Lee C430-310-RF boolit in my 1894 Marlin

[DanM]

This sexy boolit does well in my 629 and Contender, but the near WFN profile is a problem in the 1894 Marlin. I seat them out to the rear crimp groove for the pistols, but that length won't begin to feed in the levergun. When seated in to the front groove they still have a catch when feeding. The carrier pops that flat nose up too high, and it catches on the chamber mouth. I have to lower the lever some to let the boolit fall a little, and then I can close the action. This 'double pump' is annoying, and seating the boolit shorter increases pressure enough to crater primers with this load. So, I will need to work up a softer load for the deeper seated boolits. I have seen an article on modifying the Marlin carrier for longer boolits, but have lost the link. I am thinking that some of yall have been through this process, and can pass on some advice before I start filing metal. From what I remember, the stop on the carrier has to be set back enough for the boolit nose to clear. I wonder if I will be able to work the carrier enough to feed the longer seated pistol loads? Who had done this already?

[JDL]

I believe I have read the same thing but, can't remember where. I have an 1894 manufactored in 1978 and it feeds this boolit seated to the rear crimp groove fine. -JDL

[dubber123]

I spoke to Clements Custom Guns about this modification, and he was willing to do the work for a very reasonable fee. I believe he said he thought this was a problem particular to the newer Marlins.

[Mallard57]

http://www.marauder.homestead.com/files/TUNING_M_1894.htm (http://www.marauder.homestead.com/files/TUNING_M_1894.htm)

[Ranch Dog]

DanM...

I replied to your email. Personally, I wouldn't modify your rifle. I'd find another boolit.

[slughammer]

... I have seen an article on modifying the Marlin carrier for longer boolits, but have lost the link. I am thinking that some of yall have been through this process, and can pass on some advice before I start filing metal. From what I remember, the stop on the carrier has to be set back enough for the boolit nose to clear. I wonder if I will be able to work the carrier enough to feed the longer seated pistol loads? Who had done this already?


Here you go.

http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=7750

[DanM]

Thanks all....I will look into this further. Was thinking about enlarging this mold to about .432 for this rifle. Would likely shoot a little better in other guns too. Slughammer, that is the link I was looking for....

[DanM]

Well....I guess I won't be enlarging this mold. I finally slugged the Marlin, and it is
.429". I had read about most being larger, but this one is just right....