I have this thing about revolvers and rifles in the same caliber. I already have a BFR in 50 AK with a Marlin 1895 in 50 AK. I also have a BFR in .475 Linebaugh and a Ruger No 1 in the same and of course several 45 Colt revolvers and Leverguns.

I recently acquired a Marlin .308 MX and am thinking I might try getting a 30-30 BFR rechambered to .308 Marlin Express.

Don't think that will work. Although the Marlin case is larger in diameter it is also shorter in length than a 30-30.

If that is the case, pun intended, my gunsmith has the ability to make a new BFR cylinder. If course that increases the cost, but then the gun becomes a convertible. There are setback problems some times using bottle neck cases in revolvers as I understand it. The .308 MX is a higher pressure cartridge than the 30-30 and that might case set back to occur, the case backs out against the frame jamming the cylinder so it will not turn.

So the whole thing may be just an expensive experiment.

What about a 30-30 AI ???

It would give you 300 Savage vel

It is not about velocity, it is so my revolver uses the same cartridge as my levergun and I happen to own a .308 Marlin Express Marlin. I have this fetish, see my first post.

Ya, I was REALLY unclear on my post compared with what was going threw my mind. I am going to blame it on the drugs I am taking right know... LOL

Here is what I am thinking:

50 AK, 475 Linebaugh, and 45 Colt are all straight wall cartridges. I have had several rifle and pistol doubles in the same chambering. What I have found out is that 9 times out of 10 is that I have had one of two problems. First, the chambers aren’t the same and I had to buy an extra set of dies because the bullets needed to be set up for each chamber. (They needed to be set at different lengths. If you were shooting a single shot I would say not a big deal and that your gunsmith could make that happen. With a revolver I have to say that isn’t going to be more of a challenge.) Second, your odds are really “less than desirable” that both firearms will shoot the same ammo accurately. From my experiences your odds are ok with straight wall cartridges and they “hover heavily” with bottleneck rounds. What I am afraid of is that you are going to have a rifle and pistol in the same caliber, however you will still need to carry two different “loads” to obtain the accuracy you want in both firearms.

I had to start using different bullets in 270 rifle and pistol doubles and even my 30-06 rifle doubles just to make it easier to visually identify each load for each gun. (And if I get them confused one hunter isn’t going to be able to chamber any ammo because it is too long and the other is going to be shooting 4in groups at 100.) “My” straight wall doubles will chamber interchangeably, but their accuracy is maximized with custom rounds for each. For a back up gun, well they would still be “minute of bear.” LOL

Here is were I should have put “Man I would look at a 30-30 AI just for the simple fact I think you are going to be a LOT happier with it in the long run.”

Like I said, I am on drugs and I have a REALLY bad headache right now so if I am not making sense please let me know. Also, this is just MHO, so take them for what they are worth.

Hank,

I rechambered my BFR 30-30 to 30-30 Ackley. No problems with case setback and binding on the firewall. I am able to use the same loads that I use in my 14", 16" T/C Contender, and Savage 170, 30-30 AI with acceptable accuracy in all. ( as TC states the "general" load is not the "most" accurate load for each gun, respectively. I generally, load slightly below max for all my guns, it is where I tend to get the best accuracy and lessen the wear & tear on my guns and brass. I haven't had a game animal react negatively to a difference in 50-75 f.p.s..

Doc

I have had 5 rifle (bolt and single actions) and single action short gun doubles. The only one that I could interchange rounds with readily was my 7-30 Waters. Both were Contenders with factory chambers. When I down sized a couple of years ago, (I know that is a sin to say on this sight,) I got ride of all of my rifle/pistol doubles but one. I just couldn’t part with my 16.5in Encore in 270 Win and I will not sell my Grandfathers custom 270 bolt action. So, I have two sets of dies and load accordingly. LOL

Ha man, do what YOU want to do!!! I am just thinking on my side of the box. You’re the one that has to be happy with it!!!

I probably won't try it. I was just thinking out loud. I also just bought a .338 Marlin Express lever action and if I keep this idea of a revolver to match each of my leverguns going it will put me in the poor house.

Better go buy a Marlin 1895M (Guide Gun in 450 Marlin). I know BFR makes a revolver to match it!

I do the same thing all the time! Ask James and David how much I call them. LOL



I have had to stay away from the classifieds. LOL

It has been very challenging for me to be happy and content with what I have right know. I have more than I need but not as much as I want. I still want a 10in FA in 454 one day... ... ...

Oh, a 454 lever gun to match would be lovely. Ahhhhhhh

I already have a 50AK Marlin 1895 and a 50AK BFR as well as a Ruger No 1 and BFR in .475 Linebaugh to cover my big bore needs, but I guess I need to buy a 45-70 BFR to go with my 45-70 Guide gun. Please quit reminding me where I need to go spend more money.

Yeah, but Marlin just discontinued the 45o, so it will become a collectors item. Great investment don't you think????