1894 and Flextip bullets

[shoots45s]

I just picked up a used 1975 vintage 1894S in 44 Mag. Seems to be virtually original carbine with no mods. I have not fired it yet. I still need to clean it but it looks to be in great condition.

I loaded magazine with 10 rounds of American Eagle 240 gr JHP bullets and they all fit and cycled through the gun with no problem.

I then tried to put in some 225 gr FlexTip rounds and I could only get 3 into the magazine, the third with some difficulty and the fourth would just not go in, and I have a bleeding finger to prove it.

The ones that made it in cycled ok, even though the Flextip is slightly over COAL for the rifle.

Anyone with ideas on why I can't get the Flextip rounds in the magazine?

When I clean the rifle, I'll also clean the magazine tube - even the AE rounds didn't not go in very smooth.

Thanks,

 

[Coyote3855]

Yes, try cleaning the magazine tube. Sometimes the spring and/or the inside of the tube will be corroded. I think stainless steel mag springs are available; I put one in a Uberti 1866 replica. How are you loading the rounds? I have a couple of .45 Colt long guns that load easiest if I don't push each round all the way in. Leave the base of the cartridge out a bit, enough to hold the loading gate open. Then use the next cartridge to push the first one in. Rinse and repeat. I've never used Flextips so I don't know if my technique will work with those.

 

[shoots45s]

I tried to disassemble the magazine tube to clean it, but could not get the follower out. It iwould get stuck about 2" in from the muzzle end. I spritzed a very small amount of RemOil in the tube, then ran a large patch into it several times - it did come out dirty. The RemOil will evaporate in a day or two.

However, still no difference in inserting the Flextip rounds. The JHP's still went in fine.

Doesn't appear this gun is prone to Marlin Jam - the wear on the lever was in back of the sharp edge, no wear on the sharp edge - still had factory paint on it.

I don't like how the action cycles - rather rough. I might take it to a gunsmith and see what he can do.

 

[stonecoldy]

If you haven't visited "Marlin Owners" forum yet, take a look there. Tons of info for your rifle.

 

[shoots45s]

I have visited the Marlin owner's site.

It appears that I have an older style follower. I need to replace the follower with a newer plastic one has a dimple on the end to hold the tip of the bullet in place. It appears the bullet is slipping off the follower and lodging between the magazine wall and follower so it jams.

Or don't use that ammo. I've seen several comments that it's not that good for hunting - doesn't drop the animal like a regular HP would, uneven or no expansion, through and through shots, etc.

I'll probably have my gunsmith look at it and see if he can improve the cycling.

Thanks for help

 

[flightsimmer]

Are you talking about the Hornady FTX Leverevolution ammo with the plastic tip?
They tend to slip off to the side of the cartridge ahead of them and catch on the edge of the tube. See if the plastic tip shows signs of getting cut on a sharp edge.
Also try hooking your fingernail on the rim forcing the point to the right side as you insert it.
I love the ammo but I had to weaken the gate spring to just enough to close it and I also weakened/cut the tube spring to the point that it only stuck out about two cartridge lengths from the open end of the tube.
They are much easier to load fully now.