Model 24, 30-30 over 12ga rechamber

[Luckus]

Can this 30-30 be rechambered to 307 Winchester? It looks like a 307 case is long enough for headspace or shoulder length, but is the barrel strong enough to handle the pressure. I know the 307 case is a heavier case than a 308 to handle pressure better in lever action rifles. Any comments welcome. Luckus

[bigkelly]

Be very careful I had a 12/30-30 and had my smith rechamber it (I had to talk him into it) to 30-06 (STUPID STUPID ME) and it didnt survive the 1st round

[BobT]

I'm going to say no, it may work but why take a chance. I'm thinking if it would work that Savage would have chambered it in .307 or .308 at some point. There isn't a lot of "meat" around the chamber end of your barrel.

Bob

[Blue Avenger]

.30-30AI maybe

[Luckus]

I wondered about the metal thickness issue too, but thought the 307 case might be strong enough to make a difference. I don't think the AI would work because you can't set the barrel back, but someone with more experience doing this would know.

[BobT]

No need to set back the barrel for the .30-30 AI, the shoulder is far forward of the original.

Bob

[Luckus]

BobT, Thanks for the info. I'm going to think about this for awhile before doing it. I always wanted a 30-30 AI. I will let you guys know what I do and how it works. Thanks, Luckus

[Eric in NC]

No way the 24 is strong enough for a 307 Win. The 30-30 AI may work, but I would leave it just as it is. If you need more power, sell it to a collector and get a different rifle.

[Grit #1]

There should be no problem with the AI change. You are still in the same pressure curve. You will gain about 4 grains of powder space for about 100fps. I stand amazed at how many people underestimate the 30/30. I have seen 250 yard one shot kills, on deer, more than once. The cartridge is more than adequate! It might not blast holes all the way through at that distance, but if it is placed in the boiler it is a done deal. I would also not want to ruin the value of a 30/30 over 12 gauge mod 24. They are few and far in-between, and they command a large price; well over $650.00 in fair condition.

Best regards,
Grit

[jonbearman]

DO NOT DO THIS.A .307 IS JUST ABOUT 6% LESS ENERGY THAN A .308. WHAT YOU HAVE IS A THIN CHAMBER AND THE FRAME IS JUST A CASTING,DO NOT CONFUSE THIS WITH RUGERS INVEST CASTING WHICH IS EXTREMELY STRONG.Just go and buy a rifle chambered in it and dont look back.

[diesel]

I know it's obslete, how about 30-40 Krag, about same pressure as 30-30, a few feet faster, according to the reloading manuals.

[Blue Avenger]

the Krag with its bigger head will push back harder. Not a good choice.

[ellobo]

The new Evolution 30-30 rounds with spitzer bullets and a powder formulation made to give a little more velocity with same pressures should be just the trick for a little more zip safely out of that old boat anchor. And Grit1 is right, never underestimate the old thutty-thutty, probably the best woods round. There is a reason it is still made and loved.


El Lobo

[Luckus]

I have given up on changing it. The ranges I shoot with it and what I shoot at would not notice any difference. And I agree, there isn't anything wrong with a 30-30. Luckus

[Pump]

Brass is not stronger than steel, good decision.

[J.Baker]

I have given up on changing it. The ranges I shoot with it and what I shoot at would not notice any difference. And I agree, there isn't anything wrong with a 30-30. Luckus

Probably the smartest decision you could have made, especially if it's an older Model 24 (wood furniture). Prices on these have gone through the roof in the last few years and modifying it would have hurt it's value. What used to be $300-500 guns are now $600-800 guns - makes me wish I had held on to the two I had a couple years longer.