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Post by 38 WCF on Sept 17, 2023 11:09:54 GMT -5
So I have a Marlin 1894 in 44 Magnum. Shot a bit when purchased about 4 years ago and had no problems. This summer I have taken it out again and find I have had two case separations in about 100 rounds. Cases are brand new Starline with a 240 semi wadcutter and 11.0 grains of Unique. I suspect the gun has a Headspace problem. Should I take it to a Gunsmith or just sell it at a loss ?
Need opinions and solutions.
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Post by barbarosa on Sept 17, 2023 12:26:56 GMT -5
I have one in 45 Colt, the chamber is a bit large and my cases bulge quite a bit. You can really tell it came from the Marlin when resizing compared to my Ruger. My guess is Magnum pressures are just enough to split your case, probably nothing you can do other than cut an inch off the barrel and set it back with a tight chamber. Then there is the chance it may not cycle properly. I would just shoot it and enjoy.
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Post by prisedefer on Sept 17, 2023 20:18:17 GMT -5
Try factory ammo first before you cut anything or give it to a gunsmith. What ammo did you fire out of the gun 4 years ago?
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Post by 38 WCF on Sept 18, 2023 9:23:13 GMT -5
Try factory ammo first before you cut anything or give it to a gunsmith. What ammo did you fire out of the gun 4 years ago? That is a good idea : Factory ammo. 4 years ago the brass came from the same bag as this summer. Bullet was a cast bullet but not sure what the powder or charge was.
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Post by nhithaca on Sept 18, 2023 14:25:58 GMT -5
I agree with Barbarosa, factory chamber is probably oversize. I too have a 45 Colt Model 1894 North Haven Marlin and the cases come out of the chamber looking lopsided. Does not affect shooting but if the load is on the light side, the cases also come out black on the outside due to the brass not sealing the chamber tight.
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