Hey,

First post on the forum, these four sights sure are a great resource!

Here's my question. I purchased a new Marlin 1895 (first rifle bigger than .30 caliber) and want to run mainly cast in it. In preperation for ordering from beartooth (and possibly firelapping) I slugged the barrel. I measured the sinker I knocked all the way through at .457 on the money (using a dial caliper and then a mic I found in the garage, same result) The slug I tapped into the muzzle and then back out measured just the tinest hair over .457 something like .4571-.4572...

So what's this telling me? either I have a very small barrel constriction or the muzzle is the constriction. What I know about barrel construction makes me think both are unlikely. Any thoughts?

I did not notice any signifigant change in resistance or difficult spots when I was slugging the barrel. I used a VERY BIG HAMMER as advised and it slid about 4-5 inches at a tap all the way through, lubed with CLP

Also, the technical guide mentions that I need to get my throat dimensions to figure what bullet size I need. I don't have the equipment to do that right now (lead melting stuff) but would like to get started loading, what size would you recommend based on the above about my barrel (or does that even matter?)

Thanks.

Tap one about halfway through (carefull) from the breech end, then back out the way it came in.

Not saying 0.457" is impossible, but most Marlins are a bit more generous, dimensionally.

You can try to stop the sinker in the throat, starting from the breech, and see if that get the dimensions. If one goes in too far, just tap another one in behind it. Just go slow.

Welcome aboard!

Yes, it does seem a bit slight on the measurement. I wouldn't take any stock in the caliper measurement, only the mic.