Started Running A Number of Different Loads Through The Shootists Marlin

[JimT]

I started with 9 different loads using bullets of 200 gr. - 220 gr. - 225 gr. - 255 gr. and 260 gr. with velocities from 850 fps to around 1150 fps. Ran into a few issues.
- The gun has not been cleaned since we got it ... maybe 400 rounds or so through before today
- In the middle of shooting I ejected a cartridge and the lever locked open. Took me a bit to figure it out. The screw that holds the loading gate had worked loose. The loading gate moved in and locked the lifter. I tightened up the screw and continued.
- Some loads showed promise ... especially the hotter loads. I need to follow up on this. BUT .. when I got back from the Range and was cleaning the rifle I found the rear sight body was loose! The screws had backed out! So I am gonna have to re-shoot what I did today. And I am going to load a few heavier loads to see what they will do.

Oh. I used Red Locitite on the screws that came loose. Mic said to Loctite the short screw on the side that holds the lower tang/trigger guard. It tends to loosen also.

And, I pushed 8 patches through the barrel and there was no leading of any kind. I tried to take photos of the barrel from each end. I apologize for the poor pictures. This was the best I could get with what I have. But that barrel is smooth!

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[GunnyMack]

Red locktite!? You know that red is almost permanent right? You'll need heat to remove those screws in the future. Blue is normally enough to keep fasteners in place. I think lightly staking the screws might be better but not everyone has a staking punch.

Reading Scott's report about shooting patterns with the loads he was getting I had a suspicion some speed was needed to tighten groups.

Might try to get those screws loose so the aren't glued in place but enough extra friction to hold them fast.

[JimT]

Thank you Gunny .. and yes, I am aware of the Red Loctite. And I have loosened up Loctited screws before.

[GunnyMack]

I knew you had the knowledge Jim, I just cringe when I hear people using locktite and they don't understand it.
As a kid, not knowing any better I used green locktite on bow sight pins. There is NO getting them apart! Ruined the whole sight setup!

[Scott Tschirhart]

A number of Shootists have been collaborating on getting these guns to shoot better.

Jim called last night and we are running parallel tests. I think we are going to get there. I have the additional challenge in that I do not want to exceed Colt SAA safe rounds.

I loaded several bullets with stout doses of 2400 last night.

More to come.

[AmBraCol]

I, for one, greatly appreciate hearing how these rifles are shooting. I'm curious about heavier (300 gr +/-) bullets are moderate velocities. "Just because". Scott, your limiting to SAA level loads is intriguing as well.

[JimT]

I, for one, greatly appreciate hearing how these rifles are shooting. I'm curious about heavier (300 gr +/-) bullets are moderate velocities. "Just because". Scott, your limiting to SAA level loads is intriguing as well.

I ran some of the 300 gr. 457191 bullets with 22.0 gr. H110 today. Shooting 50 yards. They did not do well. Maybe too slow? Shouldn't be but ????

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I am having problem with seeing the front sight. I called Skinner Sights and ordered a lower front sight with a brass bead. The Patridge sight fuzzes up for me after I am shooting awhile. I am calling that the reason I had 3 flyers in the group below. Now maybe not, but until proven otherwise, that's my story and I am sticking to it!

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[GunnyMack]

Well it appears the 300s are stabilized well enough. Gotta start tinkering up a tenth/ down a tenth. Jim try a dot of white out on the front just to see if you can decipher it better?

[JimT]

Well it appears the 300s are stabilized well enough. Gotta start tinkering up a tenth/ down a tenth. Jim try a dot of white out on the front just to see if you can decipher it better?

Thanks. I will give it a try this next week. I am running out of bullets! Gotta fire up the lead pot.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I loaded several bullets over 18 gr of 2400.

I also loaded some 250 and 300 gr XTPs for testing this weekend.