35/30-30 or 356w for cast

[andym79]

Hi guys, I have the choice of a big bore action, which I could have barrelled to 356w or a standard 94 action that I could have barrelled to 35/30-30.

A part of me wants to go for the 356w its different, it powerful and can be driven hard if you want to. So you could say the heart says 356W because it awesome!

The head is thinking a 35/30-30 is simple to form from available brass, it has a longer neck for cast bullets, it is easier to have a higher density of powder fill than the 356w and keep it within cast bullet velocities. I guess I am saying is because my plan isn't to go around the outback dropping camels with it every month that I don't think I need the extra energy that the 356w has over the 35/30-30. I don't plan on using jacketed bullets, so the 35/30-30 wouldn't be holding me back.

I guess what I am saying is am I right in thinking that the 35/30-30 is a better choice for cast bullets than the 356w? Am I only going to be wasting money on powder and brass over the 35/30-30?

Because right now the only think that really puts me off it is the fact brass is a pain.

Thanks

[Jedman]

35/30-30 is the better choice for cast as the extra powder capacity of the 356 does nothing for you.

Jedman

[Scharfschuetze]

35/30-30 is the better choice for cast as the extra powder capacity of the 356 does nothing for you. Jedman

I agree.

Something else to consider is that the 356 Winchester was never a big seller. The only other compatible case is the 307 Winchester and it is just as moribund. While you can use 308 or 358 Winchester case to made shootable ammo, they'll need some type of new extractor to get em out of the chamber. You'll be making 35/30 cases from 30/30s until the cows come home.

[Outpost75]

I love my .35/.30-30 and it is a stone killer!

[Mk42gunner]

Yet another vote for the .35/.30-30.

It is even more offbeat than the .356 Winchester since it is a wildcat.

Robert

[Outpost75]

Non-starter for me on .356 Win. is poor availability of brass. For .35/.30-30 either .30-30, .32 W.S., .32-40, .375 Win or .38-55 can be used as feedstock. BEST option is to simply neck down Starline .38-55 brass in the 2.080" length which requires only a light trim to clean up case mouth. Use Lee .358 Win case length gage with. 30-30 shell holder. Common 16" twist barrel stock will stabilize Accurate 36-245D subsonic. with 8-9 grains of Bullseye, whereas compressed caseful, about 32 grs. of 4064, RL15 or Varget are powerful hunting loads 1600+ fps from 20" barrel which performs like the .38-55 on game.

185388

[MT Chambers]

I have a '94 ae in .356 Win. it is a great cartridge esp. with the 245 gr fp from Saeco, you can definitely use the extra powder capacity.

[dverna]

For cast, the .35/30 seems like a better choice.

Don Verna

[Texas by God]

My vote is 35-30. As stated brass everywhere and that nice long neck might help with heavier boolits. Best, Thomas.

[andym79]

Most of you are confirming my thoughts. I think both are good cartridges. And whilst a longer neck and smaller case suit most uses for cast bullets better, I think brass availability is the real downside to the 356w.

I think my only source of formable brass would be the 444 marlin, and that's unlike the 30-30 isn't exactly a gunship stocked item.

Thanks for the comments, keep them coming, I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with either cartridge.

I am tempted to go 35-30\30 for the standard 94 and maybe 444 for the bigbore, but the jury is still out.

[andym79]

As I said, please keep advice or experience coming!

Regardless of which cartridge I go for I have a choice of a .357 groove in 1:10, 1:16 or 1:24 or a .358 groove in 1:12.

I am thinking a 1:16 twist might be best for 35 cal cast, and that a 1:12 is unnecessarily fast unless I want to shoot 1.3" 300grain bullets at 1000fps, and the 1:24 will limit me to pistol type bullets; is that right?

[Texas by God]

I like your last idea in post #10.

[44man]

I don't have any preference since all can shoot cast.

[rockrat]

356Win brass is out there. Last gun show here, one of the guys had 100 or 200 pieces of it, new. Didn't really need it, so I left it for someone else. You can shoot using 308 brass formed to 358 win. My Marlin will extract it just fine, stock extractor. Doesn't throw it very far though. using it shooting at the range is fine.
For hunting, I would use 356 brass. I understand you can use 444 marlin brass to form to 356win. I think Starline makes 444 brass now.

You could do a 38-55 (have JES rebore a 30-30)and have a largish bore that shoots cast well.

[andym79]

Hi already have a 38-55, but fancy a 35 cal. Though from my experience the 38 will do better with cast than 35.

As to the 308 brass, I guess you just have to make sure it Headspace's properly on the shoulder, does the bolt need modifying?

[Kestrel4k]

356Win brass is out there. Last gun show here, one of the guys had 100 or 200 pieces of it, new. [...]
How much was the seller asking for it, BTW?

[MT Gianni]

When I sold my 356 I had 300 pieces of brass that went with it. I sold it for $200 more than what I paid for a 358 BLR. Brass was available from Grafs, many guns will shoot 358 and eject with the factory ejector. I am laughing at the comments as I believe it would be in favor of the larger size case if one were to ask "Which is better for cast, 30-30 or 308? or 35-30 vs 358?" Do what you want but to believe the 358 won't shoot cast is headed down a long set of rapids with no paddle. It will shoot cast and do it well. Ask yourself if your quarry is a Whitetail that might hit 150 lbs, one that might push 275 lbs, Elk or Moose. If there is any chance you go after bigger game in the timber get the 356 and you will never need to look back.