Real World Experience: 30-30 Ackley Improved in Lever Guns
I have began my quest to turn my Henry 30-30 into a bench/paper gun, and I came across some information on the 30AI.
I am just looking for actual experiences from those who have made the conversion. I am also interested in hearing from those who have rented/own the chamber reamer and reamed the chamber yourselves. What, if any issues did you run into? What should I watch out for? Should I just have the gun farmed out to a "real" smith.
Some say that the headspace must be checked, but others say that since it headspaces on the rim, a headspace gauge is not needed. Also, the Henry is basically a Marlin 336. There is one guy on another website who claimed that his 336 had troubles with feeding/ejecting after the conversion.
I am basically looking for any and all information from those who have experience with the round in the levergun. Contender or Handi Rifle information is welcomed if it highlights ballistics. I am not looking for opinions from others who have not done the conversion and think the 30-30 is fine the way it is.
https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?261257-Real-World-Experience-30-30-Ac
I know that this is an old thread which is updated from time to time, but I would like some input if anyone can help. I have, among other M99s, an old take down in 22Savage HP. As I have been thinking about options for re-barrelling it as a backpack rifle for use on both Fallow and Sambar deer here in North East Victoria. I have successfully used both a 99C in 308W in the bush, or an M70 in 375H&H over clear-cuts for sambar, and have been thinking about the takedown in 30AI.
As a 99 will take higher pressures than a 94 or Marlin 336 AND can use a spire pointed bullet, I think this will take the 30AI to another level. Yes, I already have a 99 in 308W, but it's neither a take-down nor a rotary mag. If I can get a 150gn ballistic tip to 2700 out of an 18 inch barrel, it should work well on Sambar. Any thoughts, experience? BTW, I last shot a 28inch Sambar stag, which was about the size of a 3yo Angus steer.