Velocity/Melting .44mag lead bullets?

[SgtRock04]

I'm just trying to determine(roughly) at what velocity do lead bullets start to lead up/melt in Lever/Carbine(Marlin 1894) barrels? I thought i might be able to use Elmer Keith's loads(21-22 grs of 2400 for a lead 240gr bullet.I quickly found out that my barrel was leading up! So, now im looking at Unique or Titegroup( I also have W231) but without buying gas checks I have to keep the velocity down to 1200fps? I guess there are two questions here 1. What powder to use & 2. what velocity/load to use with 240 lead bullets(no gas checks)? Any ideas?

 

[fecmech]

They are not melting!
It may not be the powder or the speed. I regularly shoot plain based bullets at 1600 fps out of both my Win 94 and Rossi 92 .357's using 2400,296 and H110 with no leading and accuracy that runs 3-4" at 100 yds. A couple of questions:

1. did you slug your bore and what is the groove diameter?( what size are the bullets?)
2. is this a Microgroove Marlin?(from what I'm told they need bullets at least .002" over groove size)
3. what lube are you using

Once we know what you are working with we might be able to help you.

 

[SgtRock04]

fecmech, Thanks for responding. This new Marlin 1894 has Ballard rifling,I haven't slugged the barrel(don't really know how) & the measurement of bullets .431" hard cast lead FP.I don't know any more than that, these DRG bullets are manufactured in this area(Hamilton,Ont) & I have spoke with owner/operator on occasion for general info.We regularly visit Buffalo Gun & area monthly & like Western New York's people! SgtRock04

 

[Asherdan]

I was clued in to slug the barrel on my 1894 as they tend to run 'large'. Sure enough, mine runs just under .431". Additionally, I was using a Lee Factory Crimp die that was post sizing my .431 bullets down. Fixed the crimp die post sizing issue and now get little or no leading. Common issues in getting an 1894 to run with cast includes:

Bullet & bore fit - you want the bullet 1 to 2 thousandths over bore size.

Barrel Constrictions - This is something you can feel when you slug the bore. Sometimes there will be tight spots in the barrel from the stamping or the sight dovetail. Common fix is barrel lapping.

Where is the leading? All the way through, at the bore end or the chamber end? How far?

Clean your bore, oil it liberally and drive a slug through with a rod. Wrap it in electrical tape so you don't tear up your bore. Don't use wood because jamming and breaking off a dowel in your bore with a lead slug in it is an extra special headache. See if there's spots where it's difficult to drive the slug followed by smoother portions. Use your rod to depth check where and how long those spots are.

Figure out your bore fit and match your bullet to it and you should be able to push plain based bullets with 2400 to good velocities.

Good Luck!

 

[fecmech]

Sgt--See if you can find some soft lead fishing sinkers that are larger than your bore. At your local hardware store you can pick up a piece of plain round steel rod approx 3/8" diameter and 36" long. Just spiral wrap the rod with masking tape to protect your bore and drive the sinker through your barrel by using the taped rod and a hammer. You will of course thoroughly clean the barrel and put a coating of oil in it. Measure the largest diameter of the sinker with a micrometer and voila, you will have your groove diameter. You will then want to buy bullets .001-.002 larger than your groove diameter.
The Buffalo Gun center is a real "Candy store" and I go there when I go into Buffalo. I go there to look at the guns and buy them somewhere else, they have some pretty arrogant people running that place! I'm just across the lake from you in Gasport, (just south of Olcott on the lake).

 

[SgtRock04]

.44mag

Ok fecmech & Asherdan, thanks for this help,I must admit it seems alil' over my head with the sluggn' ideas,but,..... I'll give it a try.I really want to use 2400 cause I love it & it was Elmer Keiths pick! I can use copper jacket but lead is sooooo much cheaper. Yes, i've encountered the arrogance at that Gun shop too, its very unpleasant,however, i've developed a good working relationship with Don, good guy,maybe ask for him next time fecmech. SgtRock04