30-30 to 30-30ai

[3GRacing]

I have a 30-30 Marlin 336XLR I want to get re-chambered to 30-30ai. I've spoken with the gunsmiths in my area and only one has my attention but I feel his price is kinda high. So, anyone know of a smith that has experience with this model and chambering? I'll ship if necessary.

[stubshaft]

Check with JES:

http://www.35caliber.com/

[Shawlerbrook]

I’ll second JES !

[NyFirefighter357]

https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/336/122834-how-reaming-30-30-ackley-improved.html

[Gaterskiner]

read a thread yesterday om Marlinowners From Ranger Point precision about an improved 30-30 improved improvement. Getting 2900 fps with 125 gr bullets. its an interesting read if that interests you.
i think they broke 3000 with one load

[Dimner]

Has anyone use JES? I was thinking about getting a Teddy Roosevelt Win 94 30wcf bored for 38-55. Have not heard anyone with first hand experience.

[Texas by God]

Has anyone use JES? I was thinking about getting a Teddy Roosevelt Win 94 30wcf bored for 38-55. Have not heard anyone with first hand experience.I've had two rifles done by JES- a Rem 700 .243 became a .358 Win and a 94 Win 30-30 became a 38-55. I highly recommend him.

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[Bird]

Might be worthwhile looking into a 307 re chamber.
If the marlin takes the 356 pressures, then it will take the 307 pressures.
Advantages are,
A 308 chamber reamer does the job, and just about every gunsmith has the 308 reamers.
308 reloading dies are cheaper than 30-30 ackley dies.
The 307/308 brass has more capacity than the ackley.
There is plenty of cheap 307 brass avaiable.
No fire forming required.
Same shell holder as 30-30.
The only downside is when it comes to heavier/ longer cast bullets, being that the 307 has a shorter neck. 150 grain bullets work ok without seating past the shoulder. Jacketed bullets it makes no difference if bullets are seated below the neck.

[Dimner]

Thanks TbG!

[3GRacing]

Great info folks, thank you and I'll check with JES.

[Don McDowell]

Before you have the rechamber done to 30-30 ai, work up the best load in your rifle as is using powder that is considered to be on the slow side for the 30-30, then when the rifle gets back you can work up two grains from the previous load and should be good to go.
Ramshot Big Game is an extremely accurate powder in my 30-30 ai, velocity isn't anything spectacular. H 414 is another powder that shows lots of promise.

[Tom W.]

A retired gunsmith for the Sheriff's Office did mine, and did it gratis. It's an old NEF rifle I've had for years.
I traded another friend of mine an ammo box full of .45 ACP brass for a set of 30/30 a.i. dies and am as happy as a pig in ...well...... The dies were already set up and fit my press without any adjustments except for bullet seating depth.

I've wanted a 30/30 a.i. for years.... I did have a Ruger #1B rechambered to 30-06 a.i. and am very pleased with it.
Neither rechambering was a need, just a want. I haven't hunted in quite a few years now, and since my surgery I doubt that I ever will again, but I enjoy going to the range and fire forming the brass and handloading both cast and jacketed bullets in each caliber. My 30-06 a.i. is sighted in to hit 2" high @ 100 yards just in case I feel well and one of my sons invites me.....

[Shawlerbrook]

Yes, I had JES do a Marlin to 356 Winchester and he works good, reasonable and fast. I also have a Marlin rechambered to 307 Winchester by Regan Nonneman and I also would recommend him and the conversion.

[rexherring]

I have a 336 that I had chambered to .30-30 AI. Very accurate with IMR 4064 and the 125 gr jacketed FPHP and will group 1 inch at 100 yds all day. I have worked up loads with several jacketed bullets and a few with cast. Never had a problem with low velocity cast 10 grs of Unique and a LEE 150 gr gas checked seem to shoot well. You do have to be careful of thin brass and head separation with hot loads. They're easy to fire form as I anneal the necks and load 10 grs of Unique with a filler and a wax plug. Or, just load some cast and shoot for fun.

[MT Gianni]

I don't really see the need for the AI with Lever powder and jacketed. I see too much meat damage with cast and high impact velocities. The standard 30-30 is about perfect for 150-170 gr bullets and shots under 100 yards.

[444ttd]

i had JES do mine. it is a win m94 in 35/30-30. he does a superb job!!!!

[smokinfeathers]

I’ve got a marlin 30as Jed converted to 38/55 n it shoots great n he done a excellent job