Marlin 336 in .35 Remington cycling issue

First thing to check is make sure all the screws are snug. Marlins levers don't work with loose screws.

1st thing I would check is the OAL length of the rounds. Getting any variance? Second, check to make sure the ammo tube is parallel with the barrel. Mine was tapered closer to the barrel at the muzzle than where it meets the action (I was screwing with it) and that incline caused feeding issues.

I see at Hornady's site it says:

The innovative LEVERevolution bullet design may require a newer magazine follower to provide best possible functioning of the last round out of the magazine. These magazine followers may be purchased from the manufacturer of your firearm. For optimum performance we do not recommend storing LEVERevolution ammunition in tubular magazines for extended periods, as this can result in tip deformation.

http://www.hornady.com/store/35-Rem-200-gr-FTX-LEVERevolution/

OK - I actually have a Marlin 336 lever action 35 Remington myself, and a friend of my brother who borrowed it last summer for some hog hunting actually bought some of these Leverevolution bullets, and gave it to me when he returned it. I had not really inspected what type they were until now.

I just now tried loading and cycling 5 rounds myself.

On the first rotation of the 5 rounds, the 2nd round feeding cycle gave some trouble, the 1st rounds ejection hanging up a bit as I recall.

Second rotation no real issues.

Third rotation, during the 1st round's feeding, lever down/forward in the cycle and the round feeding out of the magazine tube and into/onto the cylinder feeding mechanism, the round totally bound up a little less the halfway out of the magazine. It and the lever and lifting/feeding mechanism were jammed and would not move. Also the side port movement blocked due to the round. I had to get a screwdriver and aluminum cleaning rod and gently nudge the round back forward into the magazine using the ejection port and then the feed port. At this point I got all 5 rounds to cycle cleanly and then I called it quits.

So, it does make you wonder if there are issues with the model 336 and this cartridge design. I like its improved ballistics so would like to know what the fix/tweak might be that will make it work better in this firearm.

Found this thread from a few years ago. Seems some people had no issues, some do.

My 336 is 1966 vintage.

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/336/26296-336-35-rem-hornady-leverevolution.html

There is a small mod that can be made to correct that proble. Pose your question on google. Plus, U-Tube may have a tutorial on the subject.

I had gunsmith install new lifter in mine. No problems since.

I decided to fully take down the '66 model 336 35 Remington that was having the cycling issues with the LE rounds last night. First time ever its has been disassembled. The gun has seen very little use in its 45+ years, only had barrel cleanings and oilings after its firing range uses. Never really been used for hunting.

First thing I noticed is the magazine follower is metal, and flat faced. I will call Marlin and see if they will send me one of the newer plastic dimpled ones. If not, I will order one. I plan to use crocus cloth to polish the lifting mechanisms surfaces as well, especially those portions that directly touch the brass casings.

Hopefully these simple steps will clean things up with the LE rounds cycling.

That's the first thing I check for on any Marlin lever. Just a little loose will cause problems. Glad it's fixed.

Will do. Ordered the follower from Marlin customer service this morning. Might take a week or more to get here.

Installed the new plastic magazine follower. The LE rounds seem to be cycling well now.