The lever gun I'd love to have would be a 357 Maximum on an 1895 Marlin, throated long to allow long seating of heavies, with the action appropriately lightened without giving up necessary strength. I've an NOE mold which casts a 35 cal LFN at 230-235 grains. Would love to carry a lever gun which could push those to 2k.
I think it would be less work on a 336 than a 1895. I have an old, deceased, friend who started with a 336 in 30-30. He replaced the barrel with a 1894 357 Magnum barrel that was rechambered to 357 Max. He was in the middle of tweaking the internal parts when he passed away. Years ago I shot it as a single shot and it was fun! I recall him saying that if he would have had the throat lengthened then he have loaded heavier (longer) cast bullet and the cartridge would have balanced better on the carrier.
