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Author Topic: 30-30 handi possibilities  (Read 797 times)

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Offline pugsnotdrugs

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30-30 handi possibilities
« on: September 13, 2011, 10:26:18 PM »
hello i am new to this forum but i have been looking through your forums for along time now. i have a question for you guys since you all seem to know more about the handi rifle than any other site that i have been on. i was thinking of getting a 30-30 handi rifle and having the barrel reamed to .311 or .312 and having the chamber reamed to 303 British. i know that this is a weird thing to do but i love the .303 British but can not afford the new ruger #1 chambered for it. i have looked at the case dimensions and the 303 is just a tad larger so i know the chamber could be reamed to fit it. any input from you guys would be greatly appreciated the reason i ask you all is that if it can be done with a handi then you guys have done it. 
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Offline Airsporter

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Re: 30-30 handi possibilities
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2011, 12:39:34 AM »
Don't think there is enought metal in the 30-30 bore for a conventional rebore.   Likely need to start with something smaller.
A 30-30 has a .300 bore diameter and .308 groove diameter, while a 303 British has a .303 bore diameter and .311groove diameter.  Assuming both have conventional .004 deep rifling depth.  The 30-30 barrel is already at .308 in the grooves, so it would be .005 over bore for a 303 if you ream out the existing rifling.  That said, it may be possible to ream the bore out just .003 and deepen the existing rifling to .311 but I don't know if anybody does that.
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Offline jon f

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Re: 30-30 handi possibilities
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2011, 01:48:12 AM »
Learn to love 30/40 krag and rechamber it to that. Good caliber, same bore as the 30/30.
Regards Jon f
 
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Offline jlwilliams

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Re: 30-30 handi possibilities
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2011, 02:20:24 AM »
You'd probably be better off having a barrel stub made.  Likely more cost efective and certainly can be done in the right bore.
 
  If I was yearning for a single shot in 303, I'd be looking at Martinis.  Some were made in 303, others rebarreled.  The prices range from reasonable to outrageous.  Anyway, that's my two cents.
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Offline jedman

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Re: 30-30 handi possibilities
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2011, 02:35:14 AM »
Like jon f said ,  The 30-40 Krag would be a better option.   You could rechamber a 7.62 X 39 barrel if you could get one.
A 30-30 barrel could be reamed to 303 Brit if the reamer pilot would fit into the bore and be handloaded with .308 bullets.
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Offline gstewart44

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Re: 30-30 handi possibilities
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2011, 04:03:12 AM »
Quote from: jedman on September 14, 2011, 02:35:14 AM
A 30-30 barrel could be reamed to 303 Brit if the reamer pilot would fit into the bore and be handloaded with .308 bullets.
That is what I was wondering......certainly would be less costly than a rebore or stub.    I am pretty sure my Lee dies will resize the necks down to  .308.    Has anyone out there in GB Land ever done this???  Inquiring minds want to know.    Hmmmm - a 30/303??? ;D    or just a 308 British??? :D :D
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: 30-30 handi possibilities
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2011, 06:56:16 AM »
The .303 has been 'catted to about everything.....Im sure I remember reading about a .30cal. version with the right size neck and throat for our USA std. bullets. Check with 4-D for the right reamer for this and go for it, but remember, your std .303 size die will likely not work, if LEE has the Collet Neck Size Die for .303 that might be the low cost solution.
I had a large frame Martini Enfield in .303 and remember looking at all the std. .30cal. bullets for sale cheap on gunshow tables, and not so many for the .303 (though I tried some pulled 7.62X39 120ish and they were great for the lighter end of the scale).
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Offline gstewart44

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Re: 30-30 handi possibilities
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2011, 09:59:33 AM »
That sounds good!   I have the Lee Collet die set for 303.     It sure does improve case life.     Sounds like I will give it a whirl.   
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