marlin 1895 opinions or observations

They are a bit cheaper (alltho the margin is narrowing lately) and easier on barrel wear than jacketed . For hunting, there is no advatage over jacketed that I can see, in fact jacketed probably have an advantage in consistency of accuracy. The biggest reason for cast bullets in the lever guns is the requirement of "cast only" to be used in the various "cowboy shooting games".
 
If you cast, or know someone that does, they are a LOT cheaper than jacketed. I don't really know why anyone shooting a 300-400gr bullet at 2000 fps would need a jacketed bullet , even for hunting. One of the best things about cast is you can download them for practice or load them to top velocities for hunting. Check out the price of 45 cal jacketed bullets. The last time I bought lead alloy for casting I paid $1 per pound but I have a lot of stuff I got free, or almost free. You'll get ABOUT 15 bullets per pound, depending on bullet weight so I guess that's about $7/100. Even if you double the cost to include gas checks and lube you're a LOT cheaper using cast. The last 5-6 deer I've taken were with a 450 Marlin (same ballistics as the 45-70) and all required only 1 shot and most fell within "spitting" distance of the hit. The last deer went about 50 meters but that was after the slug, an RCBS 405gr Flat Nose, smashed through a couple of branches I didn't see before hitting home. Best of luck with your new rifle, you'll really enjoy the Marlin in 45-70. GO CAST!!
 
Although I don't think I'm set up to do cast, it looks like there is a lot if guys who do i may have to buy some from fellow nutters. It also sounds like a good way to shoot more since this ammo can run on the expensive side. That in itself is a good reason.
 
AlbertanBound said:
Although I don't think I'm set up to do cast, it looks like there is a lot if guys who do i may have to buy some from fellow nutters. It also sounds like a good way to shoot more since this ammo can run on the expensive side. That in itself is a good reason.
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There's probably more than a few guy on site that provide the products you have in mind. In or for the .45-70, here's a qiuck idea of what I get from a friend locally.

There are numerous other examples I get for other calibres.

 
The Hornady Flex Tip makes the 45-70 a viable option for 200+ yard shooting without having to resort to excessive hold-over. Sighted in 4 inches high at 100 yards it is only 4 inches low at 200.
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The 405 grain hardcast Bullet Barn bullet hits like the hammer of Thor.
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So I got out shooting today and tried my friends 1895, it was treat, for sure I am getting one! I gunna start looking for someone down here who can do cast and start looking into reloading. seems like the way to go. If you want the big loop lever do you have to buy it seperate from the gun or can you buy a model or type with the loop already on? The small loop was about my only issue.
 
Chuckbuster said:
I have an 1895 in .45-70. I have tried a number of loads and have settled on a handload of a 350 grain Hornady FP ahead of a near max charge of H4198. It is accurate out of my rifle and pounds what it hits like the fist of an angry god. The only caveat is that more than a few rounds in succession off the bench ceases to be fun right quick. In other words, I would recommend the Marlin.
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Agreed,
I also agree with the "hammer of Thor" idea...
It's a nice gun with factory loads but step on the gas and it's a whole new ballgame...
 
A few years back I posted in the gunsmithing forum how i opened up my standard loop lever to a large loop lever. I tried to find a factory large lever but its damn near impossible to get in this country. To make the origional the way i wanted didnt take me very long and hour or two but what a difference it made in shooting that gun. I have since sold it to a friend because my wife bought me one of the first sbl's and ive been shooting that for about 4 years or so.
 
I have carried a few different rifles over the years 602 Brno in .375 H&H, .458 Lott,30-06, plus a few more,but the nicest one is my 1895 Marlin, I put a full length mag. tube,WWG's big loop lever and a few things inside. If I do my part it will do the rest.480 hard cast max load of 3031 in Starline brass. Hammer of Thor about sums it up for me. Granted I only shoot inside 50 yrds. and I am not hunting. It's just a great rifle.
 
Well I would like to able to shoot atleast 150 yards, 50 yards seems short. I definitely like the idea of its stopping power. Are you able to buy a factory big loop from a dealer?
 
My 45-70 1985 stainless guide is a pleasure to shoot. I really don't think that the recoil is all that bad, probably less than a slug from a 12 gauge
 
AlbertanBound said:
So I got out shooting today and tried my friends 1895, it was treat, for sure I am getting one! I gunna start looking for someone down here who can do cast and start looking into reloading. seems like the way to go. If you want the big loop lever do you have to buy it seperate from the gun or can you buy a model or type with the loop already on? The small loop was about my only issue.
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Google Marlin GBL or SBL
 
pounder said:
I have carried a few different rifles over the years 602 Brno in .375 H&H, .458 Lott,30-06, plus a few more,but the nicest one is my 1895 Marlin, I put a full length mag. tube,WWG's big loop lever and a few things inside. If I do my part it will do the rest.480 hard cast max load of 3031 in Starline brass. Hammer of Thor about sums it up for me. Granted I only shoot inside 50 yrds. and I am not hunting. It's just a great rifle.
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That's the original 1895 SS with a 22" barrel? Did you find the full length mag. tube affected the balance much? I've been toying with the idea of cropping mine to 20" and adding a full length tube, if for no other reason than for having something slightly unique.
 
It did not change the balance that I noticed, plus the weight up front makes getting back on target a tad faster,and the added weight of extra rnds. didn't hurt either.

pounder
 
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