Marlin .44mag and cast boolits

[Mitch1352]

I tried the search function, but no joy. I want/need another lever and want a Marlin. I will be loading and shooting mostly cast bullets, with a few jacketed ones for hunting. Do I want a Micro Groove barrel or another Cowboy (I have one already)? Barrel length doesn't matter much cuz I think I will make this one a carbine.
Also, if anyone feels like helping a dumb mass, leave some instructions for me on how to best use the search function. I iz kinda computer stupid. Thanks.

[AJMD429]

There have been lots of posts on this - sometimes the 'search' function doesn't find stuff though (especially if it is a 'caliber' or has a hyphen).

Most of the posts seem to run along the lines of individual guns varying more than the type of rifling, even though the theory is micro-groove won't work as well with cast. No doubt it depends on how hard the alloy is, and the real diameter inside the barrel - overbored guns seem to abound, and generally don't shoot well regardless. Plenty of people post testimonials that they are using old microgroove barrels and cast bullets and shooting way better than I can with the 'right' kind of rifling...

[Blaine]

One thing: The jacketed will not shoot well with lead in the bbl, at least IMO. But, the worst it will shoot will be well within minute of deer, coyote, groundhog, pig or whatever needs shooting.....

[1886]

Find one you like. Either Micro or Ballard will shoot just fine. Start with a bullet diameter that is .001" larger than barrel groove diameter and you will be on your way. Now match bullet hardness to desired velocity and find an appropriate powder. Good Luck, 1886.

[Rodfac]

I've got a Marlin 336 in .44 Magnum with micro groove rifling. It will hold an inch @ 50 yds all day long with a Williams Fool Proof receiver sight on it and jacketed bullets. Winchester factory loads, and my home reloads with Remington 240 gr JHP's as well as Hornady 200gr XTP's all shoot that well. The Winchester 240's chrono right at 1700 fps. Cast bullets are another story, and I haven't found a load that will shoot more than a cpl before the barrel leads up and the group goes out the window. I've tried up to .430" diameter bullets with it with no success as yet. Just cast some 429215 gc's today that measure .433" as cast. I'll hand lube those and see tomorrow.

Son #2 has a 1894 .44 Mag. 24" Cowboy that has standard rifling and I had no trouble putting up cast boolit loads that grouped less than 2" @ 50 yds with moderate velocity...about 1500 fps. His rifle shoots the jacketed stuff as well as the 336 with micro groove too.

If I had my druthers, and I were you, I'd get the Cowboy with standard rifling...just easier to get a good cheap lead bullet load that works. Plus, I like that square bolt and octagon barrel better. They make a 20" model as I recall too, if you're looking for a good woods carbine or one that fits a saddle scabbard better. I must admit tho, that a 24" M-94 in .38-55 that I' ve had 20 years now, fits just fine on both my saddles. Regards, HTH's Rodfac

[cnjarvis]

Why don't you run a search over here: http://forum1.aimoo.com/Cast___Boolits__

[TX Gun Runner]

The 1st thing is decide weather you are going to shoot cast or jackets . It takes 500+ rounds to season a lead bullet shooter and 1 jacket bullet to screw it up . Copper fouling cause leading . Without writing a book both riflings will shoot cast bullet great , just that the ballard has a few more plus on it side . I shot this 32-20 micro with lead with no gas checks up to 2,000 fps with no problems . I shot this gun 3 days ago , shot 100 rds of 1400 fps and no lead in bore , only a patch was needed to clean , no brush was need . That's a seasoned barrel .

[centershot]

Mitch,
The type of rifling isn't as critical as the hardness and size of the bullet you push through it. Slug the bore, find a bullet 1-2 thousandths of an inch larger and go shoot them. My Marlin 1894 is one of the infamous "Fat-bore" rifles - bore measures .432". I found a couple of suppliers who could give me .432" bullets and she shoots like a champ with them. Use the right size bullet and tailor the hardness to the velocity you will be running; Hard for gfast, softer for slower. The chamber pressure has to obturate the bullet to the bore, a hard bullet will lead at low velocity because you don't have enough pressure to mate the bullet to the bore. Check out Montana Bullets, Marcy and Dave will tailor the bullet to yuor needs and they are a sdponsor of this site. Good shootin'!

centershot

[k8bor]

All the new .44 1894's have ballard rifling............

[TX Gun Runner]

Here a paste on cast bullet in micro- grove barrels

http://www.lasc.us/FryxellMarlin-MicroGroove.htm

[1886]

Here a paste on cast bullet in micro- grove barrels

http://www.lasc.us/FryxellMarlin-MicroGroove.htm

That is a good article. Very informative. 1886.

[TX Gun Runner]

I found my 30-30 information index card with my 30-30 micro-groove . Lost most all my target in a move .

[Charles]

I have a Marlin 44 Mag carbine with the MG barrel and it does just fine with cast bullets. However there are a few issues to consider.

1. The MG barrels tend to run larger in the groove and land diameter than other barrels. Mine does it best work with bullets sized .431 or .432. Your milage may vary.
2. The Marlin barrels have a slower twist than other makes. Mine will shoot 225 grain bullets at 1,000 - 1,200 fps range with fine accuracy. Switch to the longer 260- 300 grain bullets at the same speed and the groups open up. Now boost the velocity of those longer/heavier to factory magnum velocities and those groups tighten back down again.

I have an old Redfield 102 receiver sight on the rear and a Burris Sourdough Patridge front sight on the rifle. Tis a mighty fine rifle.