Best Mould for Marlins

[Uncle Grinch]

I’m looking for two Moulds for my two Marlin Texans. I’m using an alloy with 2% tin that runs close to 14-15 Bh. I run temp between 685-700.

First is my 30-30 which slugs .3105. I’ve got mediocre results with both my Lyman 311041 and my Lee 309-170-GC. This rifle is the microgroove factory.


Next is my Jess rebored Texan 375 Win three groove that runs .3785. Not much success with either my RCBS 37-250-FNGC or my Lyman 375248 which is PB. I haven’t experimented very much with either, especially the Lyman.

All are lubed and sized to .378 then given two coats of BLL. I’m looking for velocity around 1600 - 1800 fps.

 

[Brad]

First in the 375 if the bore is .3785 why size to .378? I would try .379.
I am finding good results with the Accurate 38-200AG. It is only 200 ish gr but does reduce recoil when fired at the same velocity.
I have also had good results with the NOE version, play base, of the Lyman 375449. Recoils climbs fast as velocity increases as it weights in the 270 gr range.
Lots of good powders for the 375. 2400 thru RE7 will do well for what you wants.

In the 30-30 Marlins it is hard to beat the 165 RD style bullets. NOE makes them now. I shoot mine with 16-16.5 gr of 2400 which gets me into the 1600 fps realm. Good accuracy but it can be a bit powder position sensitive but that doesn't show up too bad until 100 yards.

 

[fiver]

marlins like large and a little hard anyway.
both of my 375's take 379.
I wouldn't size any smaller than 311 for a 30 cal marlin.

I also wouldn't bother trying any faster than 1400 fps with a plain base bullet in a rifle caliber.

 

[Brad]

I don't know fiver, I got good results with the 375449 plain base up to 1550-1600 but recoil was enough to make further use of the loads not fun.
I do think that the smaller the bore the lower the upper threshold for plain base.
Are you looking for hunting loads or plinker?

 

[Uncle Grinch]

I’ll need to get me a .379 sizer for sure.

 

[Brad]

What type of sizer are you using?

 

[Ian]

My 336 Texan has a black powder throat, no step at the end of th chamber, just an extension of the neck for a ways and than a torpedo shaped throat. It likes RD tangent ogive bullets but beware noe moulds often cast 2-3 thousandths larger on the noses than the drawing shows....with wheelweights.

You should make pound cast before spending money.

 

[Uncle Grinch]

I’m using a Lyman 450 lubrisizer.

 

[fiver]

I have no problem getting pistol caliber stuff up that high, heck even past that.
for some reason I really struggle with longer cases and plain base bullets if I even attempt to push things.
25-20/30 carbine no problem, 357/44/45 colt easy peasy.
lengthen things out and suddenly it's my first day on the job.

 

[KHornet]

The best molds for Marlins, are the ones that
shoot accurately in your rifle, regardless of
what the sages say.

Paul

 

[Ian]

Actually, that's the best answer, Paul. The question "what's best......" whatever has no meaningful answer. I can tell what's best for my 1966 Texan, but a guy with a 1998 JM 336 will be mad if he buys that same mould because it won't chamber, no way, no how, in his rifle.

 

[RBHarter]

I'd say get a few bullets from several people with Ranch Dog moulds . He designed those for typical Marlins . I'd send you some but I can honestly say I have no clue where to find a sample or lead to cast some .

 

[popper]

Probably need 311 actual size. Maybe a harder alloy. 31-184C does well in mine with COWW type alloy heat treated. If I did a do-over I'd put a step where the lands start & make the nose 0.010 smallr. Seems to hold the nose in place while the 'throat' gets filled when firing. Accuracy improves and not jamming the lands. Shoots great in the BO with it's long throat.

 

[oscarflytyer]

I have found, in all my MG bbls, that about +.002 (.311 in 30-30) works well. I shoot a .460-.461 in my 45-70 and it loves it. 35 Rem is running .360.

 

[Uncle Grinch]

Good info from all. I’ll pick up a .379 Sizer for the 375 Win and try beagling both molds in an attempt to gain some size. In addition I’ll pick up a RD 165 mold for the 30-30.

 

[fiver]

just so you know we have identified 5 different iterations of the RD mold.
some are slightly better than others in some situations, but I doubt any of them are not gonna work.

 

[KHornet]

Agree Fiver!

Paul

 

[Uncle Grinch]

I went to the NOE website and it seems the 311-165 gn version I wanted is not in stock at the moment.

I’m going to concentrate on my 311041 mould for the 30-30 by beagling the size up to .312.

The PB 375248 will get my efforts after my .379 sizer arrives. I’ll lower the velocity levels until I find the sweet spot. I’m guessing anywhere from 1000 - 1200 fps is where I need to be.

 

[fiver]

I would double check the nose fitment on the 041 and work from that more than the body diameter.

 

[popper]

I had one from Micheal, got casts from several different vendors (variations that should have worked) they all 'worked' kinda. No matter what mould, put a 'ramp' ( like 31-165A but not as severe) ~0.060-070 from the base with a slightly smaller than bore on the nose and groups will get cut by 1/2. No jamming lands but the nose sort of sniggles in. Load a dummy and see where the lands starts, back off just a tad. If you PC, slightly smaller than bore. Super wide meplat on the 041 doesn't feed well in my marlin 30/30..