I have an old Marlin M-36 30-30 "donor gun" I've thought about rebarreling, restocking, restoring, etc. similar to those done by Stephen Dodd Hughes. If I do, I'm thinking of rebarreling in 38-55. Is there any advantage to the 375Win? Thanks.

The brass of the .375 is stronger and it is loaded to higher pressures; however, I see little advantage over the 38/55, which is typically more accurate and whose lower pressure would fit your "donor" rifle a bit better. I've had a couple of 38/55's ("wish I'd never gotten rid of" category); one in a Winchester and the other in a Marlin 1893. They were a blast to shoot with cast bullets. Most barrels "slug out" between .377 and .379 that make most of the .375 slugs not very accurate. I think cast bullets are the way to go and the cases should feed through your action without modification. I even made a few cases out of "fire-formed" 30-30 cases with some limited success. My 2 cents. Mags

I just filled out the paper work on a 38-55. It usually takes 4-5 hours for approval on the Brady, so I won't get the rifle until tomorrow. One of those Chief Crazy Horse Winchester Commeratives. From what I understand cast bullets are the only game in town for this bore. With that said, there is not a whole lot more going for the 375. You might also want to consider a new barrel in 32 winchester special. I bought a beat-up pre-64 model 94 in that caliber a few months back and it shoots like a dream. Has a few pits mid way down the barrel, but 170 grain beartooth lead gas check bullets make nice, tight groups. I am still holding out for an affordable lever action in 32-40. Maybe I will try and find a good Marlin donor rifle.

The bore in this old gun looks like hell but still shoots pretty well, the stock is loose, most of the finish is gone, but the action is still sharp and crisp and hasn't been drilled or abused. For $125, what the heck:

You have really got to stop buying those guns in the alley out back.
Very nice and yest the price is certainly RIGHT!
Frank

If it shoots why do anything to it, the 30-30 is as good as either the 38-55 or 375 for all practical purposes or am I ruining your day?

quote:

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Originally posted by Frank Martinez:
You have really got to stop buying those guns

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Frank, you know how it is, it's a sickness, an addiction! First one must have to want to quit, I can't be helped or stopped, Forrest.