[goon]

I got paid yesterday and made the mistake of stopping at a gun shop on the way to the range.
My dad has been dropping hints that he would like me to start hunting with him again and since I don't get to see my family as much anymore I decided that I should.
Eventhough I really should have used the money for something else (I drive a crappy vehicle, I am dropping to part time at work, and am full time in college), I bought a used Marlin yesterday.
I need a deer rifle and I was in a local shop so I picked the nicest 336 they had on the used rack and left with it and a couple boxes of ammo. I figure that I can always get about what I put in it back out of it if I need the money later.
Anyhow,
Something I noticed is that the price of 30-30 ammo is increasing. If I shoot it much I will have to start loading it. I'm not sure I can afford much shooting either way but I am pretty sure that my brother would split the cost of dies and lead with me and we already have a lot of brass, primers, and powder.
My Marlin has a microgroove barrel though and they aren't known for stellar performance with cast bullets like those offered by Oregon Trail for the 30-30.
Has anyone actually tried cast bullets with a microgroove barrel an if so, how did it work out?
Thanks

[ClarkEMyers]

Cast bullets must be matched to the bore and groove diameter and fit the throat properly. Then there are issues of temper and it gets complicated. MicroGroove rifling by design has a slightly larger bore diameter and a slightly smaller groove diameter than some other forms of rifling. For this reason the same bullets that work in another rifle may not, likely won't, give best results in the Marlin. Many bullets otherwise suitable for the .30-30 are designed with a bore riding pilot that doesn't fit the slightly larger bore of the MicroGroove rifling and so on and so forth.

Therefore bullets chosen haphazardly or because they work in another rifle may not be the best choice. Always worth trying a few but probably not wise to stock up before trying the bullet.

Your individual rifle may or may not shoot your best loads well but there is nothing wrong with MicroGroove rifling just different.

[Rampant_Colt]

I personally haven't shot too many cast bullets in my microgroove Marlin 1894 .357mag, but from what i understand about Marlins microgroove rifling it doesn't provide a good 'purchase' on the lead bullets required for better stabilization - especially after firing hundreds of rounds.The shallow lands and grooves get leaded-up much easier..
That's why many of the cowboy action shooters requested deep groove button rifling for shooting their low-powered lead reloads and required low-powered loads.
Remington bulk 150 and 170gr corelokt bullets can be purchased for reasonable prices if you search around. Check out Natchez shooter supply, they always seem to have deals going on.

[Chawbaccer]

This (http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm)might help.
I've been wanting to try some swc in my 336. This guy is using pistol powders at low velocity. As you can see from the chart, the groups open up with higher velocities.

[rbernie]

I've pushed well past 2000 fps with cast (using Buffalo Bore gas checked offerings) in several Microgroove leverguns and had no leading or other issues.

[AH-1]

as a avid bullet caster for over 30 years just my .02.
with the marlin 30-30 yes it can be done with cast bullets and a MG barrel BUT each one is different.slug the bore then go atleast .002 over bore dia.when sizing the bullet. a gas check is a must and your alloy has to be plenty hard.I ended up doing 50/50 with wheel weights and linotype.lube is a big factory finally I used magma blue with a light coat of lee's tl over the top of that.it works..
I gave up on a marlin 1894 41 mag as it would shoot worth a hoot period no matter how hard I tried even with jacketed bullets it wasn't doing that well.
the best was my marlin 1895SS that had ballard rifling.no problems with this one:) .

[byf43]

I loaded some 240 gr. SWC HARDCAST bullets for my 1894S in .44 magnum, using 2400 powder.

Very accurate at 50 yds.

The bullets were sized .430"
The load was fairly mild, and leading was minimal, ALMOST non-existant.

[AH-1]

more info here

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=12

[mete]

Diameter and hardness are critical. You can't just go out and buy a cast bullet and expect it to work. If you cast your own you can pick the hardness and diameter that works in your gun.