Reboring 30/30 to 32 Special

[rjathon]

Does anyone know of anyone who does this? Does it work well?

thanks

[Outpost75]

If the .30-30 bore is in poor condition a .32 Special may not clean up on a rebore. Also, the older pre-WW2 nickel steel barrels are problematic as to being able to get good interior finish on a rebore. Relining costs about the same when done correctly, and then you are assured of getting a good bore finish. I had a ca. 1908 Winchester 1894 which had a pitted and shot-out barrel from use of corrosive primers. John Taylor recommended relining rather than reboring and we decided to go to a .35 on a .30-30 case, necked up with no other change. The barrel is 16" twist, same as the .35 Remington and performance is very close to the .35 Remington, but the longer neck of the .30-30 case enables it to use heavier bullets without the bullet base intruding below the shoulder into the powder space. I have a 245-grain mold from Accurate and a 260-grainer from LBT and both bullets are stable in the 16-inch twist even at subsonic velocity. I also shoot 160-200 common .38 Special and .357 pistol bullets for plinking. I have been VERY happy with the conversion.

188512188513188514188516188515

[pietro]

.

IMO, besides a reline or re-barrel, the best option would be to have it re-bored to .38-55 - as there would be no other work needed.

I would suggest contacting Jesse Ocumpaugh ( www.35caliber.com (http://www.35caliber.com) ), as he is highly recommended, charges about $245 for a rebore (his prices are posted on his website) - AND he can advise you, regarding a rebore to .32 Special.


.

[texasnative46]

rjathon,

Imo, the .32 Special is nearly worthless as even when new the rifles that were so chambered weren't known for accuracy.

IF it was my rifle, I'd send it to JES to be rebored/rechambered to .38-55. = JES does GREAT work & at a reasonable price.
(He did my "long action" Model 760 into a GREAT 9.3x62mm & I'm about send him another Model 760 to be rebored to .400B-W Improved.)

yours, tex

[dverna]

I have an old M94 and I have looked at converting to .35/30. Outpost makes some good points.

It will cost the same to go to .32 or .35 and the .35 seems like a better option. JES has a very good reputation.

[northmn]

Lots of folks on the Marlin Forum have been pleased with the JES rebore to 38-55. He also offers a 38-55/375 Winchester rebore that uses a 375 Bore. The 35-30 is a wildcat and would be a good one but wild cats do have some disadvantages. A good 375 rebore will do anything a 35 will anyway.

DP

[texasnative46]

northmn,

One of the brothers has a .35-30 & he LIKES it BUT says that, "-- if I had it to do over again" that he would have JES re-do it in .38-55WCF.

yours, tex

[OverMax]

Although not widely known, the 35-30/30 is one of the oldest wildcats, having originated around the turn of the last century. Its original purpose was to salvage worn out 32-40 and 32 Winchester Special barrels by re-boring them to 35 caliber. The idea was also implied to improve the performance of Winchester Model 1894 rifles and carbines while staying within the cartridge length and pressure limitations of this action. The 35-30/30 cartridge is based on necking up 30-30 or 32 Winchester Special brass without any other change, although a few rifles have been made up to accept the Ackley Improved version of this case. Recently there has been a rebirth of interest in this cartridge by silhouette shooters who like to use cast bullets. In 1976, Arizona gunsmith Paul Marquart built several 35-30/30 silhouette rifles built on the Remington 788 action, and these quickly established a reputation as being both accurate and effective for the intended sport. Information on these rifles was published in The Fouling Shot, published by the Cast Bullet Association, and other shooters found it promising as a target and hunting cartridge. The 35-30/30 can be loaded to about equal the ballistics of the 35 Remington, and in fact, if Remington hadn't introduced their rimless 35 in 1908, it is highly possible that the necked up 30-30 would have become much more popular than it did. In any event, it is picking up a new but modest following.With jacketed bullets there is little, if any, difference between the ballistics and killing power of the 35-30/30 and the 35 Remington. On paper the 35 Remington appears to have an edge over the 35-30/30 because it has about 14 percent greater powder capacity, but the factory 200 grain bullet loading rarely attains 2000 fps except in a 24 inch test barrel chiefly because of rather anemic loading pressures. As a cast bullet cartridge, the 35-30/30 with its longer neck permits use of cast bullets as heavy as 270 grains seated to a depth that will feed through magazine rifles designed for the 30-30. This is not possible with the 35 Remington and its short neck. In a strong action, the 35-30/30 can be loaded to deliver performance approaching the 375 Winchester. However, in a strong action, the 35 Remington can be stepped up quite a bit too. It is possible to attain 1800 fps with a 300 grain bullet in a strong action chambered 35-30/30, which would make it adequate for elk or moose at short range. It is a good cartridge for upping the performance of 30-30 rifles or for salvaging worn out 32 Special barrels. For a wildcat, it is rather a special purpose cartridge, but one that may fill the needs of a number of shooters.

[richhodg66]

rjathon,

Imo, the .32 Special is nearly worthless as even when new the rifles that were so chambered weren't known for accuracy.

IF it was my rifle, I'd send it to JES to be rebored/rechambered to .38-55. = JES does GREAT work & at a reasonable price.
(He did my "long action" Model 760 into a GREAT 9.3x62mm & I'm about send him another Model 760 to be rebored to .400B-W Improved.)

yours, tex

Not sure where you got that information on the .32 Special but there's a lot of guys on here who'd disagree with you including me. Might actually be even better for cast than the .30-30.

That said, I don't think a .32 bore size could be done on a .30 caliber barrel. I'd opt for .38-55 as well.

[texasnative46]

richhoodg66,

I got my information from practical experience with two "hunting uncles" who had Model 94 rifles in that caliber.
BOTH got disgusted with the lack of accuracy & had their rifles rebored to .38-55 after a few hundred rounds/years.
(My old rifle in .32-40WCF was NO powerhouse by a long shot but it shot more accurately than either of their .32SPL.)

BTW, I ended up trading the .32-40 for a Winchester Model 86 in .33WCF. = That rifle I liked very much.
(After much "begging" I gave it to my 16YO nephew in 2001. Kyle still owns it & it couldn't be bought for love nor money from him.)

OPINIONS are what makes horseraces & the above is MY opinion.

yours, tex

[FromTheWoods]

rjathon,

Imo, the .32 Special is nearly worthless as even when new the rifles that were so chambered weren't known for accuracy.

IF it was my rifle, I'd send it to JES to be rebored/rechambered to .38-55. = JES does GREAT work & at a reasonable price.
(He did my "long action" Model 760 into a GREAT 9.3x62mm & I'm about send him another Model 760 to be rebored to .400B-W Improved.)

yours, tex

Now you tell me! I have five .32 WS in my safe, and I've been killing deer with 32 Special neck shots for nearly 50 years. Would have saved me a pile of money and I wouldn't have wasted my time hunting with one if you hadn't waited 'till now to spring just how WORTHLESS and inaccurate they are.

I'm always the last to know. Guess I'll try turning them into something useful--crutches for my old-age trips to the bathroom.

[texasnative46]

FromTheWoods,

As I've said elsewhere, opinions are what makes horseraces.

yours, tex

[northmn]

What does it cost to get the dies and the loading gear necessary to load a 35-30? While I think it is not much of an issue all cases would be head stamped 30-30. While they would not chamber in a 30-30 some don't like that. I personally doubt if anything would know the difference if shot by one or the other

DEP

[Edward]

35-30-30 dies are awful expensive and not a lot of choices on supply!

[MostlyLeverGuns]

The 32 Special was highly regarded in the PA deer woods where I started, considered to be a better killer than the 30-30 by many. I've only got 3 and they are Marlins. I have used them for antelope and deer with 1 cow elk in the list. I do not consider the 32 Special an elk rifle, but it did fill the freezer. My 336 SC with its 24 factory barrel will shoot MOA with 2" groups using a 200 grain .323 bullet and 16 gr 5744. There are a few shops that do reboring under 35 caliber, just search rifle reboring. More than one 32 Special has fired 30-30's and been declared inaccurate. 32 Special dies are available as are a good selection of bullet molds. There are cases by Hornady or you can just use 30-30s. I do enjoy mine.

[Outpost75]

35-30-30 dies are awful expensive and not a lot of choices on supply!

CH4D are affordable. https://www.ch4d.com/products/dies/caliber-list?page=37

Easiest way to make cases is to buy Starline 2.085" .38-55 cases which neck down easily in one pass.
Once-fired .30-30, .32 Win. Special or .32-40 can also be necked up without loss if you first mouth anneal, then use a long, tapered 15-degree expander plug.
189806

35/30-30 Winchester

Dies
Shell Holder
Case Holder




2 Die Set:
$87.36


FL Sizer:
$63.33


Neck Sizer:
$63.33


Expander:
$30.57


Seater:
$51.32


Form (each):
$51.32


File Trim:
$51.32


Dillon Trim:
$63.33


Taper Crimp:
$51.32


Reamer Die:
$115.75


https://www.ch4d.com/Media/images/catalog/die-set-icon.pngOur dies are precision machined from high quality steel, heat-hardened to 59 Rockwell C to a depth of .030" for maximum durability, hand polished for smooth function, and ultrasonically cleaned and coated in a proprietary rust preventative solution.


[*=left]7/8" die body diameter.
[*=left]2 die set includes full length sizer and seater.
[*=left]Designed for a .358 bullet. The die set includes a .356 expander ball. You can specify a custom expander diameter during ordering.







Redding and RCBS also make them, but as "special order" so they are more expensive.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

Is this a Winchester 94, a Marlin or some other 30-30? If a Marlin 336, the 35 Rem would be a good choice for rebore. The 35-30 is a good cartridge, but for resale or passing to relatives, friends a factory cartridge would be preferred. 32 special dies are in $30 range at MidwayUSA and Factory loaded cartridges are out there. My Herter's dies were $4.95 long ago. I have dabbled with wildcats -270 Savage, 8mm-08, 35-284 but die cost and reduced value to most other shooters should be considered. Only other enthusiasts will be interested. Oh, that was 10 shots at 200 yards for a 2" group with the .32 Special. As enthusiasts(loonies) we quibble for weeks over minutia that has little relevance in MOST hunting or shooting for fun.

[northmn]

32 Special has a 321 bore so subtract .008 fro rifling. That would leave 313 which may or may not clean up out of a 308 bore. Someone like JES would know whether it could be done or not. You could possibly work out a deal for an alternative but I would assume those doing re bores would like to play safe and go a little larger. Less work for them and a safer bet. To really get any advantage out of a 38-55 you have to reload but at least the dies are less spendy.

DEP

[pcmacd]

Well, sir, "minute of angle" ain't 2" groups, unless we are talking 200 yards?

[Eddie Southgate]

Not sure where you got that information on the .32 Special but there's a lot of guys on here who'd disagree with you including me. Might actually be even better for cast than the .30-30.

That said, I don't think a .32 bore size could be done on a .30 caliber barrel. I'd opt for .38-55 as well.

Amen Brother ! Anybody that thinks a 94 in .32 WS is not accurate has not shot one .

[farmbif]

32 win spl is a great cast bullet shooter because of the 1-14 twist barrel I believe. it just plain works and works well, and for that matter the RCBS 32-170 is the same its a great bullet design that works equally well.

[pcmacd]

I believe the older Win 1894s in 32 SPL, pre 1950 from what I've read, are 1:16.

Mine was made in 1943, believe it or don't. I always thought that NO sporting arms were made after Pearl Harbor.

Wrong again, eh?

~~~~~
I just spent six hours casting and sizing 400 hard lead gas check bullets that weigh around 217 grains, around 17 BNH.

Duh? Duh? Duh again?

--->> Yes, that was an excessive amount of time, but I am just getting back into this hobby.


All that nonsense aside, I don't ever think I will spend that much time again making rifle bullets in a two cavity mold.

At my advanced age of 69 years, i don't have time for that kind of nonsense?

I sorta put the horse before the cart here, and forgot that the '94 was a 1:16 twist. Duh? Duh? Duh?

And DUH again? I know mo beddah.

These won't shoot in my 94/32 spl but they will surely shoot in my Danish 8x58RD Rolling Block.

---> #350 of these bullets is a lifetime supply for that rifle.

Sheesh. Get a grip. All of the faulty decisions made cold sober.

---> Mebe I should have tuned up a bit before I did this sh**e?


Then again, perhaps i should try them in the 94/32 special? One neber knows?

pcmacd

[Hick]

Not sure where you got that information on the .32 Special but there's a lot of guys on here who'd disagree with you including me. Might actually be even better for cast than the .30-30.

That said, I don't think a .32 bore size could be done on a .30 caliber barrel. I'd opt for .38-55 as well.

+1 on 32WS. Great cast gun! Too bad Tex had a bad experience.

[gc45]

32's were twisted for cast, 30-30 for jacketed. My first 32, vintage 1897 and shooting 170gr cast bullets is quite accurate to 100yds but I hold velocities to 1400..back in the day, many old timers bought the then new jacketed 32 ammo that was not very accurate due to these slow twist barrels. Some useing lead ammo never cleaned them often enough so got poor accuracy as well.Unless you have a poor condition barrel why not work with it and see if things improve? Proper fitting bullets, good lube and loads etc...

[eastbank]

my 32 spl,s are a winchester 64 made in 1938 and a 94 saddlering carbine made in the 20,s both with ex bore,s and both shoots .321 j bullets very well and is as accurett as a few 30-30,s i own.

[Char-Gar]

rjathon,

Imo, the .32 Special is nearly worthless as even when new the rifles that were so chambered weren't known for accuracy.

yours, tex

Not neither!

[Eddie Southgate]

Not neither!


rjathon,

Imo, the .32 Special is nearly worthless as even when new the rifles that were so chambered weren't known for accuracy.

IF it was my rifle, I'd send it to JES to be rebored/rechambered to .38-55. = JES does GREAT work & at a reasonable price.
(He did my "long action" Model 760 into a GREAT 9.3x62mm & I'm about send him another Model 760 to be rebored to .400B-W Improved.)

yours, tex

And everything gets bigger in Texas . :groner::guntootsmiley:

[Eddie Southgate]

I'd do the 38-55 or 35-30 simply because it probably won't clean up to do the .32 WS . Of course if your rifle is not collectable ( and it wont be if rebored )you could also just hunt for a good used barrel in 30-30 or .32 WS either one, probably would cost about the same either way . If you have a Winchester made after 1964 that's probably the route I'd take unless I just wanted something larger. There are a number of pre and post 64 barrels on ebay right now from under $100 up to about $125 . There is a post 64 still mounted on 1/2 of the cutoff frame with the mag tube, spring and cap for not much more . Wouldn't cost too much to get it changed out and the headspace checked . Wouldn't even need to worry about the cost of loading for a different cartridge .

Looks like the OP has disappeared ! Turn your back for five years and he ducks out on us !! What's the world coming to .

[Char-Gar]

And everything gets bigger in Texas . :groner::guntootsmiley:

"Not Neither" is West Texas expression that translate as "not so, not true or even horse hocky". I thought the big city guy from San Antone might understand it.

[Nobade]

Funny how 33 caliber gets skipped over. Used to be, when your 32-40 wore out you could get it rebored to 33-40. And Pope made quite a few of those from the get-go. I always thought a 33-30 should work well, and like a 32WS you could rifle it with a slower twist for cast bullets like my 1:16 338-06.

[pcmacd]

I bought my 1943 mfg. 1894 32 SPL at a Phoenix gun show. Had been looking for one for years. It has micrometer rear sights, likely factory, but who knows? I'd never even loaded 32 spl before. Made some cases from 30-30 stuff. Put some Hornady 32005 165 grn FTX bullets over 33.5 grains of H4895 (thank you, Pet Loads!) Lee dies and Lee factory crimp.

I'm not much of an offhand rifle shot due to breaking my spine 20 or so years ago. Put up a target at 50 yards.

I had not even cleaned the bore; I did absolutely nothing to that rifle. My first shot out a cold bore was about 1.5" above the bull, dead center l/r, probably a perfect 100 yard zero. My buddy put one downrange and hit just a little higher. I put the rifle back in the case after those two shots because "I didn't want to screw up a perfectly fine day with my new rifle."

Not going to let a bunch of yokels shoot up my stock of FTXs, so I just ordered some 32-40 bullets from Missouri Bullet Co that will be here soon. We are going to bang some plates end of month out in the Tonto National Forest. I would have preferred gas checked bullets but had trouble finding even these.

Perhaps I'll glue on some pasteboard discs with crazy glue? Any suggestions? I've a proper sized punch.

[pcmacd]

Not neither!

:-)