I pushed a .457" ball through the Shootists Marlin

[JimT]

I used a 12 ga. cleaning rod and a plastic mallet. The bore was smooth all the way through with no tight spots. I had a rag in the opened breech to catch any debris that might be pushed out plus catch the ball.

The ball measures .4518" near as I can tell. And it is a 5 groove barrel.

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[Scott Tschirhart]

Thank you!

This is useful information and I’m finding that is is one of the smoothest production barrels I have seen. It has not leaded with any combination I have tried.

[JimT]

Thank you!

This is useful information and I’m finding that is is one of the smoothest production barrels I have seen. It has not leaded with any combination I have tried.

Same here!

[Scott Tschirhart]

Because these are hammer forged barrels from the same lot I’ll bet that the internal dimension are identical.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I’ve loaded some test ammo to try to find the most accurate load for everyday use. Just about every load I have tried will stay on an 8 inch plate at 50 yards but I haven’t quite found a load that it really groups well.

[JimT]

Have you tried any jacketed bullets? I haven't yet. The SSK load does pretty well for me. I am not much of a rifle shot and I like it when I find a combination that makes me look good.

I would like to do it all the time but I just don't practice that much anymore.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I don’t know if I’ll ever shoot a jacketed slug through this barrel.

[JimT]

I don't know if I will either ... mainly because (1) I don't have any (2) I ain't buying any (3) I cast all my own for the .44 and the .45.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I have a brand new RCBS .45-270 SAA mold that I need to start using. I only buy other folk’s bullets because I find it more convenient.

I want to go back to casting my own and lubing them with that wonderful sticky black moly lube.

[JimT]

As soon as the weather cools a bit I am gonna fire up my lead pot and heat some molds. I usually run 2 molds at a time, especially if I am looking to make a quantity of bullets. For the .45 caliber guns I will cast the Keith 454424 and the old Colt bullet Lyman 454190. I need to make up some of the SSK 270's also. Those 3 bullets do everything I want to do. The other bullet I cast is the Lyman 457191 300 gr. bullet but I have quite a few of those made up already. I just don't shoot much of them anymore. Truth is, I shoot .22's a whole lot more than anything else.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I’m a little disappointed. I tested loads at 50 yards with two different bullets. Both 250 gr.

Neither grouped well.

[Scott Tschirhart]

My Marlin Cowboy will shoot one ragged hole at this range.

[JimT]

I am sure you will figure it out.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I have plenty of time and I have Mic’s book!

[JimT]

I have plenty of time and I have Mic’s book!

That book is definitely a "must have" when it comes to experimenting with Marlins.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I tested five more bullets over 8 gr of Unique. I got patterns rather than groups.

[JimT]

I've got about 500 rounds with 4 different bullets from 200 gr. through 270 gr. and various powder charges with 231 .. Unique .. 2400 and Green Dot.. I hope to start testing them tomorrow.

[Griff]

Now that makes me curious about my cut down Cowboy bbl I put on my '79 1894 Marlin. I know I chrono'd some loads thru it, but didn't really try for a group.

[Scott Tschirhart]

My older Marlin Cowboy will cut one ragged hole at 50 yards.

I still think I can get this gun to shoot, but I need to experiment.

It might just need to be stepped on a little harder.

I’ve got some XTPs that I can push pretty hard to see what happens.