I think I'll send off my Valmet 12/22HP barrel set to JES to see whether he can do a re-bore to 35-30. Re-regulating the rifle barrel can be done with a flat screwdriver, and since the 22 HP is based on the 30-30 case, no modification of the extractor is necessary. RCBS has dies, and I think this will make the Valmet a great thick woods deer killer with the 35cal in one barrel and a 12ga slug in the other.

If there is enough metal in the barrel that would be a nice conversion. You have the option of shooting cast, plated or jacketed .357 bullets for small game, varmints and plinking. I used to do that with my 358 Norma Mag, what a fun squirrel hunting rifle with 14gr double ended wadcutters and a little dose of shotgun powder. Load data was in the Lyman "Cast Bullet Handbook"

Would a .357 Max reamer clean up the .22 HP chamber (don't have any references handy)? If so, that leaves you a bunch of options w/handloads AND factory stuff. I've found the .357 Mag a reliable killer of pigs and deer at "woods" distances and assume that a Max would be "more of the same."

erich, where did you get them 14 gr. wadcutters? Not a lot of sectional density....*



*(or is this a case of "typing while impaired"? Just funnin' ya.)

BF, left off the 8, should have been 148gr

The OD of the barrel is .540. Since drillings and conventional BBFs have extremely thin barrels, I can't see why this won't work. The barrel is supported at the center and muzzle, so it shouldn't whip.

Bruce, couldn't you find another barrel set for that Valmet? Think it would be easier than the rebore effort, but I have always been partial to the 22HP round.

I don't have any warm fuzzies regarding the HP. My 222 set will do anything the HP set does, and I can find ammo for the 222...and booolets the right diameter.

I have the nicer Savage 2400, essentially the same gun, in 12/308 and the other 300 series in 12/222. A 35-30 would be something quite a bit different...a 12/35 Rem Rimmed...lol...a mild-mannered thumper out to 125 yards.

Years ago I had a 412 Valmet '06 O/U set re-chambered for 300 H&H FM, just for schidts and giggles.

OK..OK...I'll go back on my meds!

Your logic makes sense, go ahead and do it! Sounds like a fun project to load for....

You don't need meds you just need another gun. The formula is N=1. N is the guns you have and ………. But the 35-30 sounds like an excellent and well though out device. But it is awfully practical. My 412 has a 12 Ga and a 9.3X74 set. My practical side says to make a squirrel load with a cast Makarov bullet. I just haven't done it yet. Please let us know what you come up with. I have a couple of JES rebores I bought used. Both guns shoot quite well and the rifling has a crisp look that I find pleasing. Be Well, Rustyzipper.

zipper

I had some 412s in 9.3X74R back when I was still a strong guy and loved them. My first was a special close out from Cape Outfitters when Don was still alive. It was actually the early Tikka manufactured guns. It was 12/9,3X74R with double triggers. I took it to Tanzania in 2000 on a buffalo hunt and to Zimbabwe for a kudu. It kept the kitchen supplied with francolin and Guinea, and was a delight to carry. It was somewhat lighter than the Finnish Valmets. I added a set of the Lothar Walther DR barrels in double 9,3.

The 412 guns became just too heavy for me a few years ago, and I went to the somewhat lighter 300 series guns. They're not as strong, but I'm not shooting 9,3s now.

I saw you use Makarov bullets for plinkers. I've used the Hoenady .365 95gr jacketed bullets for several years in my 9,3X62 and in several 9,3X72R guns I once had. I simply loaded a healthy measured scoop of Trail Boss for under the Makarov bullets. They work GREAT and make an excellent small game load.

So solly. The formula is N+1= the number of guns you need. N being the number you now have. I hope after I die they look everywhere for the N's. You never know where someone might leave a gun. Did you shoot a buff with the 9.3X74? Be Well, Rustyzipper.

I did with the BBF, while francolin hunting.

I decided I'm going to sell the 22 HP gun. With one in 308 and one in 222 I really have no use for the HP.

It'll come with about 160 rounds of ammo and Leupold rings for the Sako-type integral bases.

I wish I could have you send it. But I found a bucket list gun and it will be my only major rifle purchase for a few years. Be Well, Rustyzipper.