1894SS bore diameter - reality check

[Blazin]

I recently acquired a new 44 Mag/Spec Marlin 1894SS and am attempting to figure out what size cast boolits to feed it. I slugged the barrel and am a bit confused by the measurements. The groove diameter is 0.431" which seems reasonable, however the bore diameter is 0.424" which seems a bit tight to me. This is a 6 groove barrel, so when I measure the bore and groove diameters the measurements are 180 degrees apart. Does 0.424" seems tight to you? What size cast boolit would you think would be ideal?

I have about 100 rounds (both Magnums and Specials) through the barrel thus far and have been very impressed by the accuracy and lack of jacketed and lead fouling, it's a very smooth barrel. The lead bullets fired through it were 0.429".

Thanks,
Bill

[Ben]

I have been very impressed by the accuracy and lack of jacketed and lead fouling,

If it isn't broke, don't try to fix it ..............

[longbow]

My microgroove barrel runs 0.4315" groove and about 0.425" bore.

Mine likes boolits of 0.432" or larger. I used to get quite a bit of leading with a Lyman 429421 that cast 0.429"/0.430".

Longbow

[Blazin]

If it isn't broke, don't try to fix it ..............

I completely agree with you. My plan is to mount a scope and shoot the gun at 100 yards for load development. But after shooting the bullets I have on hand I'd like to try a few others and want to pick whatever bullet size is best suited for this gun. All shooting thus far has been at 50 yards with iron sights.

[izzyjoe]

:)longbow, my 44 sizes same as your's. i get groups good nuf fer huntin' at 100yd. with reciever sigth 3''- 4''. that's good nuf for me, but it's consistant. if i spent more time it could do better. i've just don't have the time or $ right now. i can see the grass growin' as we speak. but maybe later

[Ben]

Blazin :

Nothing wrong with experimenting with some " alternate " bullet diameters and see what they will do down range.

Ben