accuracy load for .32 Spec. in M 336

[wmitty]

I have a '52 model 336 in .32 Special and need some help with accuracy loading using the RCBS .32-170 boolet. Lands/grooves are .314"/.318" and the RCBS mould drops 'em at .324" I am sizing to .321 and lubing with Lars red lube. Am I expecting too much with such an oversize boolet? I have gone thru Re-7 loadings at 24-27 grains and IMR 3031 at 27- 29 grains. Any suggestions on a powder to try for accuracy load? I still have not tried h-335, 4895 or 2400 which I do have.

[izzyjoe]

with the 32 special look for some BLC-2, it's the only thing i've had good luck with. but that was using j-bullets a few years back.

[Guesser]

I load an LBT 150 gr. cast over SR4759, works well for me in an old Marlin and a very late Model '94 Winchester.

[OnHoPr]

Are you saying that your groove depth is only .002 or your land height is only .002? From your measurement of .314"/.318".

[jtaylor1960]

H-4895 is my favorite in the 32 Special. I use 32.0grs. with both the RCBS and Ranch Dog bullets for a full power hunting load.

[mainiac]

I have a 1952 marlin myself,its the most accurate levergun i own,hands down.
Mine has a .320 groove,and .313 on the lands.I size mine to .321,use h-335 powder,and surpass factory velocities.Use the rcbs boolit,and win wlr primer in win brass. The accuracy load does 2170 f.p.s. average,and is about book max load.

[wmitty]

thanks for the replies/ pointers!

OnHoPr: I realize these land/ groove dimensions sound pretty shakey, but I'm using a mike with a .0001" vernier. I reckon' the land height is only .002". The land width is wide enough to allow measuring the land dia. with a standard 1" mike.

[sundog]

My accuracy load in a Mdl 94 is with the RCBS 32-170-FN and a stiff charge of 3031 for about 2150 fps. Accuracy is better than factory jacketed. I've also used the RD boolit, and I know if I fiddled around with that one it would also be a superb performer -- just need a little time with. I've used the RCBS for so long, it's just a standard 'go-to'. Years ago I fiddled around with some WC844(PD) and results are on castpics. As always, some of the pistol/shotgun powders such as Rd or Grn Dot, Unique, and Herco can yield some very accurate lower velocity loads that are not quite so heavy on recoil -- making for a full day of fun shooting charging beer cans!

[Chill Wills]

Sorry somehow I posted twice

[Chill Wills]

While not having any first-hand information to share with the Marlin, 15-20 years ago I had great accuracy with the RCBS bullet in a Winchester 94 Carbine made sometime during WWII. I did not try a lot of powders because both 3031 and my go to powder, Reloader-7 worked so well. I cast the RCBS bullet with WW +1% Sn and dropped them into water right out of the mould. They where sized and GC'ed with LBT Blue at .321"

I did not get fancy with this rifle and load because it was just a under-loved truck gun for me. ...and it shot so well from the start that there was no point messing with it more. I did remove the barrel sight and installed the Lyman tang which helped the groups a lot. I eventually traded off the rifle for a 1911 and some dollars and now I am looking for a M-1894 32 Special in Rifle configuration (26 inch barrel) for the Lever Silhouette game. Heck, I have the dies and mould!
Pricey! I'll have one someday....
Respectfully

[OnHoPr]

Just trying a few suggestions. Try a slower powder such as 4350 for that easier push, a possible easier solution. Get the barrels grooves cut deeper to specs, a very possible cure all. Get a Lee or accurate mould and have the drive bands cut to your barrels specs, a maybe specialized format.


How about trying to paper patch a .312 boolit for that barrel. You could try and customize the diameter up to your barrels needs.

[Chill Wills]

wmitty,
Sorry, I reread your question and I wasn't much help. I just went off on my own story.
A few things I would add to the already good advice.
Check the crown for damage. Do this by looking at it with magnifier and also use a cotton Q-tip by running it around the crown and see if the crown picks up a fiber or two some ware.
Another thing you might check is if the buttstock is loose fitting, are all the stock screws snugged up.
The next item that can really wreck accuracy is a damaged or broken firing pin. With a broken firing pin many times a rifle will continue to fire like nothing is wrong bit the accuracy is poor.

Last, I would try a small casting run of soft alloy like 50-1 lead tin of even pure lead. Load then over a very fast powder. -Unique, 700X, Bulls Eye, Red-dot or whatever you have- Check a loading book for a safe starting load for this fast powder or a bit more. Often a load like this will shoot in a barrel with odd dimensions and will give you an idea if this barrel even has a chance of working out for you. If not you are looking at relining or getting rid of the rifle.

Good luck!