New Marlin 1895 Trapper range report.

[Buckaroo Lou]

Range report on my new Marlin/Ruger 1895 Trapper.

I had some reloads that my cousin had reloaded several years ago that I have been wanting to try. He passed away some time back and I have wanted to shoot these for some time. I had shot them from his Winchester 1886 sporting rifle several years ago and thought they had shot well so I decided to try them from the new Marlin. I did have a lot of unburned powder residue in the barrel after each shot so am thinking this may not be the best powder to use in such a short barrel.

They are cast 305 gr. RNFP over 60 gr. of AA8700. At least that is what he has written on the box. I shot from sandbags out to 50 yards, and after shooting from 50 yards, I then shot 100 yards. I held all six shots within a six-inch group using the Skinner sights at 100 yds. Here is a photo of my six shot 50 yd. group. The lowest hole was my first shot. I forgot I still had my glasses on. I am able to see the front sight better without my glasses. The next 5 shots are without my glasses.

The recoil was not what I thought it might be. It was surprisingly very manageable. The rifle was a hoot to shoot, and it is definitely a keeper. I am really glad I bought this rifle.

[Slamfire]

 My daughter bought her a 1895 Trapper in 45-70. I'm new to the 45-70 reloading, but have loaded a lot of 45-60's & 40-60's. Using my 49th. edition Lyman book, i realized to load 45-70's i will need a #3 shovel,,, and 3 time more lead!!! I am using the Lyman #457191 sc mould (old & worn out) to cast @ .315-.316gns. w/ 20-1 mix. Luckly, she has Starline Brass. When & if it stops raining here, we will have some range reports. I loaded 5rds. w/ 48gns. of IMR 3031, and 5rds. w/ 38gns. of IMR 4198, (i'm not sure about the 3031 in this short barrel), i'v had good luck in my 45-60 w/26" barrel & 3031, let know what ya'll think.

  coffee's ready,  Hootmix.

[Buckaroo Lou]

Slamfire, my latest reloads have been a 325 gr. FN GC bullet over 33 gr. of IMR 4198. I have had pretty good success and my rifle likes the load. I get a little more recoil than the previous loads my cousin had done.

The target was set at about 58 yds. My first two shots were low and then I began working my way up two shots at 6:00, then two shots at 7:00 & 8:00 (touching red), and finally two shots at 9 and 10 o'clock in the red.

[Slamfire]

Thanks' Buckaroo, i forgot to mention that i am using PC'd bullets. Do you think 38gns. of 4198 might be a little too much. We don't hunt just shoot paper.

  coffee's ready,  Hootmix.

[Buckaroo Lou]

Thanks' Buckaroo, i forgot to mention that i am using PC'd bullets. Do you think 38gns. of 4198 might be a little too much. We don't hunt just shoot paper.

  coffee's ready,  Hootmix.

Slamfire, I mostly punch paper these days. Personally I think it is a little hot for just punching paper. I have loaded as low as 28 grains in my 45-60 and years ago in one of my early Shiloh sharps rifles in 45-70. Now days I only shoot black powder in my Sharps rifles.

I still have some 45-70 loads with a 300 gr FP GC bullet over 28 gr. of IMR 4198 I loaded to shoot from an original 1886 SR carbine.

This is the bullet I am currently shooting.

[Slamfire]

 Buckaroo, i like what i see on both of your targets, and those are very nice cast bullets. I will probably back down on these loads, thank you for your reply's.

  coffee's on (always),  Hootmix.