Tumbling bullets

boofus

boofus

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Timberlea, NS
I have a Marlin 336 lever action rifle in 30/30 with a micro groove barrrel. I shot different brands of ammo and they all seem to tumble. I first tried Hornady Leverevolution ammo and all 20 rounds hit the target sideways. Other brands like Wichester also tumbled. I tried Federal ammo and it is the best, but they also tumble slightly. I know how to clean barrels and this was cleaned thoroughly, even used copper fouling remover. Barrels looks good and the crown appears good. Any one else have this problem? Is the barrel shot out?
 
I don't know what the problem is, but you have a problem. I think it is gunsmith consulting time. I cannot imagine a simple reason for an inability to stabilize factory ammo.
 
Do you know if the rifle has ever fired cast lead bullets? Maybe the micro groove is partially plugged with lead and your copper solvent didn't touch the lead. I have never had to remove lead so maybe somebody else can help. just my opinion and worth what you paid for it.
 
A friend is having the same problem with the same model rifle and has yet to find out why.
He has thoroughly checked the barrel with a borescope, slugged it and cannot find anything that might cause tumbling, the crown is ok also.
Bullets of different weight tumble as do factory loads or handloads. :confused:
 
I've not really heard of a micro-groove barrel not shooting .308" jacketed bullets in the 30/30, I know that for shooting cast bullets a wider bullet usually does the trick(usually .311" or so). I'd give it a good cleaning, I don't believe that the barrel is shot out, try some JB bore paste on a patch with a cleaning rod and giver'.
 
Spend a couple hours on a good barrel cleaning. A friend had his Marlin 30-30 keyhole about 60% of the time. I gave the barrel a good scrubbing, and it shot good after that.
 
Last edited:
iceman2 said:
Do you know if the rifle has ever fired cast lead bullets? Maybe the micro groove is partially plugged with lead and your copper solvent didn't touch the lead. I have never had to remove lead so maybe somebody else can help. just my opinion and worth what you paid for it.
Click to expand...

Shooting jacketed bullets in a gun that is leaded usually strips the lead fouling out of the barrel
 
I agree, it's probably just fouled, maybe with lead. The microgroove barrels are not rifled as deep as conventional barrels, I think. Maybe they fill up quicker?
 
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