centershot
09-30-2013, 08:25 PM
Frustration. The dictionary defines it as "Expecting accuracy while shooting 158 gr. cast bullets from a Marlin 1894 .357 carbine." Well, it seems that way, anyway. I know I'm not alone in my pursuit, others here and on other forums have expressed similar frustrations. What I don't understand is "Why?". 180 gr. cast bullets work great, as do 158 gr. jacketed bullets. From my results I know that the rifling (6-groove Ballard) will stabilize 158 gr. jacketed bullets at any reasonable velocity (800 to 1800 fps). I know that the rifling will also stabilize 180 gr. cast bullets at any reasonable velocity, up to around 1700 fps. It's not a "rifling thing". Hard or soft, this gun groups 158 gr. cast into 5" at 50 yds. Jacketed 158's go into a 1" jagged hole at the same range. ???????????????????? The bullets I am using are RNFP profile, both ACWW & WDWW. They cast at .360", I size to .358", the bore slugs .3562". 50-50 Alox & beeswax lube (Javelina). As I said, I have tried velocities from 800 to 1800 fps, powders were Bullseye, 231, Unique, Blue Dot, 2400. It's not that I haven't put some effort into this. No, I haven't tried gascheck bullets, the 180 grainers I shot were PB and were loaded to 1700 fps with good accuracy, don't see a need for GC's on the 158's, but might have to go that route eventually.
OK, range outing this AM.............well, I shot a 5 shot group at 50 yds., 3 shots into 1" and 2 more opens the group to 4". One of the fliers was the first shot, it hit 2" higher than point of aim. After checking that shot in the spotting scope I proceeded to shoot the other 4 without looking through the spotter again. I'm convinced that there is hope here, gonna' need to do more tinkering. Here's the load data so far: 158 gr. RNFP (actually 161 Gr.) cast of COWW and water dropped. As cast diameter is .360", bore slugs .3562". Pan lubed with Javelina 50-50 Alox-beeswax lube, bullets were not sized, they were shot as-cast. Loaded in W-W cases with CCI mag primers, 13.5 gr of #2400. Feeds and chambers flawlessly. No indications of excessive pressures.
I'm going to work the powder charge first, before I change lubes or play with bullet diameter. If anyone has a better plan, feel free to drop a note here! I'm off to tinker.................
OK, range outing this AM.............well, I shot a 5 shot group at 50 yds., 3 shots into 1" and 2 more opens the group to 4". One of the fliers was the first shot, it hit 2" higher than point of aim. After checking that shot in the spotting scope I proceeded to shoot the other 4 without looking through the spotter again. I'm convinced that there is hope here, gonna' need to do more tinkering. Here's the load data so far: 158 gr. RNFP (actually 161 Gr.) cast of COWW and water dropped. As cast diameter is .360", bore slugs .3562". Pan lubed with Javelina 50-50 Alox-beeswax lube, bullets were not sized, they were shot as-cast. Loaded in W-W cases with CCI mag primers, 13.5 gr of #2400. Feeds and chambers flawlessly. No indications of excessive pressures.
I'm going to work the powder charge first, before I change lubes or play with bullet diameter. If anyone has a better plan, feel free to drop a note here! I'm off to tinker.................