The Accurate Reloading Forums
.30 Herrett rifle
11 February 2017, 09:49
yumastepside.30 Herrett rifle
......just a vague thought here after seeing a cheap set of Herrett dies for sale, has anyone ever done a rifle, for instance a Martini Cadet or similar, in .30 Herrett ??........I will probably buy the dies anyway to form my 7mm Herrett cases for the Martini, but just curious

Roger
.......If this is in the wrong forum, feel free to move it, I wasn't sure.
13 February 2017, 03:06
Bill/OregonYuma, I'm sure there have been a number of rifles chambered for the Herrett. Might PM Bobby Tomek. I have a 12-inch Contender barrel in this great old wildcat on order from Match Grade Machine.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
13 February 2017, 03:26
MickinColoAs I remember the 30 Herrett was designed for the TC Contender handgun. For accuracy it needed a slightly over-sided cartridge length and a snap action fit. That was a long time ago though.
13 February 2017, 03:58
ramrod340Had a longer barreled contender. In the Late 70s early 80s. Made short work of some WTX whitetail. Traded for the 35. Wish I hadn't.
As usual just my $.02
Paul K
13 February 2017, 07:24
HasherTony Rumore (I think he a member here) redid an AK in 357 Herrett I believe
I think the write up is in he Wildcats section.
DRSS
Kreighoff 470 NE
Valmet 412 30/06 & 9.3x74R
13 February 2017, 09:50
yumastepsideThanks all, Mick, if the case needs a " crush " fit, then that would most likely work in the Martini action....I'm always looking for something different and interesting to put in my little Martini Cadets.......a little stalking rifle style stock on a Martini in .30 Herrett with a 20" barrel, sort of a miniature english style....mmmmm
Roger
15 February 2017, 19:41
butchlocit will work just find in a cadet action. 30/30 case is about max with the rim for it, but things like a 219 donaldson etc. work well in martinis
16 February 2017, 17:30
farbedoThe crush fit thing is a Contender problem. The small differences from one frame to another combined with one barrel to another would allow the cartridge to get pushed forward in the chamber and a lot of mis-fires would occur.
The easy cure was to size un-fire formed brass so it took a little force to chamber the round and headspace it on the shoulder. Once fire formed, you backed the sizing die off a half turn or so to keep that snug fit and maintain headspace to the shoulder, not the rim.
I've got 10" and 12" .30 Herrett barrels. Always thought about getting or making a 21" carbine barrel as well, but never did. Great cartridge.
Jeremy
17 February 2017, 05:57
TCLouisHow bout a Low Wall in 30 Herrett
Don't limit your challenges . . .
Challenge your limits
17 February 2017, 08:47
yumastepsideLow wall, Martini Cadet, Rolling block, any small single shot action would do, would make a nice light stalking/backpack rifle.
Roger
17 February 2017, 10:24
yumastepside.....like these?
Roger
21 July 2021, 06:16
Jimmy in VAadded a 7" vented extension, threaded and pinned, with custom furniture for carbine use
think twice, shoot once
21 July 2021, 17:27
hogfarmerThe 30 Herrett has been chambered in ARs under several different names for many years. All used standard Herrett dies and the 6.8 spc case, as far as I can remember anyway. The first I recall was by Marty Ter Weeme, but several others have made slight variations on the concept.
"For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind..."
Hosea 8:7
21 July 2021, 17:42
Bill/OregonThat is some stunning wood, Jimmy. What species?
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
17 October 2021, 18:46
Jimmy in VAThanks, Bill, sorry I've taken so long to reply.
It's shaped from a slab of burly maple
I had been perplexed by a design I'd seen on the internet for years and finally resigned myself to duplicate it.
I'm no master but I get better each time I embark on a new project
think twice, shoot once
17 October 2021, 22:13
carpetman1I could be wrong, but it is my understanding that a guy named Steelsmith that worked for Herretts designed the Contender. Ray Atkinson,living in Twin Falls might be able to dispute or confirm this. ( I think Ray might actually live in Filer as did Steelsmith)
18 October 2021, 00:35
Jimmy in VAI'd love to get down to the skinny on that one.
I thought that the Herrett designs came into play AFTER they figured out that factory ammo wouldn't give expected results in 10" barrels. Enter Bob Milek and Steve Herrett for development.
I love the wildcats with this little break-action.
My latest acquisition: a Reeder barrel in 30 Raptor that uses 204 Ruger brass and accommodates a .308 bullet. It's an interesting proposition like a 30 TCU+P. Love to hear more of the Steelsmith story.
Thanks
Seems that Jack Cahill Steelsmith, Sr. passed away June 26, 2018 and was instrumental with Steve Herrett.
https://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/2535994.htmlHe must have been a helluva guy! Thanks
think twice, shoot once
21 October 2021, 21:27
AtkinsonThe late Tony Barnes and Bob Milek were instrmental in the development of the first 30 Herret, to what extent Im not sure but they were good frinds with Steve Herret..We all hunted Rockchucks and Tony shot deer with the caliber...
Tony made the most beautiful pistols on Sako L-461 actions in that caliber and others, and Steve and Milek used his pistols..
We are going back some 30 to 40 years and as for as I know, Im the last survior of that Particular bunch of the lunch crowd. We met almost daily at one place or another for lunch and gun talk...
I would suggest contacting steves son in twin falls at Herrets stocks for further information, but I have not seen him in quitw some time..
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com