Lever Action Vertical Stringing

[627PCFan]

So my newest toy is a Marlin 336SC in 35 Rem. Tonight I got a 5 inch rise of vertical stringing at 50 yards (4 shots after the barrel heated up) Barrel Band is not too tight, ammo are all handloads and i checked charges. Everything's good there. Bases and Scope are good and even made sure my cheek and shoulder pressure was even from shot to shot. Any ideas on where to start troubleshooting this thing?

 

[CZguy]

If you were shooting pretty rapidly, a hot barrel could account for that.

Here's a fifty yard target that I shot with an M1 Garand as quick as I could.

 

[marwin95]

I have read that pressure from the forearm and/or a too tight forearm bracket can also cause this.

 

[wv109323]

Are the bullets known to be good performers?
Marlin is going thru some quality issues now due to Marlin being bought out and guns being built elsewhere.
Does the bore look good.

 

[627PCFan]

The gun itself was made in March 1950. It has Ballard rifling, not microgroove. The bullets are hornady 200 grain interlocks round noses.

 

[Jim K]

The barrel band should not be just "not too tight" it should be loose and nothing should interfere with the expansion of the barrel.

Jim

 

[Cheers]

I agree with JimK on where to start.

 

[KansasPaul]

You were using handloads - did you full-length size your cases? I've observed vertical stringing when using handloads that were neck-sized only.

Paul

 

[Striker Fired]

I say retest the loads,This time allow a couple minutes betweem each shot and see if the vertical string still continues.

 

[texas chase]

I agree with the barrel heating causing this. I've see it in some of my rifles.

Also, I've read that if you've got a full tube mag in a lever action that as you shoot/eject rounds, the weight/balance of the gun shifts causing very slight shifts in POI. I'm sure its very small but it could be a factor.

$0.02