Marlin 336 in 30-30 and cast bullets

[Jruby38]

You can't beat 170 grain Remington Core lock factory ammo for 30 30 deer. The cheapest and worry free part of a hunt.

[DeadWoodDan]

Ranch Dog aka Michael was an authority on Marlin rifles and cast. He worked with or was associated I believe with LEE molds. You can find him at Rossi Rifleman site. If you really want that Marlin to shoot cast just ask him.
DWD

[Jkrem]

I had good experience with a Lyman 31141 sized .309 and Unique in both a 1970s 336, and a 1950s 94. They were a bit hard to chamber in the 94, but fed and shot just fine in the 336. Lube was Alox.

[Thumbcocker]

What is a reasonable expectation for accuracy with a microgroove 336 scope sighted with cast boolits at hunting velocity?

[Hickory]

I really like the 30-30 in my Marlin and have used it in 6 states and Canada, however, here in Ohio it is not allowed as a legal caliber for deer.
I sent mine off to JES and had a caliber change (38-55) I still can use it in many, if not all states and Canada.

[sghart3578]

Lots of misinformation about cast bullets in microgroove barrels, especially on the afore mentioned forum.

Here are some links to read:

http://www.lasc.us/FryxellMarlin-MicroGroove.htm

https://castbulletassoc.org/blog/art...groove-barrels

In my microgroove 30-30 I get outstanding accuracy with a 150 gr GC bullet loaded over 3031. My microgroove 357 mag is an excellent shooter also. And so are all of my microgroove model 60's and model 39's.

Try it, you'll like it.


Steve in N CA

[metricmonkeywrench]

Out at the range today messing with the Marlin and 2 cast boolits, the 311291 gas checked over 3031 sized to .311 is looking pretty good. Unfortunately the 308241 sized to .309 or .311 over unique shoots minute of aircraft carrier so I'm not to sure where to go with that one.

[mvozz]

I have been shooting cast through several 30-30s for a while now. I started out using a Lyman 311041 that was designed for the 30-30. I load it with 8 grains of Trail Boss and everyone that shoots it just falls in love with that boolit. The only problem I have with the 336 is that the boolit is just a little too long and won't chamber smoothly. I have to just wiggle the lever a bit to get it to chamber. My Winchester just gobbles them up but I do have to say that the 336 seems to be just a bit more accurate at 50 yards.

[leadhead 500]

I shoot the Rcbs 150-FN in my Marlin 336W with Imr 4895 and size them to .310. Here is a 3 shot group at 75 yards using a 3-9 power scope

[catboat]

Alternative load until you get your cast bullets squared away...

.308" Speer 170 grain flat point /32 grains Win 748.

Shoots near moa in my 30-30 Marlin 336a micro-groove ( 24" barrel, 1976 vintage).

For cast bullet mold: consider NOE Ranchdog 165-170 grain .311" , with wide meplate.