Marlin Ballard

[StrawHat]

Guys,

I have previously posted about a Marlin Ballard I own. WHat I am looking for is a Marlin Ballrd site or forum and am not succeding in finding it.

Can any of you recommend one?

It was originally a 32 Long and is currently a 22 WCF. I am having a hard time working up a load for it so I am considering either a new barrel or a rebore and rechambering and want to know what cartridges are acceptable and will not stress the cast frame.

Thanks

[Don McDowell]

You might post your question on bpcr.net
Another idea drop Steve Garbe a note thru his SPG website.

[singleshot1]

8-)StrawHat, check out the ASSRA site. Lots of info there. Just type in ASSRA and it will get you there. Vail [Marlinguy] if he is still there, should provide all the information you want. Dave:coffeecom

[missionary5155]

Greetings I really cannot help you much... but I have a MB #73xx . My barrel is marked 38 Long.. then was overstamped 38-50. Twist is about 1-38. So with mine a light boolit (175 grain) was all i could get to group. A 250 grain bullet could not get pushed fast enough to stay nose on.

[StrawHat]

Thanks guys.

singleshot1, is the ASSRA forum falling apart? It seems to be less populated and less informative then in the past.

[singleshot1]

:coffee:Yes they are having some problems. I would hope that they can straighten things out. You can still get answers to your questions though. Dave:Fire:

[e15cap]

The folks that I shoot with think that cast Ballards should be limited to .22LR. Old guns that were not known for their strength when new.
Best Roger

[Bent Ramrod]

Check the Marlinowner's website. Last time I looked, they had a pretty active Ballard section.

I have a cast Ballard, relined from .38RF/CF to .32-20. It's held together for the last 17 years or so, but of course I keep the loads mild.

[StrawHat]

Thanks again guys.

With as many problems as I am having with the 22 WCF (try shooting a 22 with black powder if you want some fun!) I am considering going back to the original 32 Long chambering. I have given though to the 45 Long Colt but have ruled that out in case I ever sell it. I may go with the 44 Colt if the frame can handle it. It is enough of an oddball that whoever got it would be a handloader anyway and be more in tune with the needs of the old Ballard. We'll see.

[KCSO]

I rebuilt a Ballard #5 Pacific in 38-55 and did a lot of research on the Ballard action. We settled on 35-55 and loads muust stay below 18,000 PSI. In other words Black powder pressures only! THis is in deference to the cast two piece frame and the mild steel linkage. If I were to do your gun I would go with 32 H and R mag chambering and load with B/P this would dupliicate the old longer 32 once offered and would make a niice all round gun. I think a lot of you problems with the 22 chambeing can be traced to the basicly shooddy powders that are available today.