Winchester change 38-55 to 30-30

[ricasdad]

Does anyone know if I put a 30-30 barrel on a Winchester 94 (38-55) will the action feed the 30-30 cartridges properly with out any further modifications?

[Oldtimer]

I believe that you will also need a different cartridge lifter.  I am curious, why would you want to change over?  I think it would probably be just as cheap to buy another rifle in .30-30.  The .38-55 is an excellent cartridge in its own right and a great caliber for use with lead bullets.

[ricasdad]

I am interested in a gun auction where two winchester rifles are for sale together. Both are 38-55. I would like to buy them and convert one to 30-30.  I have seen a 30-30 that was converted to 38-55 for sale but not the other way. Thanks for answering my question.

[rvtrav]

ricasdad,

  Gunparts corp has  new .38/55 barrels available. The caliber is a classic and far more "rare" and thus more valuable from a collecting or trading standpoint. Also currently, factory cartridges and loading components are readily available.

  Is there something wrong with the barrel on your rifle now? and why the .30/30? they are a dime a dozen at any pawn shop. I am not knocking the caliber, I have several, but why change from the .38/55?

  I think that it would be cheaper to just buy a .30/30 than to convert to one.

  Personally, I ordered one of the GPC .38/55 barrels and replaced a worn, battered, and "plain" .30/30 barrel on a '94, ( post '64 model) specifically for shooting cast bullets in. the operation was a success and I don't see why the reverse wouldn't work as well, but again, I must ask why?

[ricasdad]

I am not a collector or trader.  I want to buy two idenical winchesters that are sold as a pair.  I don't need two 38-55's so I thought that I would convert one and have one of each caliber. I would hunt with both rifles and enjoy what each has to offer. thanks for responding.  My question remains is there any thing that I have to do besides replace the barrel and change the cartridge lifter?

[cabezaverde]

Let me know if you want to sell the 38-55 take off barrel.

[hpdrifter]

I don't believe you have to do anything, other than the barrel.

The 38-55  is the parent case of the 30-30, so the cartridge guides and lifter(I think) will all work ok.


If you would like to sell the barrel and the previous poster declines, I'd like to know also.

[kevin.303]

i imagine you could probably seell the .38-55, buy a .30-30 and still have money left over, that would seem the easiet option to me.