Don't know why anyone would want to rechamber a 30/30 to 308ME. From a cost standpoint, good used examples of the 308MX can be had for $400 and even less nowadays. Therefore, once one figures the cost of a good 336 in 30/30; then pays pays a gunsmith for the rechambering work, it is doubtful any money would be saved. Additing insult to injury, a standard 336 rechambered to 308ME would be difficult to resale; and you would never recover the total cost of the original gun and rechambering cost. But an even more important consideration would be one of safety; the 308 Marlin utilizes a different barrel thread than the standard 336 30/30 Marlin (for increased strength); and the action is fitted to tighter tolerences. Personally, I would never consider such a conversion.

 

Don't know why anyone would want to rechamber a 30/30 to 308ME. From a cost standpoint, good used examples of the 308MX can be had for $400 and even less nowadays. Therefore, once one figures the cost of a good 336 in 30/30; then pays pays a gunsmith for the rechambering work, it is doubtful any money would be saved. Additing insult to injury, a standard 336 rechambered to 308ME would be difficult to resale; and you would never recover the total cost of the original gun and rechambering cost. But an even more important consideration would be one of safety; the 308 Marlin utilizes a different barrel thread than the standard 336 30/30 Marlin (for increased strength); and the action is fitted to tighter tolerences. Personally, I would never consider such a conversion.

Good points but the cost and resale or recovering the money isn't the subject. But different barrel to receiver thread of the marlin 336 30/30 win. not being strong enough is the kind thoughts I'm looking for and not personal opinions. I do thank for your time.

 

I don't see why you couldn't rechamber a a 30-30 to 308 ME. If you are really interested in that sort of thing, you might try rechambering to 307 winchester. You can use 308w loading gear and a marlin can generally cycle a 308W case which is identical to the 307 except for the rim. Don't load to full 307W pressures and certainly not to 308W pressures but you can easily exceed 308ME handload velocities with a 307W cartridge in a Marlin.

 

I'm pretty sure Tomray [who works at Marlin] addressed this right after the 308ME came out. Do a search on his posts and you'll probably find it. He may spot this and jump in also. 356's have the same square thread as the 30-30. Rick

 

It would be impractical.

Reamers for cutting chambers are very expensive. A finishing reamer can run anywhere from 90-200 dollars depending on the company and caliber and I'm willing to bet a finishing reamer in 308ME is going to run 200+. Chances are the gunsmith would have to buy that plus headspace gauges in 308ME, so you're going to probably pay for that reamer alone, plus the costs of re-chambering. Just go buy a 308ME and save yourself the money.

EDIT: If you have a lathe you can do it yourself. Get a barrel vice and action wrench, take the barrel off, then buy a finishing reamer and headspace gauges, put the barrel in your lathe and center it up with a dial indicator gauge, and use lots of cutting oil and let the reamer do its job, but take it out frequently to clean off shavings and add some more oil. Make sure the lathe is on a slow speed to. You'll need to polish the chamber up after that.

 

Thank you all for your reply. (Seatleroadwr, Lantrad, tmanbuckhunter) The cost is not important as I believe I stated in my one of my poster. You all have great points and not to be ignored. but I like to know if someone on has do it. I believe the 308 marlin ex. should be called the 30 30 improved Marlin becuause of the bullet weight better velocity than the 30 30 win. but can better with the same bullet weight and heavier. I called hornady or marlin I can't remember and ask why the 308 Mar.ex. was not called the 30 30 improved the answer was the name has already been taking.

 

Thank you all for your reply. (Seatleroadwr, Lantrad, tmanbuckhunter) The cost is not important as I believe I stated in my one of my poster. You all have great points and not to be ignored. but I like to know if someone on has do it. I believe the 308 marlin ex. should be called the 30 30 improved Marlin becuause of the bullet weight better velocity than the 30 30 win. but can better with the same bullet weight and heavier. I called hornady or marlin I can't remember and ask why the 308 Mar.ex. was not called the 30 30 improved the answer was the name has already been taking.

"Sorry about the typo" but I like to know if someone one has do it. I believe the 308 marlin ex. should be called the 30 30 improved Marlin becuause of the bullet weight better velocity than the 30 30 win. but the 308 win is better with the same bullet weight and heavier. I called hornady or marlin I can't remember and ask why the 308 Mar.ex. was not called the 30 30 improved the answer was the name has already been taking.

 

30-30 ackley improved.

If you want to have it done, just be prepared to really dish out the cash.

 

I see nothing wrong with the rechambering; however, if I was thinking of recahambering my .30-30 I would rechamber to .30-30 Ackley Improved. You gain all of the benefits of the .308, but with the ability to still fire .30-30 ammo.

 

I see nothing wrong with the rechambering; however, if I was thinking of recahambering my .30-30 I would rechamber to .30-30 Ackley Improved. You gain all of the benefits of the .308, but with the ability to still fire .30-30 ammo.

I don't think you can fire standard 30-30 ammo out of a 30AI. The shoulder is sharper on 30 AI.

 

I see nothing wrong with the rechambering; however, if I was thinking of recahambering my .30-30 I would rechamber to .30-30 Ackley Improved. You gain all of the benefits of the .308, but with the ability to still fire .30-30 ammo.

I don't think you can fire standard 30-30 ammo out of a 30AI. The shoulder is sharper on 30 AI.

To fire 30-30 standard ammo is the way to get AI brass! I have a Drilling with an insert-barrel and this is the way I make AI brass. I´ve used Federal 150 gr. factory ammo as fire-form-load. They shoot about 1" at 100 yard.
stainless

 

To All,

A 30-30 to 308MX conversion should not be done due to safety reasons...........

While it would only involve a re-chambering, there's alot more to consider.

The interface of the barrel to the receiver is Vee threads on the 308MX, which are considered to be stronger than the square threads found in the 336/30-30........ not to mention that the 308 receivers are held to tighter tolerances and the breeching is also tighter. also the rifling twist is faster on the 308, so bullet stabilization at increased velocity would most likely suffer.

Another poster had it right...........If you want a 308MX, Go buy one........ It's your face, that gonna snuggle up to that receiver.

Tom
NRA LIFE

 

Tomray is right its your face snuggled up to the rifle. I don't know the chamber pressure of the 308mx but I'll be its close to 50,000cup. The chamber pressure of the 30/30 is rated at 38000 CUP. IMHO I don't think anyone ever really gains from converting one rifle to another. Sure you can do it, but no one ever wants it after it converted. Maybe you do but try and sell it to someone and tell them its been converted from one to another and watch the enthusiam fade when told. You would be much better off selling your 30/30 and buying you a 308MX. I've seen them on Gunbroker for $400.

"fk"

 

I see nothing wrong with the rechambering; however, if I was thinking of recahambering my .30-30 I would rechamber to .30-30 Ackley Improved. You gain all of the benefits of the .308, but with the ability to still fire .30-30 ammo.

I don't think you can fire standard 30-30 ammo out of a 30AI. The shoulder is sharper on 30 AI.

What is a
30-30 Ackley improved? I've never ever heard of it. You have sparked my intrest big time.

 

You all are right about the cost,chamber pressure, threads receiver to barrel are different,can buy a use one $400( + S/H $20.to $50. FFL charge $50.to $125.) As far as the tolerance being tighter in the 308 mar. ex. it's just a tune up that Marlin did to make the 308 Marlin XLR the cutting edge of accuracy for a lever action rifle. The low pressure of a 30 30 Win. is do to the nature of the thin cases and the weak action of the Win. model 94.. Marlin 336 action is stronger, 308 Mar. ex. cases are stronger. hornady develop the 160 gr. 30/30 flex tip bullet to be used in the old 30 30 with the 1 in 10" twist, again the 1 in 12" twist to improve accuracy in the Mar.XLR. Why I pick the 308 Mar. ex. and not the other 30/30 improved cartridges is because brass at this time is ease to get.

Hi stainless! firing a 30/30 cartridge in a 30/30 Ackley improve I don't think is the way to form fire a case please read a hand loading book on form firing. I know the bullet will go down the barrel but the case can blow and cause high pressure.

 

Ok ignore my question on the 30-30 Ackley improved. I just looked it up.

 

Hi stainless! firing a 30/30 cartridge in a 30/30 Ackley improve I don't think is the way to form fire a case please read a hand loading book on form firing. I know the bullet will go down the barrel but the case can blow and cause high pressure.

I have an article around here somewhere that says P.O. Ackley designed all of his Ackley Improved cartridges to be fire formed from the original cartridge.

 

Ackley specifically designed his improved chambers to properly headspace factory ammo. Thats why an Ackley Improved chamber isn't considered a true wildcat. Ackley's Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders is still an excellent reference work.

 

Hi stainless! firing a 30/30 cartridge in a 30/30 Ackley improve I don't think is the way to form fire a case please read a hand loading book on form firing. I know the bullet will go down the barrel but the case can blow and cause high pressure.

I have an article around here somewhere that says P.O. Ackley designed all of his Ackley Improved cartridges to be fire formed from the original cartridge.

I agree............I have the same article in P.O Ackley's book............That's the way I form cases for my 218 Mashburn Bee........

Tom
NRA LIFE

 

You all are right about the cost,chamber pressure, threads receiver to barrel are different,can buy a use one $400( + S/H $20.to $50. FFL charge $50.to $125.) As far as the tolerance being tighter in the 308 mar. ex. it's just a tune up that Marlin did to make the 308 Marlin XLR the cutting edge of accuracy for a lever action rifle. The low pressure of a 30 30 Win. is do to the nature of the thin cases and the weak action of the Win. model 94.. Marlin 336 action is stronger, 308 Mar. ex. cases are stronger. hornady develop the 160 gr. 30/30 flex tip bullet to be used in the old 30 30 with the 1 in 10" twist, again the 1 in 12" twist to improve accuracy in the Mar.XLR. Why I pick the 308 Mar. ex. and not the other 30/30 improved cartridges is because brass at this time is ease to get.

Hi stainless! firing a 30/30 cartridge in a 30/30 Ackley improve I don't think is the way to form fire a case please read a hand loading book on form firing. I know the bullet will go down the barrel but the case can blow and cause high pressure.

Tune up??..............NO...............It has to do with the position, Tols. and configuration of the locking bolt and its slot.

Tom
NRA LIFE

 

Hi stainless! firing a 30/30 cartridge in a 30/30 Ackley improve I don't think is the way to form fire a case please read a hand loading book on form firing. I know the bullet will go down the barrel but the case can blow and cause high pressure.

I have an article around here somewhere that says P.O. Ackley designed all of his Ackley Improved cartridges to be fire formed from the original cartridge.

YES THIS MIGHT TRUE BUT I CAN BELIEVE THE ARTICLE WILL TELL YOU TO FIRE A LIVE ROUND "30/30 through a larger chamber like the 30/30 Ackley improved. To form fire a empty case you must use a primer put some powder in it then something call a filler over the powder not a "bullet" then fire it in the chamber you wish to form. It is not only cheaper but safer.

 

Hi stainless! firing a 30/30 cartridge in a 30/30 Ackley improve I don't think is the way to form fire a case please read a hand loading book on form firing. I know the bullet will go down the barrel but the case can blow and cause high pressure.

I have an article around here somewhere that says P.O. Ackley designed all of his Ackley Improved cartridges to be fire formed from the original cartridge.....

YES THIS MIGHT TRUE BUT I CAN BELIEVE THE ARTICLE WILL TELL YOU TO FIRE A LIVE ROUND "30/30 through a larger chamber like the 30/30 Ackley improved. To form fire a empty case you must use a primer put some powder in it then something call a filler over the powder not a "bullet" then fire it in the chamber you wish to form. It is not only cheaper but safer.

I can understand your trepidation, but its headspace, or lack of it, that gets you in trouble...... Not fireforming a case in a chamber..........It is not as radical as firing a 22LR in a 22WRM chamber......In a sense, every round you fire, the case is fireformed to the (that) chamber.

Well, let me clarify...........the AI case forming involves nothing more than fire forming to move the shoulder ahead a small amount, and forming it to a sharper angle, sometimes this process also includes reducing the taper of the original case a bit too..........

Upon ignition, the case walls expand to seal the chamber, and in the next milli-instant, the shoulder is moved ahead to conform to the new AI chamber config.

Tom
NRA LIFE

 

Hi stainless! firing a 30/30 cartridge in a 30/30 Ackley improve I don't think is the way to form fire a case please read a hand loading book on form firing. I know the bullet will go down the barrel but the case can blow and cause high pressure.

I have an article around here somewhere that says P.O. Ackley designed all of his Ackley Improved cartridges to be fire formed from the original cartridge.....

YES THIS MIGHT TRUE BUT I CAN BELIEVE THE ARTICLE WILL TELL YOU TO FIRE A LIVE ROUND "30/30 through a larger chamber like the 30/30 Ackley improved. To form fire a empty case you must use a primer put some powder in it then something call a filler over the powder not a "bullet" then fire it in the chamber you wish to form. It is not only cheaper but safer.

I can understand your trepidation, but its headspace, or lack of it, that gets you in trouble...... Not fireforming a case in a chamber..........It is not as radical as firing a 22LR in a 22WRM chamber......In a sense, every round you fire, the case is fireformed to the (that) chamber.

Well, let me clarify...........the AI case forming involves nothing more than fire forming to move the shoulder ahead a small amount, and forming it to a sharper angle, sometimes this process also includes reducing the taper of the original case a bit too..........

Upon ignition, the case walls expand to seal the chamber, and the next milli-instant, the shoulder is moved ahead to conform to the new AI chamber config.

Tom
NRA LIFE

Tom I just looked it up on the computer and it reads like you say.(Parker Otto Ackley (25 May 1903, Granville, New York – 1989) was a prolific gunsmith, author, columnist, and wildcat cartridge developer. The Ackley Improved family of wildcat cartridges are designed to be easily made by rechambering existing firearms, and fireforming the ammunition to decrease body taper and increase shoulder angle, resulting in a higher case capacity. Ackley improved not only standard cartridges, but also other popular wildcats, and was the first to create a .17 caliber (4.5 mm) centerfire cartridge.)[1]
Live and learn.

 

I had a .30-06 AI and fired factory .30-06 to fireform. It works like magic. ;D

 

Has anyone re-chambered the Marlin 336 30 30 Win. to 308 marlin express yet? If so is it accurate dose it recycle the cartridges/empty cases? I read on campfire website that the Marlin 336 35 Rem. has been re-chambered to 356 Win.

The 308ME case is shorter than a 30/30 case,so you would have to set the barrel back.Shorten the mag tube.Shorten the forend ,because the slot for the barrel band screw will no longer be in the same place,or cut another slot or dovetail if you have a forend tip instead of a barrel band.$$$
I've had a 30/30 AI for over 20 years.5000 rounds down the tube since it was rechambered.Since the 30/30 headspaces on the rim you can fireform cases with any factory load or handload using new cases.Cases that have been fired split at the shoulder,unless they've been annealed.Even then you still lose some.The 308ME is more or less a 300 Savage with a rim.They are loaded to about the same pressure,the loading data is pretty much the same.You can get those velocities out of the 30/30AI,but with a 20 inch barrel the pressures to get there are going to be more than the 308ME.Today I get the same velocity out of my 30/30 XLR,with standard 30/30 loads,with the 24" barrel as I get from the 20"AI burning more powder.If it was me,I'd just buy a 24" barreled 308ME XLR.I would not do the 30/30 AI again.If I had to have a .30 cal. wildcat on 336,I'd get it done in 30 Leverpower.A 30/40 Krag or 303 British case shortened to the same length as a 30/30 with a 35 or 40 degree shoulder about the same neck length
as a 30/30 and the rim turned to the same diameter as a 30/30.That would be a really hard to find chamber reamer and expensive$$$.I was popular 40-50 years agr so P.O.Ackley says in his books.308ME would be easier to deal with.