Hey folks,
I'm thinking about picking up another 35REM for the purpose of having a conversion job on it. I've read about the .358 conversion that Dixie Shooters can do. Although, I can't find any contact info on them. I also hear about the .356W conversion that Nonnemans will do.
I'd like to hear from folks who have had it done and I'd like to hear some pros and cons of both.
Thanks

I have not done this, but here's a link to a piece on Dixie Shooters conversion. I'd be very concerned about the pressure myself. I am working with an old 35 Rem right now, and will be getting dies , etc. shortly. It is a fun cartridge. Can't wait to load some 357 pistol bullets for it !


Hey folks,
I'm thinking about picking up another 35REM for the purpose of having a conversion job on it. I've read about the .358 conversion that Dixie Shooters can do. Although, I can't find any contact info on them. I also hear about the .356W conversion that Nonnemans will do.
I'd like to hear from folks who have had it done and I'd like to hear some pros and cons of both.
Thanks

You're converting a gun originally manufactured for a cartridge in the 33,000-35,000CUP range to one in the 52,000CUP range.

I like my eyes and fingers enough to think that's really pushing it.

Just my opinion.....

MikeG,

There were some threads over on the MT board about this. There were two basic camps...the ones who valued their body parts and those who didn't think they were risking any. I doubt anyone here will settle this one. On one hand the 30-30 and 35 Rem (et al) are chambered in this action, on the other the 356 and 375 Win's (52000 cup) are built on the same action. Marlin could have settled this one by saying one way or the other if the actions of these higher pressure rounds had any special heat treating or not. They didn't so some people think it's ok to do. For the record, I am on the side of safety. I would like to think that it's safe to make this conversion but won't believe it until Marlin says so...when h*** freezes over.

Yeah I think we've covered this one a few times also :)

Same basic positions, conclusions, et al......

Mike & Bart,
I understand and share your concerns. The only reason I began looking into it was because of the two companies that do the conversions. I can't imagine a company assuming this kind of liability unless they were sure about what they were doing. I personally would rather find a 336ER, but they are hard to find.

If you're willing to take a Win 94 these are much more widely available. There was one on AuctionArms.com yesterday that closed without a bid and could have been had for $500. The total conversion cost you're talking about will probably run you within $100 of this figure including the base rifle. I have one of the AE 94's in 356 and can say that they are sweet. It's not a Marlin but then I don't feel like Marlins are the ultimate in leverguns either. I own Marlins and Winchesters, and they both have appeal...I like all of them. The AEs do have the rebounding hammer and crossbolt safety and so may not appeal to you for that reason alone. They don't bother me.

But like Ford vs Chevy it's a personal decision and I won't try to sway you either way. Just thought I'd mention another known safe option to the 336ER vs 336Conversion controversy.

Having shot both, my personal preference leans towards the Marlin. However, being an accuracy buff, the winnie's have always impressed me. I like to keep my options open and may look at the Win. For some reason, the Win just doesn't feel as good in my hands. Of course, it might just be that I didn't grab hold of the right one :rolleyes: . Thanks for the advice and the input.