Frick%^$in Loading Gate and Ammo problems with 1894

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I have a Marlin 1894 and I bought some soft-point bullets for its first outing since anything remotely round or pointy is unsafe in the tube mag according to the manual. So I'm trying to get them into the loading gate, and the pressure is so hard on the gate that the lead on the bullets often deforms before I get them in, thus reducing accuracy. I don't think the gun shop had any FMJ in stock that day (and it would have have to be 'flat' FMJ I guess) and it says not to use wadcutters.

I don't want to jam softpoints in there. So what can I use?

I'd like to maybe change a spring or something on the loading gate. The other parts have "worked in" but not the loading gate, as I don't practice loading.
 
X2

The amount of tip damage you get from a tube mag, loading is insignificant, when you're talking about a gun that typically shoots 2" groups.
Tip damage is overblown anyway, Bullet base damage durring reloading from not chamfering, is probably more of a concern.
I don't own a Marlin, but I do own a lot of Winchesters with the loading gate. You should not be getting damage to the tip (from the gate) if you are inserting the cartridge properly. Only the ogive of the bullet should be pressing on the gate. Damaged noses usually come from the battering of the tube mag.
Use your left hand wrapped around the receiver to press the front of the cartridge inwards, while pushing it home with your right. Push it the last bit home with the next cartridge in line, and save your thumb from loading gate bite.
It sounds complicated, but really it's easy, and fast.
 
I'd like to see just what your defining as tip damage..The above mentioned damage is normal,but who knows how much the guys getting. I mean if its rolling the lead right over because theres a burr or something behind the gate, it may have an accuracy,and ecspecially speed reloading bearing...So I'd like to see it before my .02$ goes in..Can you get a pic??
 
I will have to save a few cartridges from next time I am at the range. (I don't load live ammo at home!) But I will follow the directions given to see if they are different and improve things. Damage isn't that great, just the tips look like they've been "shaved" a bit, taken on a different "angle." Some flattening or squashing involved.

As for accuracy, vs cans it was deadly. On paper, it showed potential to group nicely around the bullseye, but there were some flyers. I'm wondering if maybe the inconsistency was from the altered bullets.

But I will put this knowledge to the test next time and see. My feeling is that in all likelyhood, the loading gate hasn't caught up with the "break-in" period on the rest of the rifle. (Also, I am a righty when I shoot but a lefty in "real life" so for detailed operations, maybe 'normal' right-hand procedure doesn't work for me. I noticed my dad had slightly less difficulty with the cartridges. We'll work it out.)

BTW what kind of pistol bullets do you load in your tube levers?
 
I have the same rifle and I will say of all the levers I have this one is the harder one to load. Those short squat cartridges don't want to slip in quite as easy. Follow JYC's advice and it'll get better with practice. Might save you some "loading gate bite" as he says. Been there done that :roll:

I've tryed all kinds of hollow point pistol type ammo in mine BTW. No issues, everthing shoots/cycles fine so far. And, as others have said I wouldn't sweat some nicks to the bullet. Pretty big blob of mass at slow speeds here I don't think it will produce any flyers........
 
"...the inconsistency was from the altered bullets..." Nope. Likely operator failure or the ammo. The tip of a bullet means very little where accuracy is concerned. The base is far more important.
 
I'd also like to know - does anyone use wadcutters? The manual says not to but I don't know why. Feeding? Rifling problems? I'd like to use them.

Also, I've found that the white lithium grease I use for my M1s really slicked up the action. But is it safe to fire with this great in the moving parts of the action, or should I remove it before firing?
 
Unregistered said:
I'd also like to know - does anyone use wadcutters? The manual says not to but I don't know why. Feeding? Rifling problems? I'd like to use them.

Also, I've found that the white lithium grease I use for my M1s really slicked up the action. But is it safe to fire with this great in the moving parts of the action, or should I remove it before firing?
Click to expand...
Most 94's will not cycle wadcutters, the "sharp edge" on the bullet tends to "hang up on the edge of the chamber when feeding. Some rifle will feed them most I've had did not.
The Grease should not be a prob as long as there is no chance any of it will find its way into the chamber via the casings picking it up with them etc.
Best to keep it clean and use a light oil or whatever on the moving parts is fine :wink:
I have actually had good luck shortening the tube spring to aid in "loading" etc. this reduces the tension needed to force in another round into the tube. The Loading gate can be "slightly bent" to reduce the force required to push it in as well.
Best talk to some CAS shooters who have done these mods 8)
 
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