Looking for 240gr lead bullet that works well in Marlin 1894

[ssyoumans]

Just picked up a Marlin 1894 in 44 Mag and am looking for a good, low cost plinking load using a 240 gr lead bullet. I've got plenty of manuals, so I am not so much looking for a powder recommendation but a bullet recommendation. I plan on using around 7.5-10gr of Unique, whatever yields the best accuracy with minimal leading. Hoping for 1" at 50 yards.

I've read on here that the bores on the Marlins are on the larger end of the spectrum, so what brand of bullets seem to work best? I've also read up that the Marlin lever actions don't really like SWCs. I was going to pull the trigger and try some of the MBC Smashers, but thought I'd gather some fellow reloaders input from their experience.

 

[Asherdan]

I get what you're looking for in my 1894 with the Oregon Trail Laser Cast .431 RNFP in either 240 or 200 grains. 10g of Unique gets me 1395 fps in the 240g, the same charge gets me 1440 fps with the 200g. Both are 2" of less at 100 yards, raggedy holes at 50.

Mine is a ballard rifled 1:38 twist version that slugged .4305". I would suggest you slug yours and plan on finding a .431 bullet at minimum (.432 better) in the meanwhile.

Mine doesn't play well with SWC, The band of the SWC catches on the upper rim of the chamber about 50% of the time for me. Some have rounded over that area with a little light file work, but I don't want to do that, so I stick to a RNFP style, those are smooth and dandy for me.

I wouldn't mind giving MBC some business but the .430 has shut me off so far.

 

[MissouriBullet]

I wouldn't mind giving MBC some business but the .430 has shut me off so far.

If you want .431, all you have to do is ask. We have that sizing die.

Brad

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I've read on here that the bores on the Marlins are on the larger end of the spectrum

Don't depend on what others have. To know what size bullet you need, slug your bore.
www.surplusrifle.com/reloading/slug/index.asp

 

[ssyoumans]

Brad @ MBC: Thanks! That's great news. You guys are amazing.

Jesse: Sounds like a worthwhile effort. Sounds like a trip to Bass Pro to get some fishing weights may be in order.

 

[highlander 5]

you don't need fishing weights. Get some lead round balls from Speer in .433 diameter. it makes life a whole lot easier and you can light load the remainder for your handgun/rifle.

 

[Greg Mercurio]

I'm using MBC cast bullets with Trailboss in my Winchester Trapper. Fun and ACCURATE. Your loads may vary.

 

[243winxb]

The micro-groove barrel i had did not like cast. Rifles with deep-cut Ballard-type rifling should shoot well.

 

[ssyoumans]

The micro-groove barrel i had did not like cast. Rifles with deep-cut Ballard-type rifling should shoot well.

Mine looks to be 2009 production, so it should have the Ballard type rifling. Forgot to mention that.

 

[Travis Two]

www.pennbullets.com offers their 240gr. TC in diameters to .432 in a 20+ BHN that is just fantastic in leverguns.

 

[Asherdan]

If you want .431, all you have to do is ask. We have that sizing die.

I appreciate your stance on California and AB962 before it was held up in court. On my next order, I'll be asking you.

Thanks.

 

[webfox]

I only fire JHP out of my Marlin 1894 that I've had for 25+ years. I never fire round nosed or spherical ammo. I've heard that jacketed soft point is okay, too, but I wouldn't hunt with it. Since the rifle has a tubular mag with bullet points touching primers all the way down, I can't justify chancing it with anything other than the mfr's recommendation.

As far as reloading plinking rounds, I can't tell Speer from Hornady, but I'm not a pro shooter. I would be hesitant to reload plated bullets, though. Not sure about the copper or lead buildup. I've gotten Berry's plated ammo out of wood from my 9mm semi, and the base was gone leaving the lead exposed. I don't know where the copper disk at the base went, but I'd hate to have it left in a rifle barrel with the next round chambered! I'm about to reload .44mag from Berry's for the revolver, but I think I'll stick to the more expensive JHP in the rifle just to be safe. YMMV

From the manufacturer's manual:

WARNING: Some pointed and full metal
jacket round nose bullets are on the market
which can chainfire other cartridges in
a tubular magazine during recoil, causing
severe injury and damage. If you are
uncertain about the safety of using a particular
cartridge in your Marlin, contact
the ammunition or bullet manufacturer.
•WARNING: Do not use aluminum-cased
ammunition in this rifle, since it may
cause malfunctions.

The whole manual may be found here:
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/pdfs/manuals/MFC_Centerfire_1894.pdf

Good luck and be safe.