Author Topic: Marlin SS .54 can't hit a barn...help (Read 640 times)

eskimo36 · « **on:** September 08, 2004, 09:02:13 AM »

I have a Marlin SS .54 that I have been unable to get to shoot accurately. I am not worring about 1/2"....i am talking about 3 foot group size with loads that work in my .54 caliber knight. I have switched bullets, powder, powder charge....ready to start over...

Where do I start?

any ideas???

Trail Bum · « **Reply #1 on:** September 08, 2004, 10:54:09 AM »

Check the Crown , for any Visable Damage, and Glass Bed the Action, if it has not been done already. 3' Group Size, Screams Bedding to me !

eskimo36 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2004, 03:32:07 PM »

crown appears to be fine and it is already bedded....actually i have two identical Marlin .54's with the same problem.... what do i look at next?

?

Trail Bum · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2004, 04:48:39 AM »

....actually i have two identical Marlin .54's with the same problem.... what do i look at next?

?

Sending them back to Marlin, with a Note Asking for your Money Back.

BNoz01 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2004, 12:37:19 AM »

I struggled to get a couple 209 * 50 Encores to group tightly. Several folks recommended PowerBelt Bullets, but I hesitated because of their cost. Finally, we bought a box and, voila, instant tack-driving results.

B. Noz.

aulrich · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2004, 10:10:39 AM »

Are the scope mounts still tight, I won't say how many times that has happen to me (and I am just getting the hint now :oops: ). I have had them start tight but then work loose because they were not tight they were just snug.

oneshotonekill · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2004, 02:01:07 PM »

Are you shooting pellets or loose powder? Sabots or Conicals?

What kind of groups were you getting in the 54 Knight with the loads you tried in the Marlins?

I had a friend that could not get a T/C system 1 54 cal to shoot a decent group with pyrodex pellets. We loaded it with loose pyrodex RS and tried a few loads and it was printing 1.5" at 100 with 110gr Pyrodex RS and a 250 gr xtp in T/C sabot. It also shot the Knight red-hot bullets very good with 110 gr Pyrodex RS but we only had a few on hand.

Do you know the twist rate on the Marlins? What weight bullets have you tried? To get a 3 foot group I would think the bullets are not stabilized. Is there any evidence of keyholeing in the target?

eskimo36 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 10, 2004, 03:20:06 PM »

lots of good ideas. i hope to get more. This has been a very frustrating ordeal.... i work with the pair for a while then put them up when i am at my wits end and go shoot my .50 round ball gun(clover leafs at 50). The knight shoots 100 gr of pyrodex select (loose) with a power belt bullet into 2-3" groups at a 100 yards. I am not sure what i will try next with the pair but probably tomorrow evening i will try something...

jbtazgrabber · « **Reply #8 on:** September 10, 2004, 05:34:35 PM »

i have 3 54 cals the only thing they will shoot is a good ole round ball 100 gr. rs and a snug patch even my tc barrel with a faster twist dont like sabot much i really dont like a ball but the guns do and thats all that really matters i still carry 54 after bambi and still grt my deer but dont grt a blood trail but they dont go to far either just my opion but try a round ball next after all thats what front stuffers were originally made for if it wont shot a ball then it wont shoot anything is my past experances good luck :-)

jh45gun · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2004, 08:11:59 PM »

Have you tried conicals instead of bullet/sabot combo's? While I have shot the sabots I prefer conicals and cast my own. Jim