Marlin 1894 Micro-Groove vs Ballard accuracy?

[YodaVader]

Used to own a Micro-Groove Marlin 1894 in 44 in the late 80's and it was quite a shooter with Hornady 240 JHP. Also shot a 357 version that a friend let me borrow , it too was a Micro-Groove model and shot very well with 158 JHP.

I know the new Ballard rifling is suppose to be better for cast lead bullets but is the accuracy with jacketed bullets on par with the Micro-Groove barrel models?

I am thinking of buying a 357 mag 1894 for use with jacketed bullets.

 

[Hutch]

YV, I believe the general consensus is that the Ballard rifling will be better with cast bullets that may vary a bit in diameter. For accurately sized cast bullets, I don't think there should be any major difference. Jacketed bullets are more likely to be accurately sized, and would therefor be more likely to shoot well in either Micro-groove or Ballard rifling. JMHO.

I am fortunate enough to have 2 1894's in .357, an older Micro-groove model that I have scoped for hunting, and one with Ballard rifling to shoot at Cowboy action matches.