I picked up a M-54 years ago that was originally a featherweight in 30/30. It had been rebarrelled to 219 K-Zipper with the factory contour and had a Canjar trigger installed. I bought dies and made cases for years, but I find myself reaching for my favorite .223 now, and have decided to go back to a factory chambering. I have checked the Gun List and local gunshows for years looking to pick up an original barrel in 30/30 with no luck. I have no specific use in mind, as I have plenty of other rifles, I've thought about 30/30, .375 win, something I can get factory ammo and brass for. Within those parameters, anybody got any suggestions? Anyone know where to pick up a original 30/30 barrel? Thanks! Lee.

The 25/35 is not a bad idea, but I already have a Savage 99 in that caliber. Since the bolt face was originally for 30/30 which is .506, the semi-rimmed 220 at .473 is out, unless you know differently... which is a shame as I have flirted with the idea of a Swift for years. I looked at the 7-30 waters, 307 and 356 win, but in the end, it comes back to the fact of forming brass eventually, I don't think the brass for those will be available in later years. Some of my thinking is that eventually, one of my friends or nephews will inherit this gun and I want them to be able to buy ammo for it. I bought it as an "orphan" for $135 fifteen years ago from a pawn shop where it sat for years because of its chambering. I form brass for 6-30/30 AI, 6.5x53r,6.5x284, .318 Westley Richards, 8/06, 375 WBY, 416 Hoffman and something else I forgot. Most of these are easy, but enough is enough! and I believe this one is going back. I appreciate all input, I still would like to find an original 30/30 barrel!

while they are diminsionally the same, i would do it in 38-55, which is the LOW pressure version of the 375.. i would mark the barrel as such, and NEVER use 375 loading data.

jeffe

I also have a model 54. In 30/06. I also have a 270 bbl.I would consider talking to a gunsmith that has built such a rifle and has more knowlege than I , but I tried a 220 swift in a 30/30 shell holder and it fit pretty well. I would save that the chance of finding an original bbl in 30/30 are real slim. A shot out bbl in 30/30 might be rebored to 38/55.Good luck

I really like the idea of a .375 Winchester...it would be a very unique rifle!

I have a .219 Improved Zipper and it's a good cartridge but it takes a lot of work to make brass at times. If the rifle shoots well it would be a shame to change it for such an ordinary cartridge as the 30-30.

If you must change it consider the .220 Swift. Then you can use the original barrel.

I'd build a 25-35. Get some 117 Hornady RNs and call it a close range whitetail rifle.

Keep the 219.
Because 25-35 brass is now available, you can easily form brass for it.
I am happy about the brass also because I have a 22 Savage Hi-Power that I can make cases for now also.

-Spencer