Hi Guys
I've been lurking for awhile. I recently ran across a deal i couldn't let go. A 336 rc 1964 mdl chambered in 30/30, i want something different i've found a smith that specializes in reboaring. Here are the calibers 356, 38/55, 405(wildcat) 444m . I do reload so that's not a issue.
I would like to hunt hogs and deer with this Rifle Probably under 150 yards I'll be using a williams peep sights.
I've heard differing opinions about the 356 seems to be well thought of..
I like the 38/55 for nostalgia, there seems to be differing opinions about it's effectiveness I would like a thumper with reasonable recoil . Which Caliber would you guys choose and why?? Thanks for your input. Robert :D

Hi Guys
I've been lurking for awhile. I recently ran across a deal i couldn't let go. A 336 rc 1964 mdl chambered in 30/30, i want something different i've found a smith that specializes in reboaring. Here are the calibers 356, 38/55, 405(wildcat) 444m . I do reload so that's not a issue.
I would like to hunt hogs and deer with this Rifle Probably under 150 yards I'll be using a williams peep sights.
I've heard differing opinions about the 356 seems to be well thought of..
I like the 38/55 for nostalgia, there seems to be differing opinions about it's effectiveness I would like a thumper with reasonable recoil . Which Caliber would you guys choose and why?? Thanks for your input. Robert :D

Welcome to the forum Wayward. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

I've got to say I'm not one of the lever guys here, but you left out the great 35 Remington. Great thumper, good deer gun and it's been around a long time.

I'm sure some of our lever guys will chime in and give you some ideas on reboring. Again welcome to the forum.

Wayward have it rechambered to the .375 win with the slower twist of the 38-55 (More fps, less pressure) Good hog cal, no fussing with .377 to .381 bullets, off the shelf .375 work well and are cheaper to find. The hornady 220gn is an excellent bullet.

There is nothing "boring" about the 44 Mag, I'm with MikeG. Have you seen the prices a 336-44 will get? I would keep it a caliber that Marlin has offered in the 336.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e198/the_mad_rshn/rebore30-30to444.jpg

I've seen a 336 converted to a 444 Marlin and it is an excellent job. If I hadn't converted my 336A to 30-30 AI, I would let him convert it to a 444 Marlin or 356 Win.

If you bought the rifle "right", even out the $145 and shipping you are still going to make money on the 444 or the 356. Internet sales for used 444's have averaged $412 this year. Don't know about the 356 offering as the only one's I've seen are for the 336ER and don't know how a rechambered 336 would fair.

My vote would go for the .38-55 or the .375, both will handle the same loads in a good gun, .38-55 brass is getting a lot more common thanks to the CAS demand. Can turn them up or down as you please and even load with black powder if you want some real traditional experience.

Doing a re-barrel on a 336 myself but I'm going the opposite way, .25-35

And ..... yes ..... the .44mag is BORING! :D :D :D :D

(that last line is just for Mike G & Ranch Dog .... just can't pass up a cheap shot! LOL)

Hi guys thanks for the input. Yes Ranchdog i got it right I'm doing a little bartering so no out of pocket expense just a couple hours of time..
My wife and i just got back from the White Mnt region of N.H. I heard that the 35 cal and the 38/55 were popular in the east.
So i stopped in to every gun shop i could find no one had brass only one had ammo for the 38/55 they had heard it so i guess it's not that popular.
Bought ammo for the 38/55 and for the 356 i like the way both look the 38/55 looks to be easier to reload with the straight walls. But the 356 looks very substantial and all the gun stores up there had the ammo for it.
So i'm leaning toward the 356, has anyone shot this round from a 336?? Is it very punishing to the shooter, i've read that it's very punishing to the shootie :D Thanks Robert

Think of the 356 as a 358 with a rim. Les