Author Topic: 30-30 AI in a Lever Action?  (Read 1027 times)

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Offline Minnesota1

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30-30 AI in a Lever Action?
« on: March 08, 2008, 12:39:23 PM »
Hey guys,

I have a Marlin 30-30 and would like to put a little more pep into it.  I was looking at some data and it said I could get about 300 fps extra out of my 30-30.  My question is this:  Can I just rechamber my 30-30 or do I need to rebarrell it as well?  Any realistic info on the 30-30 AI would be appreciated, especially I would like to know the difference in pressures and know if that pressure will be o.k. in the marlin 336.

Thanks,

Bob

Offline LHitchcox

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Re: 30-30 AI in a Lever Action?
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2008, 02:07:01 PM »
A rechamber is all that is needed. Since the .30-30 headspaces on the rim, you just cut the chamber out to the AI specs. Some people report having failure to feed problems from the sharper shoulder. My .30-30 AI is in a Contender rifle, so I can't tell you anything about feeding problems.

I haven't had decent weather to run my barrel over a chrony yet, but I would be skeptical of getting an extra 300 fps. The people who claim these numbers are running much higher pressure than the .30-30. The sharper shoulder reduces backthrust, which hides some of the pressure signs. I think 150-200 would be more realistic. BTW, I am shooting 150 pointed bullets out of my Contender for the increased ballistic efficiency.

Leon

Offline Mikey

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Re: 30-30 AI in a Lever Action?
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2008, 03:07:42 AM »
Bob - I think you can probably get pretty close to what you want just by going with the new Lever-Revolution ammo for the 30-30 and not worry about a rechambering.  I know the ballistics on the new Lever-Revolution ammo is pretty close to whatcha want.  JMTCW.  Mikey.

Offline Slufoot

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Re: 30-30 AI in a Lever Action?
« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2008, 05:47:08 PM »
Hey Bob, I've got a Marlin model 336A that was made in 1973. It's got a 24" barrel and a 2/3 length magazine, looks like the new XLR models except it's blued and walnut. I had this gun rechambered a few years ago by David Clements to 30-30 Ackley Improved. My gun will push 150's to 2600 and the 170's will do 2400 fps. The 170 grain Remington CL bullets shoot extremely well in my gun averaging about an inch at 100 yards.
This has got to be the luckiest gun I have ever taken in the woods. The first time I took it hunting was on opening day a few years ago and a got a pretty nice nine point buck. The next two times I took it hunting I got a deer each time.
I've had two friends get their Marlins rechambered to the AI because of mine and they are also happy with theirs.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot