Marlin 1894CL, feeding problems

[odinohi]

This is the first time I've experienced this jamming. Its also the first time I've ran lead bullets through this gun. I started using lead bullets and the first round jammed. I had just loaded 100 test rounds with 2 different types of powder. I did get the first round to chamber, and the second no problem, the third chambered also, but the lever wouldnt extract the empty round. Now I have an empty case stuck and 2 live ones behind it. The worse thing is the second round went about a 1/4" under the first and the third round went right into the same hole as the second. It was shooting these laser cast bullets great. What gives? Need help please. Thanks, Tom

[TedH]

I take it you've not had this problem with other bullets that you've ran throught it?

As far as getting the struck ones out, take apart what you need to get them out. Remove the lever and bolt, the lower tang and trigger houseing. Might even need to take out the lifter. Once you get them all out and rifle reassembled, run one through real slow and see if you can find the spot where the trouble starts.

[odinohi]

It sounds like I should take it to a smith as I dont have any decent tools. I dont want to muck it up. The only other bullets I've ran through it have been the Hornady 100gr XTP's. I never had a problem with them. When it jammed up with the first round I did get it out, looked at it and it showed no marks on the case or bullet. I had the bullets seated to 1.578" The 3 rds I did shoot seemed to shoot so well, without any recoil and so quiet I really hope I can keep shooting them. I'll take it to the gunsmith and have him get the empty and loaded rounds out. See if he thinks it needs to go back to Marlin. Thanks, Tom

I take it you've not had this problem with other bullets that you've ran throught it?

As far as getting the struck ones out, take apart what you need to get them out. Remove the lever and bolt, the lower tang and trigger houseing. Might even need to take out the lifter. Once you get them all out and rifle reassembled, run one through real slow and see if you can find the spot where the trouble starts.

[jdad]

Marlin's spec, on the carrier is pretty tight. I found that I had to keep my OAL just about at the maximum, for trouble free cycling.

[Sixgun]

Odinohi,
I realize what I'm about to say is like "closing the barn door after the horse got out" but here goes:

Whenever starting to use a new bullet design, load a dummy first and seat the bullet to how you will use it in live rounds. Then play with that dummy until the cows come home. If everything is fine---load 'em up. In leverguns, I measure a factory round with the same grain bullet that I am loading and try to keep that OAL. I find that most leverguns like a near maximum OAL as the mechanics of these guns usually require this length.

Hey, it's a no-brainer to get take your Marlin down. If you don't have a decent screwdriver set, just grind a regular one down until its a good fit. Pop the lever off, draw back the bolt----or take the mag tube screw off and draw out the tube. Get to know your gun instead of relying on a 'smith. It might save your life one day.-------------Sixgun