I picked up a 788 in 30-30 to play around with cast bullets. It was a pawn shop special so I got it cheap but... it looks like the barrel was never cleaned and it's got some minor pitting. It throws jacketed slugs just fine (1"@100yds) but doesn't like cast so well.

I've only got $350 into the gun and being a beater 788, I'm hesitant to put $200+ into a new barrel and $200 getting it fitted.

I've seen a few Savage takeoff barrels for $75-100 and understand the 788 and Savage 110 threads are pretty close.

Question is, can a Savage barrel be shortened from the chamber end and still fit the 788 action (with new threads & 30-30 chamber)?

Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Since I can't answer your questions and you asked for suggestions.

Trade me your rifle!

I've been wanting to find a .30-30 788 so I could build a .30-30 AI on a bolt action. I have no problem putting a new barrel on it. I'll throw in an H&R Handi in .30-30 with some cash so you can still play with cast bullets in a .30-30. With the 788 you need to be running pointy bullets anyway.

Did you truly clean ALL of the jacket fouling out of the barrel before you fired cast? If not, then this might be the real problem for your inaccuracy with cast bullets. Get your barrel warm by firing a few rounds and then clean it with JB bore shine. Follow the directions on the can. It might take some serious time to get it clean, but I would almost bet your accuracy will improve.

The problem that you will have using a Savage barrel is that because the threads are the same as the 788's there is no shoulder to pinch the recoil lug. The 788 barrel is larger in diameter ahead of the threads to make the shoulder necessary to retain the recoil lug.

You could use the Savage barrel if you use the recoil lug and barrel nut off the Savage instead of the Remington lug.

The barrels have the same 20 TPI PITCH but not the same size shank...

788 1" x 20 TPI
Savage 1.050" x 20 TPI

Plus a different thread length requirement.

A good machinist could set-up, re-engage the Savage threads and cut them to fit, but it would be cheaper just to have a barrel blank cut and threaded for the 788 receiver in the first place.

I think the bolt for the 30-30 is slightly different than for a 243/308 case family because of the rim...not completely sure.

If it shoots jacketed OK I would suspect you just haven't found the right case bullet or the right load yet...keep trying.

The 788 action is a very good, strong action, but is does have a few problems like being restricted to magazine length cartridge OAL. It is as strong or stronger than the 340 Savage in 30-30 and I've seen that one jacked all the heck after 30-30AI'zing.

But you CAN use pointed bullets and rechambering to the AI version will give you a bit more umph and you can also increase the pressure a bit so you can fairly close to 300 Savage ballistics.

You still will be out a bit of money...talk to a gunsmith to see just what you can actually do safely and cheaply. Reamer rental is 50 bucks and you can hand ream a 30-30AI if you're careful by pulling the barrel and clamping it in a vice...lots of choices.

Luck

Save your money, just shoot jacketed bullets...

The value of 788's increases; the .30-30 and .44 magnum versions are scarcer than the other chamberings... food for thought.

You might consider having Jesse Ocumpaugh at JES Rifle Reboring, in Cottage Grove, OR,rebore and rechamber your 30/30 barrel to 35-30/30 for about $200. Or, you could go to the 356 Win for more power, since the 788 is a strong action.

www.35caliber.com

Jeff

you paid 350 and hate it? i'll give you 250, ,to offset your 400 more into it...i am sure one of my grandkids will shoot it smooth

I can top that! I will give you what you PAID FOR IT.

Jim

Taylorce1, pm sent. Thanks for the rest of the info guys. Looks like a Savage barrel is more trouble than it's worth. It's not time to throw in the towel and sell the thing yet or go with a rebore as I have lots of 30cal molds and sizers.

Jeffe, who said I hate the rifle? We'd both be better off if you spent your $250 at a charm school .

FYI, I've gotten cast bullets down to about 1.25moa so they're getting close. The barrel has already been fire lapped (Beartooth Bullets Method) so I doubt it's going to get any smoother. It has a few smaller rust pits that aren't going to "shoot smooth". Guess I'll go back to lurking and see if something pops up. No hurry...