Boolits Engraving?

[thx997303]

I just received my Marlin 1895G gun and tested a dummy round in the action.

Problem, the 350 gr Ranch Dog boolit loads without excessive force, but it engraves slightly.

Is this going to be a problem? I can't seat it any deeper and still crimp in the crimp groove.

OAL is 2.4825"

http://i312.photobucket.com/albums/ll331/thx997303/100_1645.jpg

[BABore]

Try it and see. Your gun will tell you if it's ok better than anyone here.

You can seat them out farther and crimp with a Lee factory crimp die. It'll make its own groove.

[thx997303]

I unfortunately don't have a LEE FCD. Maybe I should invest in one.

Just watch for pressure signs as always I guess.

[BABore]

You'll likely lose accuracy before you ever run into pressure problem with the RD350. I've found it to be velocity challenged. I've never had it group well much past 1,800 fps no matter the alloy or lube. My mold drops boolits right around 0.460. Even though the groove diameters in all my 45-70's and 450 Marlin run right around 0.4580-0.4585, I still prefer to size a boolit to 0.462 to fill the chamber and throat. I don't have that luxury with the RD boolit. That combined with the skinny driving bands likely contribute to the velocity problem. I've had best luck with H322 and 3031 in the 48-49 grain range. This is almost 10 grains below max.

[knifemaker]

I use the same Ranch dog 350gr. bullet in my Marlin LTD-V at a COL of 2.485. It also engraves the rifling a slight amount and this has given me my best accuracy with that bullet in my Marlin 45/70.
With any sensible load you should not encounter any pressure problems if using data from Ranch dog or any reloading manuel. My best load was the bullet seated at a COL 2.485 using 43 gr. of IMR-4198. 3 shots under one inch at 100 yards. I also got excellant grouping at that lenght using H-4895 powder at a velocity of around 1800-1900 fps.:cbpour:

[thx997303]

Alright then.

Feed and function. Check.

Slugged Bore. Check.

Boolit diameter. Check.

Now I just need to get some powder. Was planning on picking up some 4198 and 3031. But for the moment, I think I'll load some low velocity loads with Unique.

[rob45]

Is your brass within spec, i.e., does it need trimmed?

BTW, +1 on the Lee FCD.

[thx997303]

Brass has been trimmed.

[beagle]

If it chambers without any problem, it should shoot well. I like mine to slightly engrave but not to the point where chambering and extraction are difficult./beagle