[JVReich]

Hi Gang, my first post here so bear with me. I recently inherited my great grandpas .30-30. As far as I know it hasn’t been shot in probably 60years. I know it hasn’t as long as I have been alive. (42 years). The serial number shows it was manufactured in 1904. I’m curious if it would be safe to use with modern ammo?

Some pics.

 

[JVReich]

Ttt

 

[mm93]

It's probably unlikely anyone can look at your pictures and tell you if your 1893 Marlin is safe to shoot with any ammo; modern or not. It's best to take it to a local gunsmith and have him check it to ensure it's in good working order.
If it is in good working order it will handle modern smokeless ammo. That's not to say I'd shoot a steady diet of jacketed modern ammo, as I don't in my guns. But it is a Smokeless Steel barrel, and made for that ammo.

 

[FordTruck]

I'm with mm93. Gotta love a square bolt.

 

[41magnum]

I'D have headspace checked out. If that's O.K, send a few bullets down the barrel

 

[Goldtrigger]

I concur about having a "competent" gunsmith giving it a once over.

Plenty of Marlin owners here that would probably give their eye teeth for a find like that.

 

[41magnum]

Any 30-30 Cal rifle is compatible with modern smokeless powders. You would be best served using the starting loads listed in the manuals. I wouldn't be afraid to use common factory loads from the big makers. Don't use hot rod reloads, or Buffalo Bore type +P loads.