1893 Marlin Lever

[Bingo]

My Father-in-law just gave my son a model 1893 Marlin made in 1906. It is a 38-55 Cal.
   I have done a little research and found that factory ammo 255gr bullet runs at about 1300 fps. Some folks tell me you can load it up to about 16-1800fps. Can this action take the pressure or should we just stay with the lower speed?
  Also. the front site is broken. T beleave it had a Beach front sight on it but Nuemrich only has a standard front sight can anyone help me?

[Rangr44]

I would stay with low-powered loads, out of respect for 100+ y.o. steel.
 
Track of the Wolf has replacement Beach front sights:   
 
 http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartList.aspx?catID=14&subID=167&styleID=762&PageSize=10&Page=2&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1&as=1
 
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[jlchucker]

If you check out some of the loading data for that caliber, you'll find that some pretty low-pressure loads for 249 grain cast bullets will exceed 1300 fps.  I agree with Ranger44.  100 Y.0. steel in a fine rifle like your Marlin needs to be respected, and greased lead alloy bullets are a lot easier on old barrels than new, jacketed ones.  Generally speaking, just as deadly on game animals, too.