Marlin 308 express

[shell70634]

I just bought a Marlin 308 MX and know nothing about it. I've googled the cartridge and found plenty of info on it but not much on the rifle. Anybody know any of the history of the 308 MX rifle? Or a link to some? Does anybody have a recommendation for a cast boolit load?

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[shell70634]

Just found a ton of info at the Marlin forum. Don't know why google didn't find it last night.

[MyFlatline]

The 308mx was a joint venture between Marlin and Hornady. They created the 308 mx to compete with the 308 and the 338 mx to compete with the 30 06. I had 2 of the 308 mx's, with factory ammo was lucky to hold a 10" group at 100 yards. 1 was a JM Marlin and 1 was a Remlin. I sold the JM but was hard headed and was hell bent and determined to make the Remlin shoot. I started with a recrown, I played with hand loads, close but no joy. I ended up cutting the barrel a couple inches and by loading my own jacketed bullets I now have a shooter. Will work on cast hopefully this year. I might suggest at least a gas check, as this thing is hot..
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[shell70634]

I picked up a box of Rem 150 gr today. Will check accuracy with them tomorrow. I've got a few 311 molds and will try some of them in the future. Another forum talks about problems with headspace and undersized chambers. I'm hoping I can get at least hunting accuracy out to 200 yards.
Do you full length or neck size? Do you fire form new brass?

[MyFlatline]

Full length size, as I had 2 in the beginning. The best powder I tried was the RL 15 and I tried Varget, 3031,4064, I forget how many others. The 140 monoflex showed promise but the cost of the bullet is a deal breaker. I like to shoot my hunting guns all year. Not unusual to shoot 100 a month from each, .65 per bullet is a deal breaker, for me.

[shell70634]

Thats to much for me too. That's why I'm gonna try cast.

[popper]

SIL has one, extremely accurate. Good with cast too.

[bikerbeans]

Google "marlin barrel droop". I don't remember which years had this problem.

BB

[popper]

Get any FTX ammo you can find, and save your brass - IIRC 308mx has been discontinued.
I used 31-145C (PB) in his, 19gr 4227,1875 avg fps. 38gr LeverE under a 165C GC, ~2400 fps.

[pietro]

I just bought a Marlin 308 MX and know nothing about it.

Anybody know any of the history of the 308 MX rifle ?

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The rifle's action is the same Model 336 that was introduced in 1948.

IIRC:

Marlin first issued the MX about 10 years ago in .338; then discontinued the MX, re-introducing it as a .308 a few years later.

The .338 chambering was also re-introduced 3 years ago.

.

[shell70634]

I shot the Remingtons. Good group but extremely high. Installed new front sight and got it down. Great groups. Now I need cast boolit loads for 165 or 170 grain. Any suggestions? Can't seem to find much.

Shelly

[popper]

31-165A (C if you PC). Designed by a bunch of guys specifically for 308W, I do MOA @ 200, 2400 fps from AR10 with that boolit. 145C is a copy without GC shank and tiny L.G. for PC. I've got a 4x 165A and 2x 145C I don't use, PM me. It was a joint Hornady/Marlin rimmed 308W rifle with special attention for accuracy out of a lever gun. Laminated stock for extra strength (SS model) but SIL's is just plain wood. Don't know about Remlin version (if any) but the marlin (SIL's) shot 3 touching with the 145C @ 50, no problem, just FL sized hornady brass - I pushed it to 1875 fps. He just uses the FTX factory stuff (very accurate). Get all the brass you can find, not made anymore IIRC. Don't know why you changed the front sight, real leaf adjustment should have worked. What range? Don't mess with the front cap or barrel/mag tube parts - Hornady tweaked it for accuracy with the FTX bullet. The 30/30 FTX bullet is different from the 308MX bullet but does work.
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31-165A PCd, IIRC ~ 2200 fps. It is a 'thumper' to shoot.
Chroyd the 145 @ 1875 with 4227.

[shell70634]

Front sight replaced because previous owner had a very short one on it.