Which way to go ?

[azzhandler]

Picking up a new to me Winchester 64 chambered in 32 spl, and will be shipping it to JES just as soon as I get it home for a rebore to either 38-55 or 375 win.
I'd like to beable to shoot both cast and jacketed, and I tend to like speed, so which would be a better choice?
Thanks

[OldWin]

While no expert, I'd think given those parameters, leaving it as a 32WS would be best. I would probably at least try it as is before I altered an original 64. Unless of course, it has already been altered in some way.

[Tycer]

To prevent some future owner from harming the firearm or themselves with full power 375 loads I vote for the 38–55.
That said, personally I would go 35-30 because of the wide selection of projectiles and molds.

[RIDERED350r]

I would keep that model 64 as a 32Spl unless the barrel is plum shot out.

But if it must be 38-55 or 375 Win, I would do 375 Win. But I'm partial to it as I have a 94 Big Bore in 375. You can always load the 375 down some to mimic 38-55. Plus there is not shortage of info out there that states 38-55 can be fired in a 375 Win, including Buffalo Bore (see their description of their 38-56 Heavy Load ammo)

Big "HOWEVER"here: that pre-64 rifle may not be up to the task of handling the pressure of full house 375 Win loads. When the 94 Big Bore was designed with those cartridges in mind, they fattened the receiver adjacent to the locking lug behind the bolt to safely handle the higher pressure. Contemporary Winchester 94s on the other hand would likely have no trouble with it as they are currently offered in the very energetic 450 Marlin chambering. Recent years have also seen offerings in 444 Marlin. So I would recommend the utmost in caution when considering chambering an older 94 in a higher pressure cartridge than it was designed for. In fact as I type this, I change my stance and would not pursue chambering an older 94 for the 375 Win.

Obviously in the interest of due diligence in safety, I wouldn't just shove a 38-55 round in and let er rip without doing some basic checks to insure there is adequate room to do so. This is pertaining to the "new" short spec 38-55 brass for more modern rifles.

375 Win specific projectiles aren't very abundant but they are out there if you are diligent and patient. I use Vollmer Precision 220gr JFNs in mine.

[1894cfan]

To prevent some future owner from harming the firearm or themselves with full power 375 loads I vote for the 38–55.
That said, personally I would go 35-30 because of the wide selection of projectiles and molds.

+1

[FLINT]

While no expert, I'd think given those parameters, leaving it as a 32WS would be best. I would probably at least try it as is before I altered an original 64. Unless of course, it has already been altered in some way.

I agree with this. of course I strongly believe a person should do what he wants with his own property, but I'd not personally be able to molest an model 64 in 32 special! Certainly you can find a 30-30 model 94 to rebore.

However, if you are going to do it, seems that 38-55 is the best and probably safest choice for a model 64.

[samsi]

I would lean toward the .35-30 already mentioned if the .32 bore is shot out. Then again, I'm still kicking myself for passing up a cheap Model 64 32WS years ago.

No way I'd make it a .375, not on that action.

[Bill in Oregon]

It is hard to imagine a lovelier dilemma to lose sleep over ...

[AJMD429]

I would lean toward the .35-30 already mentioned if the .32 bore is shot out. Then again, I'm still kicking myself for passing up a cheap Model 64 32WS years ago.

No way I'd make it a .375, not on that action.

Same here...

[Pisgah]

Best for lead? Well, IMO that would be.32 Win. Spl. ...

[Griff]

I wouldn't trust the action for .375 Win. And if it's speed you need, I'd keep it as a 32WS.