Originally Posted by RemModel8
Originally Posted by HuntnShoot
Originally Posted by labsandelk
When did Marlin change to the ballard ? type rifling in the 357 rifles? Is it limited to specific models?




All the 1894's I've seen in 357, 44, 45 use Ballard rifling. There may have been some that didn't. The 1895's I've seen also have Ballard, but I know that some in 444 had the micro-groove. All the 336's I've seen in 30 cal have micro-groove. I don't know the when and the which of Marlin's barrel specs.



All the Marlins I've owned in 357 and 44 were micro-groove.

I think they made the switch in the late 90's.

That could be. Seems like all of the 357's and 44's I've seen were made after about 1996. I prefer the Ballard rifling over the microgroove, but it's a matter of preference. Easier to find loads for cast bullets that shoot well in Ballard-rifled barrels, in my experience.

I belong on eroding granite, among the pines.