Winelover
North Central Arkansas
I have heard claims made that say Marlin's slow twist (1 in 38) 44 Magnum barrels are more conducive for accuracy with light for caliber bullets. I decided to find out for myself. Recently, I had Accurate Molds cut an aluminum 4 cavity for a 210 grain RF for two purposes. First, was to determine accuracy potential in the Marlin 1894 carbine at 100 yards. Second, was a lighter bullet for use in my CA Bulldog. Consequently, I had Tom cut two cavities with gas checks and two without. Since both firearms prefer oversize bullets I had the mold made to drop .434 diameter castings, which I lubed and sized to .433 with my Star. Carnuba Red is my preferred lube.
http://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=43-210EG-D.png
http://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=43-210E-D.png
Initial testing, was not supporting the light for caliber accuracy claims with the Marlin. My go to powder for Magnums is 2400.........never failed me yet. I shot ladder loads from 16 grains up to and including 21 grains, obtaining shotgun patterns for results. Nothing resembling a group. Had a discussion with Rick and he suggested I neck size the brass using RCBS carbide 44 Special Cowboy dies. I ordered a set from Midway and they showed up, midweek. I was skeptical, to say the least. Having developed reasonable (2 MOA) with heavy for caliber, oversize bullets with my 40 year old RCBS carbide dies for the Marlin. BTW, I've been using Lyman's "M" expander, with these dies.
Yesterday AM, I used the Cowboy dies and neck sized some twice fired Starline brass. Adjusted the included RCBS expander to flare and accept the .433 diameter bullet and primed with Winchester Large Pistol primers. Then proceeded to make up some ladder loads using 2400 powder. I loaded 17.0 grains, 17.5 grains and 18.0 grains with the 210 Accurate GC bullet. Bullets were seated with the new seating dies but crimped separately, using the older RCBS crimping die.
The results were nothing but amazing. Thanks Rick.
The velocity specifics of the load, measured on Lab Radar:
Average velocity 1756.49 fps.
SD of 7.29 fps.
http://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=43-210EG-D.png
http://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=43-210E-D.png
Initial testing, was not supporting the light for caliber accuracy claims with the Marlin. My go to powder for Magnums is 2400.........never failed me yet. I shot ladder loads from 16 grains up to and including 21 grains, obtaining shotgun patterns for results. Nothing resembling a group. Had a discussion with Rick and he suggested I neck size the brass using RCBS carbide 44 Special Cowboy dies. I ordered a set from Midway and they showed up, midweek. I was skeptical, to say the least. Having developed reasonable (2 MOA) with heavy for caliber, oversize bullets with my 40 year old RCBS carbide dies for the Marlin. BTW, I've been using Lyman's "M" expander, with these dies.
Yesterday AM, I used the Cowboy dies and neck sized some twice fired Starline brass. Adjusted the included RCBS expander to flare and accept the .433 diameter bullet and primed with Winchester Large Pistol primers. Then proceeded to make up some ladder loads using 2400 powder. I loaded 17.0 grains, 17.5 grains and 18.0 grains with the 210 Accurate GC bullet. Bullets were seated with the new seating dies but crimped separately, using the older RCBS crimping die.
The results were nothing but amazing. Thanks Rick.
The velocity specifics of the load, measured on Lab Radar:
Average velocity 1756.49 fps.
SD of 7.29 fps.