Author Topic: coug2wolfs... concerning Marlin336 .35 Rem to .358 Win conv. (Read 830 times)

Pat Marlin · « **on:** January 24, 2004, 09:58:21 AM »

Coug2wolfs...

I've tried to do a search, but was unsuccessful in finding info on a Marlin 336 .35 Rem to .358 Winchester conversion.

Do you have any knowlege on how these conversions perform?

I've been told that it makes a better performer out of the 336, as long as it's an early post-70's model that can handle the increased pressures.

Also, you can make your own brass from cheap .308's.

I shoot my own cast lead, and don't care to buy bullets.

Any info or prior post on the subject would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Pat

Dand · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2004, 09:05:39 PM »

Are you sure you're not talking about a conversion to 356 win? I've seen discussions of that on this forum - or somewhere on GB but don't recall mention of 358.

Pat Marlin · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2004, 12:07:14 PM »

Nope,

I'ts the .358 Winchester. The case dimentions are the very exact same

from the case head all the way up except for the case mouth between

the .358 Winchester, and the .308 Winchester.

I understand the .35 Remington Marlin 336 feed and ejector does not have

to change, and all you have to is resize the case mouth on the .308 brass

to .358, (and ream the chamber of course). I'm not sure how easy that is

to accomplish (reforming the brass), or what kind of die does this. But

brass would be real cheap, and I've heard the 358 Win is a great

performer.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2004, 02:47:34 PM »

I went to www.reloadbench.com and printed out the case dimensions for .35 Rem, .358 Win. .356 Win. and .308 Win.

.358 Winchester dimensions are the same as the .308 so you could just fire form the .308 brass to fit the .358 chamber. .358 Win and .356 Win are identical dimensions except for the rim , which is .473" on the .358 vs. .506" on the .356 case. The .35 Remington is way different than the .358, but since the rim is .460 you probably wouldn't have to make as drastic a change with the .358 as with the .356.

However, if I recall the .358 comes with round nose and spitzer type bullets which could be bad in a tubular magazine. The .356 comes from the factory with flat nosed bullets.

Interesting conversion, though. Who does it?

-Kees-

Pat Marlin · « **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2004, 03:30:52 PM »

Kees,

I don't know who does the conversions, but I have heard there are several gunsmiths that will. I was trying to find one that specializes in this.

The only other concern is the higher CUP pressure with the 358 Win.

But I also heard that all the marlin 336's were made to handle that (high) pressure from the 70's years on up, because they were available in high pressure calibers.

I don't buy bullets and roll my own, so it would be flat nose all the way for myself.

Thanks,

Pat

Pat Marlin · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2004, 04:30:25 PM »

Here is a fine article on the subject sent to me by a member:

http://www.gunweek.com/2003/feature0301.html

I'm not sure if he wanted his named mentioned, so I'll leave it out, but thanks much.

Pat

shooter444002 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2004, 04:32:30 PM »

YOu will not be able to load it to 358 levels, I have a 30/30 rechambered to 307 and use 308 brass. It was done by nonneman and if you shoot factory 307 ammo it is too hot and sticks. YOu will also have to use a shorter oal and lose powder capacity. I load my 307 to 300 savage levels and have no problem. Stick with the 35 loaded up a little hotter.

Lawyerman · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2004, 04:47:03 AM »

There is an article in the Cast Bullet annuals sold by Wolf Publishing that talks about this conversion as well. The author of that article did not run his rifle with full strength .358 ammo as he felt it was not strong enough. He listed a large number of loads that had performed well in his rifle and the details of the conversion.

Harry Snippe · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2004, 09:17:57 AM »

I have read many articles about converting Marlins 336/35 up to 356 and even 358W. The reamers are there .
When the conversion is done then I hear full loads in the 336 can not be used. The 308 /358 is loaded to a higher cup than the 366 4000 cup said to be in the 336/1895 reciever range.
So if you need to down load for the converted rifles why do it,.
Instead load up the 35 Rem a few grains to equal th BB loads.
You think Marlin would have built a rifle in 307/308 W to extend the range of the lever. The 307 protype never went into production.(sticking cases)
The ER in 356 did not sell and these I am told were heat treated to with stand the extra pressure. This is a good round but the price of Ammo is high.Now at over 40.oo Canadain for the 356/358.If you do not reload then shooting these rifles involves some cost. The 308 has more range and less cost.

There for if you can find a 356 ER or look at the new browning 81 in 358W.

It is your face that is on the reciever when you pull the trigger.

Happy

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2004, 06:31:23 PM »

Coug has been away for awhile now with personal problem. Not sure when he will be back.

I know of no reputable gunsmith who would rechamber a Marlin 336 to .358 Winchester as the factory ammo for the round is not safe to use in the Marlin. BUT SSK Industries one of our sponsors here (www.sskindustries.com) has done some to .356 Win. and will do yours also.

Factory .356 Win. ammo should be OK. Loads from manuals should be OK. Hotter loads definitely are not gonna be safe.

GB

Pat Marlin · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2004, 06:37:41 PM »

I've decided not to convert my 336, as it is such a fine piece built in the 70's, and for cast bullets, you get a lot of thump for low velocities.

I may entertain the idea in the future if I run into a 336 cheap or in need of repair.

Thanks,

Pat