyway, when speaking with the fine folks at Powder Valley, they stated that as of last week, they had 25 bags of 356Win on the shelf after my order was filled! Get 'em now, Boys! It's a fine cartridge and the chamber/extractor can be cut to work with 308/358 rimless brass if needed- talk about versatility!

I'll let you get on with your day now- You'all take care-

358wcf-:p

[Gtek]

Was not the .307 case used as the parent. I scored 200 new 307 cases off GB a while back, and not so bad in price in big picture.

[Tatume]

Was not the .307 case used as the parent?

Correct.

[pietro]

Yep, a rechamber of a 35 Rem to 356 rimless works pretty well but if it's a 30-30 now you'll need a new bolt assembly. Go 38-55 and don't look back, you'll love it.

-Nobade

My .356 Winchester cases were semi-rimmed, not rimless,and the same diameter as the .30-30's rim - but .048" thick vs the .063" thickness of the .30-30 rim.

The .30-30 Marlin 336's bolt face wouldn't need relieving to accept/feed the .356 case - but it may need an .015" thick spacer/washer soldered to the bolt face to take up the resultant excessive headspace from the .356's different/thinner rim thickness.


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[blikseme300]

Hmm, food for thought from this thread. I was gifted a 308MX of which the barrel is ruined due to bad storage. I was not aware of the 356W and a JES rebore sounds very attractive. I reload for my other 308MX using mainly reformed 307W cases of which I have more than 2K new on the shelf so brass won't be a problem.

These Marlin's sure breed when placed in the same gun safe, don't they?

[JSH]

Well I already have a 38-55 project and another marlin donor action. Tapered full octagon badger that slug at .376.
I want a .35 in a lever gun but don't want to fool with the 35 Remington. I had also thought about a 35-30 but I don't want to fool with another wildcat.
Thus the 356 grabbed my attention.
Jeff

[Nobade]

My .356 Winchester cases were semi-rimmed, not rimless,and the same diameter as the .30-30's rim - but .048" thick vs the .063" thickness of the .30-30 rim.

The .30-30 Marlin 336's bolt face wouldn't need relieving to accept/feed the .356 case - but it may need an .015" thick spacer/washer soldered to the bolt face to take up the resultant excessive headspace from the .356's different/thinner rim thickness.
.

I don't think that would matter, since the 356 should be set up to headspace on the shoulder rather than the rim like 30-30.

-Nobade

[Baron von Trollwhack]

Perhaps one could set up their chosen rimless cartridge to headspace on the shoulder rather than the rim, I do. I haven't checked my 307 for the same issue in using 308 W cases, but I'm sure the possibility is there. BvT

[Fast Asleep]

I have had four Marlins re bored by Jesse Ocumpah and all have turned out great. Two 1893's to 38-55, a 36 to 35x30-30 and a 50's 336 ADL to 405 JES. The 35x30-30 may be a good choice for you, using standard 30-30 brass and dies from CH4D. You will not be disappointed with Jesse's service time, workmanship and pricing.

[MT Chambers]

The .356 is about optimal for levergun power and trajectory, I would do whatever it took to make or get one. I have one in a '94 AE and it is deadly with the 245 gr. Saeco fpgc bullet.

[Beerd]

(let's bring this thread back onto Page 1)

some guys hotrod the 35 Rem and almost match what the .356 Win can do with starting loads.

Get the rebore done. You won't regret it.
..

[Gtek]

What if you found a pooch 30-30 barrel, check timing and headspace and had it done. Then if you do not like outcome you can back up, if great outcome nice barrels sell easy.