JES Rebore question

[handirifle]

I am considering reboring a 26" Winchester 30-30 to a 38-55 to make a long rang plinker out of it, maybe adding a tang sight, etc. I did a search and found one reference to the cost approx $250. Not asking for a "quote", but does that sound about right to everyone?

[Mescalero]

My inner gut says expensive,
But this is 2013, and what we once thought was expensive....... is in many cases outdated and simply not germaine anymore.

[TedH]

His website states $225 for 3 groove rifling, $250 for 4 or 5 groove rifling. Includes return shipping.

[Thunder50]

Its very reasonable compared to a new barrel and he does very good work. He has done 3 for me

[Lassiter]

I've never had any dealings with him, though I have considered it. I've heard that he does excellent work at reasonable prices.

[JerryB]

I have the 94 30-30 he rebored for my son and it is a fantastic shooter. $225 back to my door. If you want a 38-55 this is the best way to go.

[handirifle]

Whats the difference in performance of 3 vs 4 or 5 groove rifling? Does it makes a difference in bullet weight used?

[JerryB]

I don't know what the difference is in the rifling. Mine is accurate with the 245 grain #1 Ballard from
Missouri Bullet Co.and 8.5 grains of Trail Boss. It is a light load at 1020 fps, very accurate in my rifle.The other load came from Kirk, 18 grains of 5744 with a 255 grain cast Montana bullet again very accurate load. You will sure enjoy shooting and hunting with a 38-55 Winchester.

[Twodot]

A 38-55 with a 26" barrel sounds sweet!
JES did a good job turning my Marlin into a .356.
I think you are going to like it.
..

[handirifle]

A 38-55 with a 26" barrel sounds sweet!
JES did a good job turning my Marlin into a .356.
I think you are going to like it.
..

Yea its the gold plated centenial model. Not worth much as a collectable, and I hate to have safe queens. Since I am planning on turning my 94BB into a 307 for a little longer range and more usable (for me) hunter, this would keep me in the 375 family of cartridges. Plus since I'lll never be able to afford a Sharps this is as close as I would ever come to a long range big bore. I thought of buying a Marlin in 26" 45-70 but like the sharps, it might end up being too much recoil for sustained shooting practice.

[damienph]

A 38-55 with a 26" barrel sounds sweet!
JES did a good job turning my Marlin into a .356.
I think you are going to like it.
..

Yea its the gold plated centenial model. Not worth much as a collectable, and I hate to have safe queens. Since I am planning on turning my 94BB into a 307 for a little longer range and more usable (for me) hunter, this would keep me in the 375 family of cartridges. Plus since I'lll never be able to afford a Sharps this is as close as I would ever come to a long range big bore. I thought of buying a Marlin in 26" 45-70 but like the sharps, it might end up being too much recoil for sustained shooting practice.

I think that it is a great idea. I am planning on doing the same to my 20" 94 Classic. No real collector value; it is a good shooter as is in .30-30 but I have three other levers chambered in .30-30 that are as well.
My BB375 is staying as a 375 though.
Good luck to you on your projects!

[handirifle]

Thanks
If I could find a way to produce QUALITY, and affordable lead free bullets, that expanded reliably for the 375 I might keep it as is, but after several years and untold hours of working on it, its still not easily done, thus the caliber swap idea. There are a few 30 cal lever suitable offerings already out there.

[rbertalotto]

Just sent my second 30-30 to Jesse to be rebored to 38-55. I had him do a vintage Marlin 1893 with a sewer pipe barrel. He did a three groove for $225 including return shipping.

This rifle is stupid accurate!

The second rifle I sent yesterday is a 1978 Winchester Model 94.

I still have a Marlin 336 Octagon that will get the treatment in a month or two.

The 38-55 is a fantastic cartridge to load for. Unique is your VERY good friend!

[damienph]

Thanks
If I could find a way to produce QUALITY, and affordable lead free bullets, that expanded reliably for the 375 I might keep it as is, but after several years and untold hours of working on it, its still not easily done, thus the caliber swap idea. There are a few 30 cal lever suitable offerings already out there.

Oh, I understand why you want the .307, I just couldn't rebarrel mine. I would like to have a .307 myself, right after a 7-30 Waters.

Luckily, in Kansas we can shoot all of the lead we want, except at waterfowl, of course.
Looking forward to hearing about both of your projects.

[rbertalotto]

Sure wish Jesse had email.........I want him to make me a chamber gauge with the same reamer he cuts my chamber with. But I hate calling him on the phone and disturbing him. Email is so much faster and you answer them when you have time..........

[Mescalero]

I know men who if they could get the computer powered up, they would then have no idea how to proceed.
This does not make them children of a lessor god.
But it does make them different in a world we on the forum navigate with ease.

[JerryB]

Mescalero, well said, the old telephone still gets results.

[Mescalero]

JerryB,
Thank You.