Author Topic: Model 94 Winchester Lever 30-30 converted to a .454 Casull (Read 1518 times)

George Riedel · « **on:** March 24, 2005, 10:06:28 AM »

I feel I am asking a dumb question, but here goes:

Could one Re Barrel and re Chamber an ole 30-30 Winchester into a .454 casull ?

If so, I waz thinking of getting a heavier tube around 24 ir 25 inches.

I fig the extra weight could help from getting slapped around with heavy loads ?

What say you Guys ??

Thanks

George

C A Plater · « **Reply #1 on:** March 24, 2005, 12:04:51 PM »

Aside from the giant headache of converting a .30-30 to feed and extract the .454 case, it is not strong enough to handle the round. .454s are loaded way hotter than any old 94 was ever designed to take. There are 94s in .45 colt and Puma has a 92 in .454 but I have not heard good things about it. Marlin also makes a nice lever gun in .45 colt too. You can load them warmer than typical factory loads and while not to the level of .454, it is no slouch. Perhaps one day someone will make a lever gun for the .454, .480 and .500 S&W that can take the punishment.

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2005, 12:07:40 AM »

Can be done, but I'd suggest doing so on a modern '94. You are really pushing the limits IMO of the design. You can buy a '94 in 45 Colt, and handload it to close to Casul levels. Maybe that would be a better option.
I'd suggest working with a '92 would be far better. When they first came out, I heard a lot of bad things said about them, but now that they are out there, people who actually own them are liking them.

George Riedel · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2005, 01:12:11 AM »

Thanks Guys,

I will stick with either a new Winchester or Marlin in .45 LC .

Who makes the Puma .454? and does Winchester make a .454 Lever Action?

I like the idea of those big fat 300 g FN.

The are light , portable and would make a wounder Walk about rifle

Thanks in advance for you all's help

George

C A Plater · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2005, 03:13:28 AM »

Puma are imported by Legacy Sports and are made by Rossi.

http://www.legacysports.com/product/index.htm

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2005, 04:17:48 AM »

Winchester was going to chamber the M94 in .454 Casull but after much work with it decided it was not a smart idea. I think I'd heed their decision. Get the Puma 92 if you just have to have one in .454 casull.

George Riedel · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2005, 05:09:51 AM »

Thanks to all,

.45 Long Colt probably will doer !!

Thanks again

george

Castaway · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2005, 06:15:25 AM »

I've been told that Browning is making a 454 in their BLR. Wondered why it took so long. The BLR is an obvious choice as its lock-up system is capable of taking the 454 pressures

George Riedel · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2005, 11:19:40 AM »

Browning BLR in .454............now thats a stong rifle !

wounder if they have it on their web page ?

George

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2005, 11:50:06 PM »

throw enough money at a gun and just about anything can be done. I agree with the above post make sure you do it on a big bore frame. Im having a .475 marlin 94 done so it probably could be done on that frame if you kept the pressure down below 45000 The Rossi pumas are fine guns. There based on the win. 92 action which is a very strong action. The couple of Rossis ive handled were some of the smoothest out of the box lever guns ive seen. Ive got a little custom rossi in .32mag that Dave clements is rechambering to 3220 for me right now. Its got a little 17 in oct barrel that reggie nonaman built for it. Its a real sweet real smooth little rifle.

George Riedel · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2005, 01:45:52 AM »

Thanks Lloyd.

I did a little research on this rifle and I've re-read Paco Kelly's GunBlast.Com article last night on the Legacy 92, .454. December 12, 2002.

He's shooting heavy loads in excess of 60,000 to 65.000 psi in his rifle and he says the rifle is still tight ! Man, thats too stiff fer me......

I down loaded PUMA's info page (www.legacysports.com) and they have also added new as of 2003 the .480 Ruger along with the .454.

I guess one can buy one of either .454 or the .480 Ruger equipped with the Hi-Viz sights in either blued or stainless. I love the loading tube loading gate, like the .22 rimfire's

Suggested retail from $508.00 thru $603.00 and one model is Ported or Magna Ported. Bet thats sucker is loud !

George

Little Magnum · « **Reply #11 on:** April 02, 2005, 08:22:21 AM »

Yes and NO....NO on a std winchester 94 action. I would say YES on a BIG BORE 94 action (375win & 356win) the beefed up 94 action take pressure into the 50K range. Thats the specs for the 375win. So if the 454 was loaded not to exceed that it would be safe in my eyes. I haven't picked up a new timberwolf 94 in 450 marlin to see if it's on the bigbore frame. I have a early top eject bigbore 94 in 375win, CHRISTmas present
25 years ago. Wish they were still making 250gr factory loads.
Not sure if Winchester didn't believe there bigbore 94 frame could take a
454 or 480rug/475lin or there was no real market for it. I see Marlin dropped the 336 in 475/480ruger for 2005.....my guess is real market.
But, if they said limited run, they would sell.