30-30 Twist Rate

[Bigahh]

Guys,
Help me out if you can. I bought a Marlin 336XLR last summer with the intent of loading my pet load in it which is a 170 FP Hornady bullet. I just cannot get it to shoot very well. Could this be caused by the 1:12 twist of this rifle? The standard twist should be 1:10 i think. Is this rifle destined to shoot the 160 gr flex tips? I have not tried any 150 grain bullets out of it yet, that may help. Any input would be appreciated.

[J35]

The win 94's have a 12 twist and they do OK

The 336 has the 10.

Have fun

[Nath]

I can't see it as a twist issue Sir, what loads have you tried with that bullet?

Nath.

[86er]

Measure the length of the bullet in inches and use the Greenhill Formula to determine the best bullet for your purposes.

[O.S.O.K.]

Its not the twist rate.

Have you tried different loads with that bullet? Every rifle likes what it likes. A load that shoots well in one won't shoot the same in another...

Do the 160 Leverevolution rounds shoot well? If so, then its definately just a load issue.

[Bigahh]

I have only tried the Hornady 170 grain bullets with IMR 3031, and W748. The bullets always seem to have at least 2 "flyers" in a 5 shot group. I refuse to buy factory flex tip bullets, but now that they are available to load i may try them, although I know a few guys who absolutely hate their performance on deer. This rifle might be a .32 special soon.

[Nath]

Just out of interest what dies are you using?

nath.

[Kansas Ed]

I had one 1894 rifle in 25-35 that absolutely would not shoot a Hornady bullet...period. After trying about 30 different loads with that rifle I was ready to send it to the Gunshow for swap, but as a last resort, tried a different bullet and it shot under 1" groups at 50. So try a different brand...Sierra or Speer for instance. Favorite loads for one rifle may be extremely poor in another.

Ed

[Bigahh]

Just out of interest what dies are you using?

nath.

Hornady Dies, I can shoot tacks with 4 other rifles using the same dies. This rifle has my Goat so far. Wanted to use it last deer season, but still a work in progress to say the least.

[Sixgun]

You gotta relax and do some experimenting. Its part of the game. BTW, what do you call "bad".

I have a Hi-Wall Winchester that shot 4" groups at 100 meters with everything I tried. (about 700 rounds) Then I did something (seated the bullet out another 30 thou.) It now shoots those groups at 300 meters.-----------Sixgun

[Bigahh]

You gotta relax and do some experimenting. Its part of the game. BTW, what do you call "bad".

Bad is 2" groups at 50 yards with a scope. Not just that, but I frequently get a "Flyer" 6" or more from the groups center. I bought the rifle used at a great price, I am thinking maybe I know why, but I will not give up just yet. Still plenty more bullets, and powder to try before it gets re-barreled to .32 special. Still is a "Fun Challenge" to me yet, but once spring has sprung I will take other actions with it.

[TX Gun Runner]

There is nothing with the 1 in12 twist , 1 in 16 in the 32 cal a little better for lead . In the Marlin I use Unique , sold gun 10+ years ago and I don't remember how much .