Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers Marlin 1895GBL 45-70

Shane, I am curious if you determined the problem with your earlier long range shooting. Was it twist related or bullet diameter or what? I would like to get the same gun but in stainless steel and the grey laminate stock. Rufous.

Well, I believe it was a bullet diameter issue, compounded by a rough bore.

The 1/20 twist should provide good stability even below 1000 fps with 500+ gr bullets.

The bore was rasping off lead like crazy, and same with copper. So, I fire-lapped the barrel. It shoots pretty good with jacketed 405's at 1500 fps (2 moa via XS ghost ring sights), and I have loaded up some soft low velocity (about 1200 fps) cast bullet loads to try out. I'm curious if the leading issue is reduced by the firelapping. I think it will be, but the proof will be in the pudding.

What a drag that you had to go through that. Seems they ought to provide a smooth bore. I will be interested in hearing how your cast bullets do. I would most likely use a 400+/- grain hard cast bullet for big game. I have a 45 Colt in a Ruger Bisley and it has done just fine on a couple black bears with a 335 grain and 345 grain hard cast bullets at 1200 fps. I am guessing I could get about 1800 fps with the 45-70 and 400 grain bullets, maybe 1900?

1800 fps with a 400gr cast seems pretty universal in the Marlins. I haven't gone that far myself. At 1500 fps recoil is still pleasant with the decelerator pad, and I think it would punch through most anything around these parts.

I have a bunch of the Oregon Trail laser cast 405s that I'll be loading for all around use.

That is one great setup there!! I am thinking very seriously about that exact setup for a bear and all around good tight cover gun. Great rifle.

Shane, Don't know if they still offer it, but XS used to have a replacement aperture that was threaded to accept the Williams Guide inserts. Bought a couple of the twilight models that were smaller than the XS ghost ring size and they are quite nice for longer range shooting with the 45/70. When I want the full ghost ring, I just unscrew the insert and good to go. Al

acy, thanks for the info, I'll look around.

I could probably tap one of mine, it came with two apertures.

Sweet set up, I have the rifle, just didn't know weather or not to go with a scope or ghost ring iron sights? Old age is creepin up on me and having trouble picking up the sights with my eyes!

If XS doesn't still have them available, I would highly recommend tapping one to fit the Williams insert. Al

Now yer talkin'.

The firelapping did the trick. Ran some soft cast bullets and some 405 jacketed today. No leading, and no excessive copper fouling.