Anyone shooting boolits through a new 336 XLR?

[Marlin Junky]

I'm just looking for info on the 336 XLR in 30-30. According to Marlin's website, the twist is 1:12 which is good, but how's the rifling configured? I want to do 2500 fps with 150's so I'm being particular before I buy. I don't have a problem heating things up with pre-micro 336's but that old Ballard rifling seems to love cast.

Thanks,
MJ

[mack1]

I have not tryed cast yet but I think my 308 marlin express would fit that bill

[Marlin Junky]

Just for the time being I'm going to assume the .308ME uses the same barrel as the 30-30 (since they have the same twist).

Have you slugged your .308ME barrel yet? If so, what are the bore and groove diameters? How many grooves does it have?

MJ

P.S. Oh yeah, and what are their current 30-30 throats like? Short, long, non-existent?

Thank you!

[markinalpine]

From their web-site, the barrel description: "24" stainless steel barrel with Ballard-type rifling."
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/xlr/336.asp
Mark :coffeecom

[mack1]

have not slugged the bore yet but will try thisweeked. My barrel is ballard rifled.

[mack1]

308 Marlin exp XLR bore .309 lands .301 as best as I can measure. Seems to be the same at both ends.

[Marlin Junky]

Thank you Mack1. Can you please count the grooves?

Thanks again,
MJ

[softpoint]

I have one of the 336 XLR in 30-30. I shortened the barrel to 20 inches, and it does very well with cast bullets, however I am not pushing them but about 1600 fs. and they are the RCBS 180 gr. configuration. That barrel was just too long for a 30-30 to my liking.

[mack1]

forgot this in earlier post 6 grooves

[Marlin Junky]

mack1,
Thank you for the help... I'm pretty sure I want an XLR now. There are no gun stores nearby (mostly home based FFL's out here) so this is a purchase I need to make sight unseen. Would you mind putting your unscoped XLR on the scale and letting me know how much it weighs? Those laminated stocks can be a bit on the heavy side.

Softpoint,
Even with a 24" barrel, the rifle still has an overall length approx. equal to a short action bolt gun with a 22" barrel. I'm getting over 2100 fps from my Ballard rifled 336A ("G" serial number) with RCBS 30-180FN weighing up to 200 grains when cast in 50/50 alloy and HT'd. I like the 24" barrel; however, a hooded front sight is a must. It's not as loud as my '94 carbine either. Target shooting is easier too with the front sight out there another 4"... you're probably not as far sighted as I am though.

MJ

[mack1]

I will weigh mine, but it will be a few days before I can get it to a scale. It is heavier than a carbine seems about the same as a guide gun.

[mack1]

marlin 308MXLR weighs in at 7lb 4 oz. I did not remove the scope and rings so weighed same scope and rings and did the math. weighed 8ld 9 oz with leupold 3-9 with leupold mount and rings