Marlin 336 Ballard Rifling .30-30 Cast

[Bomberman]

I had my Marlin 336 .30-30 with Ballard rifling (1950 vintage) for several years and I've finally gotten around to casting and loading for it. I used the classic 31141 mold, gas checked, sized to .309 and loaded behind 20.0 grains of Reloader 7 as a starter load. First 5 shots at 25 yards grouped in right at 1 inch. (I was using the number 0 as a sighting point). Not a bad start at all.

[Ragnarok]

I own a 1894 'Cowboy' carbine(20") in .45 Colt.

Has the 'Ballard' rifling...which near as I can tell is just plain old rifling.

That grouping does look like a promising start.

[Char-Gar]

Not a bad start, but at 25 yards that is nothing to be proud off. Back off to 50 yards and that will be a good group. Back off to 100 yards and it will be an outstanding group.

[Bomberman]

Not a bad start, but at 25 yards that is nothing to be proud off. Back off to 50 yards and that will be a good group. Back off to 100 yards and it will be an outstanding group.

You are correct. As I said, this was the first 5 shots with any cast so it was a starting place...gotta start somewhere. I'll get there.

[NHlever]

Those results are excellent for a first try with a lever gun. It is this kind of target that keeps us going, and motivates us. Good shooting.

[Char-Gar]

It is a good start. I think you will be happier with .310 or .311 size bullets. I know nothing about your powder, but have had good luck with 2400 and 4759 at about 15 grains charge weight.

[northmn]

My Marlin 30-30 CB has Ballard rifling and is about the easiest rifle to load cast bullets I have found. I have taken a few deer with a 188 grain cast bullet from a Lee mold, one at 140 steps from the tree. I use Re7 with this bullet at about 2000. Another load I ahve used is the Lee 150 fn and 4759, which was a very good load for general plinking. The rifle should give you lots of enjoyable service with cast. I size mine to 310.

DP

[pls1911]

Old Marlins love cast, IF.... they're are big enough and hard enough.
I have a modest collection of early Marlin 30-30s , pre microgroove models.
Marlins records indicate changes to bore size and depth of rifling over the years, mostly on the very slightly large size.
I size all my cast bullets through at least a .311 sizer, and don't look back. They work well in any older gun I randomly pick off the rack, as well as the micro groove models.
Bullets 160 through180 grains are cast soft (bhn) and heat treat hard (28hn) and pushed by 26 grains of RL 7. The alloy is roughly 30% WW, 70% roofing lead.
This load should provide about 1900 fps and no leading.
It's just plain hard to find an old Marlin that won't shoot VERY well.