Marlins and cast bullets. How good has yours been? [Archive]

Whit Spurzon

02-27-2008, 11:06 AM

I have two 30-30, 336's with Microgroove and a 336CB with Ballard. Both of the MG 336's shoot cast bullets (Laser-Cast 170's .310 and a RN 165ish friend cast mostly) as well or better than Jacketed bullets. Velocity ranges from 900-1500 all seem to do well. I haven't yet tried to go higher.

The 336 CB with Ballard is more finicky than the others and more susceptible to leading, especially with bullets sized <.310.

My 1895's all have ballard. All shoot Lead and Jacketed bullets very well.

My 1894 in 45 Colt with Ballard likes the Hornady XTP slightly better than my cast loads.

Maineboy

02-27-2008, 11:25 AM

I have an 1895 with Ballard rifling that shoots cast extremely well with both mild and wild loads. I also have a pre micro-groove 336 30-30 that shoots cast boolits fairly well, but is not as accurate as my 1894 Winchester. While the accuracy in that gun is acceptable, I expected better and am a bit disappointed.

xtimberman

02-27-2008, 12:01 PM

I've had very good results with two Lyman gas-check bullets in a pair of Marlin 1893s with standard cut rifling, a rifle and a SRC: #311291 and #31141. Both bullets have nominal weights of ~170gr. and these leverguns seem to prefer that weight over the 150gr. bullets I've tried.

I've also had good results with Lyman #311157, a FN plain-base bullet of ~ 170gr. when loading milder rounds.

xtm

6pt-sika

02-27-2008, 12:26 PM

Lets see , it's easier for me to say what I haven't tried with Marlin's and cast .

I have yet to shoot any cast in the 219 Zipper or 308 Marlin Express . And I have yet to acquire an original 1895 in 45-90 . But other then those three I have tried cast in just about every other caliber they chambered a conventional lever action for . In both Micro and Ballard rifled versions .

I doubt if I ever will with either of the 308 EX's , but I may very well try something in my 219 Zipper when Ranch Dog comes out with a bullet for it !

Incidently , I was not much on shooting cast in micro barrels until I started fooling with Ranch Dog's bullet design's :drinks:

My results with micro barrels in 30-30 , 356 , 375 , 444 and 45-70 have been very good . And again they were all shooting the RD bullets , which is not to say others will not shoot . But these happened to be here and available to me , so that was where I started !

Bullshop Junior

02-27-2008, 01:01 PM

My old marlin pre micro groove would hold them under 4' at 100 yard with full power. With plinking/Rabbit loads I could shoot them alot better, But that that time I was small (10), and did not like the recoil. Now I cant find anything I dont like. But some I only shoot once, but that is all you need. Now back to marlin. My second marlin was another pre micro groove 30/30. Nether one was drilled and tapped, and I had got the 30/30 to put a scope on and use sabots. I wanted to shoot coyotes with is. Well I could not put a scope on it, and it did not like FLGC or sabots. But man that thing shot cast good! I could hold then under a inch at 35 yards off hand With the 115gn NEI and 10gn of IMR-sr4756. They made a nice pair. The 30/30 had full length tube, and the 35 rem had a short one. Did that keep my from liking them? NO SIR! I liked them just fine. I kind of miss the 30/30. Not the 35 rem so much, but then again I shot the 30/30 alot more, and it was lighter and I could hold it alot better. I cant remember ever shooting full power out of my 30/30 so I cant tell you how it did with full power, But the 35 rem did count out a moose for me. I am thinking about with in the next year buying a Marlin 45/70, But right now I am saving for a savage 7-08 that I am going to set up for sniping. Tactical scope, by pods. Hope you guys all enjoy your marlins like I did mine.
BIC/Daniel/BS Jr.

pdawg_shooter

02-27-2008, 02:35 PM

After five years of trying I have finally found THE load for my Marlin 1895g. Does everything I want done and is still shootable. I started with new Remington brass, annealed the first ¾ inch using the melted lead method, belled with a Lee expander and primed with CCI 200. The powder charge is 52gr AA 2495. I started with 48 and worked up with no signs of pressure. This is a compressed load, even using a 16 inch drop tube. The magic bullet is cast in a Lyman 451114 mould. The alloy is 17 parts pure lead, 2 ½ parts linotype, and ½ part tin. The bullet drops from the mould .451, 430gr and is ready for patching. I make my patches from 16lb green bar computer paper, cut 2.750 long on a 60* angle 1.500 high. I dip in water and wrap twice around the bullet. They are left to dry overnight, then lubed with BAC. Then the tails are clipped and the bullet is run through a .459 Lee sizing die. I seat them to an OCL of 2.580. These shoot clover leaf groups at 25 yards and into 1.75 at 100. This is with a Lyman 66 rear sight and factory front sight. Not bad for 55 year old eyes. Bullet performance on game is all one could ask for. I’ll not quit experimenting, but how does one improve on perfection?

KYCaster

02-27-2008, 02:45 PM

336 MG...35 Rem....RCBS 200 FP...ACWW.

At 2050 fps. with WC846 it consistantly does 1.75" at 100, slightly better with IMR 3031.

Jerry

lovedogs

02-27-2008, 07:23 PM

I've only got one Marlin, to my dismay. It's a 1894 Cowboy .44 and I must have lucked out 'cuz it's a real shooter. It shoots jacketed real good. And it also shoots the Saeco 250 gr. RNFPGC into an even inch at 100 yds. I use Lar's 50/50 lube and 23 gr. H110 for just over 1800 FPS. Of course, it's got Ballard rifling.

mj2evans

02-27-2008, 07:52 PM

I have only just started casting but my 30AS (micro groove) 30-30 with 10 grains Unique and 170 Lee bullet at .311" did as well or better then store bought j-word bullets. Friend at the range was shocked it did so well first time out. Recoil is very low, its quiet, cheap, and accurate (under 2" at 50 yds with a hard trigger). Results were so good I am ordering a Wild West trigger to see if I can cut that group size.

Maven

02-27-2008, 08:44 PM

DN, I used to have 2 Marlin #336, a .30-30Win. and a .45-70, both with Microgroove rifling. The .30-30, since sold, was a bit particular about the CB's it liked, or rather those it didn't like. My best results were obtained with Lyman #311466 and Saeco #315 sized to .310" and seated over 16gr. WC 820 or the equivalent. In the .45-70, I use only plain-based CB's and get wonderful accuracy with a variety of them, including the Lee 340gr. & 405gr. HB. The powders I've used include Unique (13gr.), WC 820 (17 & 18grs.), IMR 4198 (27gr.), AA 5744 (27gr.) and AA 2015BR (32 & 33gr.). Here's a photo that I've posted before of 50yd. results with a LBT bullet sized to .459" (as are all my CB's for this rifle).

405

02-27-2008, 10:32 PM

Well,
Marlin 94 carbine in 357 Mag. with Microgroove. It's the only "modern" lever I have and have not done a great deal of "spearamintin" with it yet. Picked it up in unfired condition about a month ago. Seems to function fine but kinda rough around the edges but no lawyer special attachments- just plain jane.

It likes 140 - 158 swaged pistol bullets by Hornady. With light to med loads of Trailboss or Unique will do around .75-1.00 " at fifty with the open sights.

It likes 125 JHPs over light loads of 2400. It does not like heavier loads with that bullet and powder!

So far it's an easy shooter and is a 50 yard gun .... not a 100 yard gun.

When I first looked at all the tool marks in the bore.... thought UH OH! This is going to be a leading, fouling nightmare. But so far the microgroove is one of the easiest to keep clean.... very little fouling, very little leading, no copper fouling even after the hotter JBullet loads. Nice surprise!

The Nyack Kid

02-28-2008, 01:12 AM

I've got two Marlin leverguns the first i bought is a 1894 in 44mag . it has difficalties feeding SWCs but it likes Saeco #429 a 240 gr rnfp with 20grs of 2400 .
my second Marlins is a Pre-mircogrove 336A in 30-30 . i have so many 30cal boolit molds that i haven't had a chance to try them all out yet . however lymans 311041 has shown lots of promise .

VTDW

02-28-2008, 07:57 AM

Both my .444s are MG and I got rid of my Marlin .444s with Ballard. I have been shooting hardcast for several years now starting with Marshall Stanton's .44 Caliber 290 gr. LFN GC and progressing to casting my own from Ranch Dog's molds. Outstanding accuracy (literally sub MOA) with these hardcast boolits and several boolit/powder combinations. It takes a bit of patience and thoughtful observation but the MG are great for shooting hardcast boolits.

Dave

Dale53

02-28-2008, 12:57 PM

Maven;
That is a terrible waste of target paper. You've got all the holes in one place. HUH!!:mrgreen: (You should spread them out a bit and use ALL of the paper[smilie=1: - isn't that the way it's done?).

I have a Marlin 45/70 and with the Lee 340 gr ahead of an appropriate charge of 4198 or RL-7 I get 1.5" groups (five shots) at 100 yards. Works for me...

However, I have a new Ranch Dog mould that I am itching to try out and will do so when spring shows its face around here. Ranch Dog has had wonderful results with his Marlins and his bullet designs. You might want to check his stuff out:

http://www.ranchdogmolds.com/

Dale53

Just Duke

02-29-2008, 01:28 AM

Thanks that answers alot of questions.
I have 2 SS Marlin 45-70 XLR's on the way for the wife and I. We are having the barrels cut down to 20 in. and the mag tubes extended. Moulds are in route from LBT in 500 grainers. Even thinking about a 510 tool also. We are up to 4 5gallon buckets of wheel weights.
Thanks again,
Duke and TGITPT

Ranch Dog

02-29-2008, 08:36 AM

I shoot a bunch with both types of barrels, I don't see the difference. Overall, one Marlin that seems to have an issue with the Micro-Groove vs. Ballard is the 1894P(G). This arm went from the MG to the B while retaining the 1:38 twist and just about everyone I've asked comments that the performance is awful. I think there is a post by 44Man and Lloyd Smale to that regard. As soon as I can find one, I'm going to buy one and dissect it to see what is wrong.

Here is what I'm shooting with cast... all my bullets:

Glenfield 30, 30-30 Win, B
336A, 30-30 AI, B
308MX, 308ME, B
336D, 35 Rem, MG (barrel is marked Ballard but it is not)
336SC, 35 Rem, B
336ER, 356 Win, MG
375, 375 Win, MG
336-44, 44 Mag, MG
444P, 444 Marlin, B
444T, 444 Marlin, MG
1895G, 45-70 Govt., B
1895MR, 450 Marlin, B

JayinAZ

03-01-2008, 02:19 AM

Does anyone know the rate of twist in the 1894FG (.41 magnum)?

Great site, I've been lurking for a while :)

MtGun44

03-01-2008, 03:04 AM

My SS GG loves the RCBS 405 GC and hates the 405 Lee.

Bill

centershot

03-01-2008, 11:14 AM

I'm shooting an 1894C with Williams receiver sight, Load is 11.0 gr. #2400 with a 180 gr. TCBB purchased from Penn Bullets. It develops around 1400 fps and gives an honest 1.25" group @ 100 yds. I use it mainly for cowboy lever-action silhouette competition, but I also load it with a Hornady 180 gr XTP HP over 14.0 gr of L'il Gun for hunting. That load shoots to almost identically the same point of aim, it's close enough that I won't even consider readjusting the sights. YMMV. Both of those loads are very accurate!

I also have an 1894 44 mag that I'm still experimenting with. So far, my best load is 24.0 gr of #296 with a 240 gr TCBB that I got from Penn Bullets. At 100 yds it gives me 2" groups with receiver sights.

centershot

Chuck 100 yd

03-01-2008, 05:55 PM

My 1950 Marlin 336A .30-30 (Ballard rifled) , 311041 WW+tin sized .3095 with 18 gr. IMR 4198 at 1595 fps. 50 yd,target w/irons
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c356/chuckleininger/IMG_1138.jpg

My Marlin 336 SC .35 Rem (Ballard rifled) Lyman 200 gr. RN sized .359, WW+tin IMR 4198 , 50yd. w/irons
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c356/chuckleininger/IMG_1143.jpg

Marlin 1895 Cowboy .45-70 (Ballard rifled)RCBS 325 gr GC RNFP sized .359, WW+tin 14 gr.Trail Boss.1150 fps .50yd. w/irons
(Super sweet plinking load, kicks like a .22 rimfire)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c356/chuckleininger/IMG_1334.jpg

Have fun:-D

Marlin Junky

03-01-2008, 06:20 PM

Your .35 has the older ('49-'50) lever left over from the M36 line. Is that an original .35 and is the date code a "G"? I've found plenty of .30's with that lever but never a pre-55 .35.

MJ

MakeMineA10mm

03-02-2008, 12:01 AM

I've got a stainless 1894 in 44 Mag (I think it's Ballard-style rifling) that shoots cast just wonderfully! Haven't shot much else in it. The buddy I bought if from ran a few boxes of Blazer 240gr JHPs through it, and those are the last jacketed bullets it ever saw... Currently, I'm using it to introduce new shooters to centerfire rifle and cowboy shooting. I load a 210gr RNFP w/ HUGE lube groove (it's designed for black powder, but in this caliber I only load smokeless) with 5.6grs of W231, and it shoots cloverleafs at 25 yards. This rifle shoots full-power loads very accurately too. I haven't put it on paper yet, but we shot it last winter and when we got tired of busting clays thrown out on the snow, we shot at a 1.5" steel pipe at about 80 yards, and we were hitting it 4 out of 5 shots. This was in 15-degree weather.

My 444 Marlin is an older Micro-Groove rifle. I've been "upgrading" it this winter. I got a new receiver rear sight, and bought one of Boomer Mikey's 285gr RNFP-GC group buy moulds. We'll see how it shoots when I get done with the project, probably this Summer or Fall. In factory-form, it has shot so-so... Depends on the load. It did not like my light, medium, or hot loads with the Lyman-Thompson 429244 SWC-GC bullet. 'Course, that's not really a boolit designed for levers shooting that fast... That's the only cast boolit I've shot in it. Need to experiment with boolits from that Boomer Mikey mould; they look ideal for this application. Oh, btw, this rifle shoots FINE with 240gr through 300gr jacketed bullets. Haven't hardly found a bad load with them yet.

Chuck 100 yd

03-02-2008, 07:26 PM

Malin Junky , Yes it is origional I would have to go to my shop to get tha date code but I believe it is a 1950. I got it from a collector in Indiana off GunBroker and it is in about 95%+ condition and as you can see a real shooter. Also NOT for sale!!!.:-D

johnly

03-02-2008, 09:24 PM

My Marlin 336A delivers supurb accuracy with cast bullets. Chack out this group:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=24067

This load chronoed 1500 fps.

John

Just Duke

03-02-2008, 09:37 PM

I took my 50's era Marlin 336A out to the range yesterday to try out some 220 grain GC bullets cast in a NEI mold. 17 grains of H4227 delivered so-so results, but the group shot with 30 grains of 4320 punched this excellent group at 100 yards.

John

HOLY CRAP! That is amazing John. Looks like I need a couple 35 Remingtons too.
That is a great thread for anyone that has a chance to view it.

It's a 35 Remington
http://http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5924&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1199747009

dukers65

03-03-2008, 10:03 AM

my marlin 45/70 micro groove just will not group lead,but it will do great with 300 gr jacketed over RL7.
on the other hand my buffalo hunter really likes 405gr cast on top of 3031. still considering sending the gun back to marlin to have a ballerd rifling barrel installed. also may try some
blackpowder loads in the buffalo hunter. dan

VTDW

03-03-2008, 10:16 AM

dukers65,

Your rifle will shoot lead if it shoots condoms. Drop me an e-mail and let's talk. That is if you really wish to shoot cast boolits from that big bore of yours.

Dave

GSPKurt

03-03-2008, 01:27 PM

Marlin Junky

03-03-2008, 03:52 PM

dukers65

03-04-2008, 05:28 PM

howdy kurt.

VTDW, my email is drd5050@aol.com. thank you for the offer. dan

Curtis44

03-04-2008, 08:42 PM

No MG' s here. I have had good luck with the following:

M-95 (new model):
338 hp (Gould) 23.0g 2400 + 1.0 g dacron: 1 to 2" @100yd
415 Lyman 457193 5.0 SR 5759+54FG+2 0.30 cards: 1 to 2" @100yd
385gc Lyman 457383 48.0 IMR 3031: 2to 3" @ 100yd.
303 Lyman 457191 15.0 Unique: 1 to 2" @100yd

All bullets sized .459 and lubed with Lyman BP gold

M-1894 44-40 (Original)
214 RCBS rnfp 11.0 herco: 2" @50yd:
210 RNFP 34 FFG + 1/8 cork wad: 2" @50yd:

M-1894 38-40 (Original)
177 RCBS SWC 5,5 700X: 1-2" @50yd:

seabreeze133

03-10-2008, 10:51 PM

See my post under the 44 mag above this post.

Chuck 100 yd

03-10-2008, 11:32 PM

Marlin Junky.. Yes it`s an SC. :-D

Marlin Junky

03-11-2008, 07:39 PM

Chuck,

I like my H serial number 336A, but I'm still on the look out for a Pre-'55 SC in NRA Excellent condition. Congratulations on your find.

MJ

seabreeze133

03-11-2008, 10:21 PM

My 1972 444s will put 5 into .375 off a bench (ouch) and a scope (cheap one) at 50 yds. 52 gr H335, R-P brass, WLR and a 290 gr Beartooth bullet sized .432. Microgroove.

As soon as the work allows, I will try the Ranch Dog 265 mould sized .432. And........same boolit in my SBH 4 5/8".

Cheers.

Don

44 flattop

03-12-2008, 12:21 AM

45-70 MG--RCBS405 and Unique does 1"@75 Yards with 3X scope.

2 Marlin Cowboys .44 mag Ballard--Does well with about anything. Cast at 1000fps up to 1900fps with Lyman receiver sights will stay inside 1" at 50 yards and inside 2" @100 yards.

Marlin Cowboy 38-55--280gr cast @ 1800fps stays inside 2" @100 yards using a 2x-7x scope.

1978 Marlin .357--Only used 158 gr Remington JSP's with 17.1grs W296 for 30 years. Stays inside 1" at 100 yards with 3 shot groups.

44:castmine:

Newtire

03-12-2008, 08:37 AM

Marlin .444 Micro-groove has never given me any trouble with cast boolits. Only had severe leading one time and that was with a bunch of Laser-cast I bought at a gun show before I knew any better and they were sized .429".

It is funny how people believe that micro-groove won't shoot. They obviously just never tried it!

Three44s

03-13-2008, 12:57 AM

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm

Click on "book" on the left bar ........ Fourteen bucks postage paid well spent!!

Three 44s

45r

03-16-2008, 07:22 PM

My 357CB turned in a quarter inch 3 shot group at 50 yards today and I'm happy with the way it shoots cast boolits using 14.0 grains H-110 under a MTN Mold 185GC ogival flatpoint sized .359 in a lee push through and lubed in a rcbs lubrisizer.My Mtn Mold 180 secant PB boolits turned in half inch groups with 13.4 H-110.I have found that I have to hold my levergun a certain way every time to get it to shoot this well.I use a front rest and rabbit ears but hold the rifle kinda loose and the same way I would in the field.I rest the back of my forward hand on the front rest and only let the rear stock lay on the bunny bag just enough to hold the cross-hairs steady.I've done a lot of fore-end work on it also so it won't bind up anywhere also.I didn't think I could get the rifle to shoot this well at first but after putting a lot of time into it I really like leverguns and want a 35 Rem or 444 Marlin next.The 185GC boolits shoot half inch groups consistantly and does a number on rabbits.I wish Marlin would bring out new guide guns in 35 Rem or 444 Marlin with 20 inch barrels and a full length tube like my CB.

srayc

05-14-2008, 01:01 PM

My Marlin 336A delivers supurb accuracy with cast boolits. I launch 190 NEI gr. a 180gr Mtn Molds boolit and a 130gr NEI boolit.

muleequestrian

05-16-2008, 10:24 PM

I shoot a stainless steel finish Marlin Guide Gun with a scout scope in .45-70. I'm loading a 525 grain slug from Beartooth Bullets. Powder charge is 41 grains of IMR-4198.... it's deadly accurate, but it kills on both ends !! I use it on Maine black bears.... they don't go very far when hit. Like smacking them with a sledgehammer.

charger 1

05-17-2008, 04:01 AM

Please tell which Marlin and what bullet you used. Ballard or Micro Groove
Accuracy?
TIA

Marlin 1895 45/70's with Ballard have caught on real big up here Duke. To the point where a saying among shooters has taken birth"If your worried about how your guns are going to perform at the range on any given day, just bring yer marlin, it'll be a good day then" Its true. Those little buggers will shoot jelly beans into 1/2 moa all day. Some are slightly better or worse, some vary slightly with ammo, but they are all a rock. Its always been a peeve of mine actually that for near double the money ruger 1's cant compete

jlchucker

05-17-2008, 08:58 AM

Marlin 1895S, 45-70, Microgroove. Excellent with RCBS 300, 405, and Lee 405.
Marlin 336RC. 2 carbines, 35 Remington. Both Microgroove. Both excellent with RCBS 200 gr fngc.
Marlin 336cs, 30-30. Microgroove. Good with Lyman 311411 but haven't really worked up a load tailored for this particular rifle. Am thinking of sending it to Marlin for an Octagon barrel conversion.

None of the above seem to be bad cast bullet shooters with Microgroove barrels.

jlchucker

05-17-2008, 09:04 AM

Woops! Typo error. That should have been 311041 Lyman bullet for the 30-30.

charger 1

05-18-2008, 06:14 AM