New Project rifle to be on the way soon. Cal. dilemma.

[2ndovc]

Thanks to a generous and sickness facilitating board member I will have a 1902 Remington Rolling Block on the way.
Since it's already been Bubba'd I'm going to get to put together that custom Roller I've
always wanted. Weird part is I thought I knew what I wanted the new barrel to be chambered for and one of my favorites is the Winchester .38-55. But as I was looking through my Lyman manual I found several interesting
calibers in the same pressure area(or less) as the 7X57 and began to second guess my original choice.

Among the other options are the .303 British, .30WCF, 32-40, .25-35, .30-40 Krag and maybe the .257 Roberts and 35 Remington.
There were more but these are the rounds that I either already load for or have components for.

Top three would be the .38-55, .303 and the .35 Remington.

Any suggestions as to why or why not on any of these? Or a cartridge that I'm missing that would be perfect for the No.5 action? I'm sure the .38-55 would be the easiest on this 100 year old action.

New barrel is going to be half round half octagon, case colored receiver and new fancy walnut stocks from Treebone Carving.

jb

[3leggedturtle]

Of your top 3. 30/30 based calibers. U can always find brass or it. Anything bigger kicks to much for pleasure. Anything smaller takes too much reforming.

[sore shoulder]

.38-55, because you should, and it's the right thing to do.

[Hobie]

Even though it is a 1902 let it relax and have fun and chamber for the .38-55.

[2ndovc]

Always go with you're first instinct, right?

Just wanted to work it through with some of you guys that have been there, done that.

jb

[Chuck 100 yd]

.38-55 For sure!!

[Blaine]

If it's in 7mm Mauser, and shoots good, I'd be temped to leave it there......

[Old Savage]

Do you have a 30-40 or a 38-55 already? I would go for the other. My take is 30-40. Bullet availability and consistent brass and groove diameter.

In fact - no contest .... 30-40.

[2ndovc]

Do you have a 30-40 or a 38-55 already? I would go for the other. My take is 30-40. Bullet availability and consistent brass and groove diameter.

I have one of each. I like the sedate heavy bullet of the 38-55 but the 30-40 is an excellent cast bullet shooter.

jb

[JReed]

303Brit!!!!!!! Just a thought

[Rusty]

I've always thought a .30-30 roller would be a dandy shooter.

[Ray Newman]

Re-read what 3LeggedTurtle posted.

Do a .30 WCF -- see above.

Did I mention 3LeggedTurtle's post?

[Glenn]

Like Old Savage, I would choose the 30-40, but that's because I already have a 38-55. But I can't knock suggestions for the 30-30 either. If you're leaning 303, go 30-40 instead. U.S. size and consistency.
Glenn

[Griff]

Of your top 3. 30/30 based calibers. U can always find brass or it. Anything bigger kicks to much for pleasure. Anything smaller takes too much reforming.

And if you chamber it right, both .32-40 and .38-55 can be made from .30-30 brass. Just to keep your options open...

[damienph]

The easiest would be .276 Rigby, I've got an extra set of dies somewhere.

[Old Ironsights]

762x54R

[2ndovc]

762x54R

That was a consideration too!


I see a lot of votes for the .30WCF and that was a consideration but I have a couple 30-30s.

jb

[yooper2]

My inclination would be towards the 30-40 Krag, ideal small bore cast bullet cartridge. Certainly wouldn't fault anybody for a 38-55 though.
Sounds like a cool project, enjoy.


Eric

[Old Ironsights]

762x54R

That was a consideration too!


I see a lot of votes for the .30WCF and that was a consideration but I have a couple 30-30s.

jb

I'm looking at breech-thrust numbers to see if the lock-up & headspace can handle it, but I've been considering lining an old Damascus Hammer Double with 7.62x54R sleeves...

[2ndovc]

Been thinking about the .303 and 7.62R all day. This project is going to be on the lighter side of what I would expect in recoil from those calibers.

I have a large frame Rolling Block already in .45-70. It's a big, heavy rifle that tames even my heaviest loads.
What I want to go with it is a mild shooting yet long range capable rifle on a smaller/ lighter frame.

I'm thinking I'll stick to my original decision and go with the .38-55, but you never know. It will be awhile to get it here, disassembled and shipped off for case hardening.

Thanks for the input guys. Just wanted to talk it over with my fellow gun cranks. Though I never did hear from the chief crank, Sixgun!

jb

[Old Ironsights]

Been thinking about the .303 and 7.62R all day. This project is going to be on the lighter side of what I would expect in recoil from those calibers.

I have a large frame Rolling Block already in .45-70. It's a big, heavy rifle that tames even my heaviest loads.
What I want to go with it is a mild shooting yet long range capable rifle on a smaller/ lighter frame.

I'm thinking I'll stick to my original decision and go with the .38-55, but you never know. It will be awhile to get it here, disassembled and shipped off for case hardening.

Thanks for the input guys. Just wanted to talk it over with my fellow gun cranks. Though I never did hear from the chief crank, Sixgun!

jb

If you wanted to REALLY be funky you could split the difference & join me on the Dark Side...

9.3x72R....

It's the old Euro .38-55... only longer and with a bigger bullet...

[JReed]

The 7.62R would be on the uncomfortable to painful side in a roller like that. The 38-55 especially in a BP load would be a riot to shoot.

[2ndovc]

Been thinking about the .303 and 7.62R all day. This project is going to be on the lighter side of what I would expect in recoil from those calibers.

I have a large frame Rolling Block already in .45-70. It's a big, heavy rifle that tames even my heaviest loads.
What I want to go with it is a mild shooting yet long range capable rifle on a smaller/ lighter frame.

I'm thinking I'll stick to my original decision and go with the .38-55, but you never know. It will be awhile to get it here, disassembled and shipped off for case hardening.

Thanks for the input guys. Just wanted to talk it over with my fellow gun cranks. Though I never did hear from the chief crank, Sixgun!

jb

If you wanted to REALLY be funky you could split the difference & join me on the Dark Side...

9.3x72R....

It's the old Euro .38-55... only longer and with a bigger bullet...

Now there's one I'd totally overlooked!

I love to be the weirdo at the range with something no one's ever herd of!!


jb