Marlin 1894 conversion

[clodbuster]

A while back we were discussing rebarrelling an 1894 from 357 to 25-20,then rechambering to 256 win mag.  My question is, "how much longer cartridge could the 1894 action handle.  The reason is,  "could I use a 357 max necked down to .257 or a slightly shortened max if neccessary  rather than the magnum case.  I'll bet you could get a useful velocity gain from the max.  Or what about if Marlin made an 1894 in .223 or 6mm or 257 TCU?  I wonder how much work it would be to retool the 1894 to 223 case?  Just day dreaming of a handy rifle for anything that runs in front of me.

[gunnut69]

I don't the max cartridge length the 1894 will handle but don't believe the 357 max would fit, but again as I said I really don't know.  The '94 action was sized for pistol calibers and all rimmed..  The 336 is a different action but was made in rimless calibers..  Strength may be lacking for the hotter 22's but these are strong actions and the caseheads are a lot smaller???  If what your looking for is a handy walking around gun, just get a 336 in 30-30..  handy, flat(carries on horseback well) and big enough for almost any normal target of opertunity..  If the '94 action is your thing get one in 44 Mag.  This emulates the 30-30 energy wise to 100-150 yards or so and that's about the limit of iron sights anyway.  I ride a 4 wheeler a lot more than a horse and find a short handy 223 bolt action is the way to go(right now a CZ527FS)..  or how about a 99 savage in 250??