Author Topic: Marlin XL7 (Read 18099 times)

pa hog · « **Reply #60 on:** October 28, 2008, 10:18:24 AM »

I've been messing with 130gr Barnes TSX's in mine(.30-06) I'm getting some sub inch groups but still working bugs out, I am not up in the velocity range I wanna be at. It really likes Hornady Light Magnum 150gr SST's shoots them to a 1"-1.25" sometimes less, Chrono'ed Hornady's this past Sunday,Averaged 2988fps not bad at all. Also shot some Grand Slams with rl-19 slow but fairly accurate.I'm not gonna get to picky with it only running 6x scope and its a deer gun, but I did smoke a groundhog with it on the way to the range at 250yds.

You gotta free float the barrel on these guns if you want to do any load development the heat kills'em if there not floated. Fairly consistant after barrel is floated. Not hard 5min's with dremel and some sand paper and a piece of dowel rod

Cowpox · « **Reply #61 on:** October 29, 2008, 05:18:54 PM »

I took pa hog's advice and floated the barrel.

That turned it into one of those new rifles that are no fun. Talk about not fussy about what it is being fed.

I shot ten groups with 5 different loads, and 8 were sub minute, with one being a near cloverleaf.

I shot two groups with the Federal 150 grain Power Shok factory loads, both about 3/4 inch.

Two with Remington factory 150 grain Core-Lockt, again, about 3/4.

Two with my 700s favorite hand loads, a near clover leaf, and a 2 1/2 inch group with a called flyer. The other two were almost touching.

Two with the same hand load altered with 3/10ths grain less powder, one slightly over 1/2 inch, and the other an inch and 1/4 (probably my fault).

Two with the hand load altered by 3/10s more powder, one slightly under 3/4 inch, and the other slightly under an inch.

I think the rifle is a keeper.

The wind was nil, and I shot from the Steady Rest (brand name) I use for prairie dogs.

Looks like the loads that my 700 groups best with will work for this one too. That is, 150 grain Hornady SP, Remington case, Winchester primer, 58.7 grains of IMR 4350, for 2940 (measured).

pa hog · « **Reply #62 on:** October 30, 2008, 10:49:55 AM »

sweet!

usherj · « **Reply #63 on:** November 02, 2008, 01:35:23 AM »

I'm picking up one of these next week. Any suggestions on rings? I was thinking of using Leupolds with a 3-9x42 with the supplied one-piece base. Anyone know if lows will clear? My next choice would be Talley lightweights - same question on the height. Thanks

Cowpox · « **Reply #64 on:** November 02, 2008, 05:32:04 AM »

usherj,

My XL7 came with two piece Weaver (cross screw) style base.

As the rifle will be used in forested areas, I mounted a Bushnell Banner 1.5 - 4.5 x 32 scope. This is a short scope, so the objective bell is located over the front base, and barely clears the base with the Leupold medium rings I bought.

With these same medium rings, a scope with 32 mm objective that was long enough to get in front of the base, would have .285 clearance from the barrel nut. If it made it out in front of the barrel nut, the clearance would increase to .360 from the barrel.

Hope this will help you decide which rings you need.

usherj · « **Reply #65 on:** November 02, 2008, 01:12:19 PM »

Thanks for the info, Cowpox. Looks like the mediums should do the trick.

usherj · « **Reply #66 on:** November 07, 2008, 01:29:26 PM »

I just picked mine up and floated the bbl as recommended. While doing so I checked the bedding and noticed that the rear tang beds nice and even on the stock but doesn't touch the top of the pillar, while the front contacts the pillar and none of the stock. The fit of the stock on the sides is loose and uneven, but to be expected in a value rifle. I was thinking of leaving the rear tang as is and adding some glass bedding at the front receiver ring for support against camming of bolt during cocking. Any experience with this? I'm open to ideas since it will be a week or more before I get rings and scope.

Swampman · « **Reply #67 on:** November 07, 2008, 01:58:54 PM »

You floated the barrel without shooting it? I'd shoot it before I did anything.

usherj · « **Reply #68 on:** November 07, 2008, 02:54:16 PM »

I used to do that, but based on the reports on this model and my own experience I decided to free float it. You would have done the same if you saw the barrel channel in the stock. Bolt rifles nearly always shoot better that way, assuming they have their action securely bedded, which was the subject of my question.

Swampman · « **Reply #69 on:** November 07, 2008, 03:06:36 PM »

I've probably owned more that shot better before they were floated.

usherj · « **Reply #70 on:** November 07, 2008, 03:16:42 PM »

I hope I choose correctly. It will be a while before I find out, but I'll keep you posted.

DavOh · « **Reply #71 on:** November 16, 2008, 11:58:20 AM »

I broke my own rule... I hadnt researched anything on guns in probably 8-9 months.... too busy with other stuff... Just decided to stop into Bass Pro with my dad on a whim... saw this gun on the shelf and thoughtt "Wow, this looks good for $279".. but couldnt get anyone to help me at the counter(typical for bass pro...) Drove up the road to Academy(regional sporting goods store), handled it for a few minutes... My dad gave the trigger a pull, and his eyes lit up... Next words out of my mouth were "Write it up!"

So I bought a Marlin XL7 in .270 yesterday, without ever having done 1 iota of research on it. Didnt even know it existed.

$279.00+tax Put a 3-9x40mm Nikon Prostaff on it with Med. Millet weaver stype rings. Picked up 2 boxes of Rem corelokt 130 gr. ammo at the same time I bought the gun.

3 shots to zero at 100 yds....

then 12 more rounds fired.... 9 in the 1.5" bullseye, with 2 flyers no mroe than 1" from the border of the bullseye.

Best $300 I've spent in a very long time. Just wish it was easier to get a wood stock for it... but that can be done later.

I <3 this gun. I would recommend it to anyone.

pa hog · « **Reply #72 on:** November 18, 2008, 05:27:54 PM »

Marlin is releasing Wood(maybe a laminate) stock's on some XL-7 models this Year after the ShotShow they will also be avail. for sale thru Marlins Parts Dept. separately for those wish to change out synthetic.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #73 on:** November 19, 2008, 03:47:28 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on November 07, 2008, 01:58:54 PM

You floated the barrel without shooting it? I'd shoot it before I did anything.

That is exactly what I do to my rifles. Floating the barrel may actually increase group size a bit, but it eliminates the problem of the impacts walking the target due to heat, humidity or temperature changing the stock's shape.

First centerfire I ever got gave me fits while zeroing. The longer I shot the more the impacts walked up and to the left, even though I was keeping the barrel fairly cool. Free floating the barrel resolved that issue.

In the field, where 1 shot is the norm, it shouldn't matter. When practicing at the range it can make a big difference. Since I still get very acceptable accuracy, I choose to free float all my barrels - before they go to the range.

nomosendero · « **Reply #74 on:** November 19, 2008, 04:16:14 PM »

It is neat that they have a short action to intro now.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #75 on:** November 23, 2008, 12:43:51 PM »

I was at Gander Mountain this morning and looked over many rifles. I picked up and handled one of these in the 270 caliber. I have to say for $319.00 it looked like a pretty nice gun. Not very heavy and I was impressed by the metal. I might just buy one in the future. Dale

poncaguy · « **Reply #76 on:** November 23, 2008, 02:06:45 PM »

Best $309 OTD I ever spent on a rifle, my 270 is very accurate.

HogFan · « **Reply #77 on:** November 24, 2008, 02:04:03 PM »

You guys need to quit it! I've got 2 more months left in the sandbox before I can get home and hopefully buy me a new XL7.

robbo1965 · « **Reply #78 on:** November 24, 2008, 09:15:43 PM »

Best $321 spent on my first gun. By the way, got mine in 30/06. Waiting on my Nikon Pro Staff 3-9x 40 scope to come in the mail.

lik2hunt · « **Reply #79 on:** December 15, 2008, 11:56:27 AM »

A lot of talk of free floating the barrels on these. I'm not experienced in this procedure. Could someone elaborate on how it's done please? And also on how to do it on these rifles in particular? I've been eyeballing and watching the varied reviews on these since they were first introduced. Thanks.

Cowpox · « **Reply #80 on:** December 15, 2008, 03:39:44 PM »

lik2hunt,
I'm sure there are more efficient ways, but I use elbow grease, and a 8 inch piece of 5/8th inch dowel pin with 150 or 200 grit sandpaper wrapped around it. This way I am confident that enlarging of the barrel channel will not be noticeable.

On the XL7, (as on most composit stocks ) there are two rectangular pillars at the forend tip of the barrel channel. Sand these down flush, and put the action back in the stock. Wrap a piece of paper around the barrel, and try to slide it between the stock and barrel.

If the paper wont go, begin to enlarge the channel, which (on composit stocks) is only about 1 1/2 inches long because the forend is hollow. The rest of the channel back to the chamber, is only about a quarter on an inch on each side, but needs enlarging also.

Just keep sanding , periodically assembling and trying the paper, until it slips in between the stock and barrel, and slides all the way to the chamber with no felt resistance. It took 5 repetitions on mine. When the paper slipped in, I switched to 400 grit and polished up my work.

I was planning to pillar bed the action and put a pillar under the chamber, but mine shoots so well, that I dropped that idea. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

lik2hunt · « **Reply #81 on:** December 16, 2008, 10:42:40 AM »

Cowpox
Thankyou sir. That was a fine explanation of the procedure.

Mckie Hollow · « **Reply #82 on:** December 20, 2008, 12:29:43 AM »

I use a deep well socket and sandpaper, slightly smaller than the barrel groove

volksdriver · « **Reply #83 on:** December 20, 2008, 05:24:20 PM »

After reading numerous articles praising this new rifle, and reading many positive comments on different hunting/firearm forums..... I finally located one in Canada, and purchased in the .270 calibre. Just arrived ..... mounted a new Nikon Pro-Staff 3-9x40 scope, and couldn't wait to put a few rounds through it.
Damn cold Thursday at -27*C with a cross north wind on my range, so did not spend much time at all out there! Fired 3 rounds at 25yds just to rough in the scope to hit the paper further out..... 3 more at 50 yds.... then shot only 3 at 100 yds.... rifle felt good and with factory load Federal Power-Shok 150g Soft Points... I managed a "respectable??" first grouping (with cold hands) at 1.139"....Can't wait for warmer weather to be more comfortable and spend a bit more time with this rifle.....

Real good article in the November issue of "Rifle" magazine....

Rifle including GST and shipping was just under $400.00 Cdn brand new!!!

Slufoot · « **Reply #84 on:** December 21, 2008, 01:04:05 AM »

After reading alot about these rifles I finally got to put my paws on one. It was a 270 and I really liked the looks and feel of it. If it had been a 30-06 I would have bought it. I ordered a 30-06 but will have to wait for the distributor to get them back in stock.
Thanks for all the info you all have shared about these rifles! My wife probably wouldn't thank you

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

btr568 · « **Reply #85 on:** December 26, 2008, 04:49:50 AM »

I have one in 30-06 Black,wanted a camo version.But my gunshop couldn't lay hands on one at the time.Love this rifle.....To the guys talking about pillar bedding,why?It came from the factory allready made that way......News scoop for the guys wanting a cammo XLC7 in 30-06....I did find one in the rack about 3 days before Christmas...Edwards Discount Drugs for $321 and change...(601)947-4941,12114 Old 63 S.,Lucedale,Ms 39452.......Can't wait for them to come out with a short action in this rifle,I'll be buying 2 more

Blowtorch53 · « **Reply #86 on:** January 02, 2009, 11:26:09 AM »

I have a XL7 .30-06 with a Leopold 3 x 9. Lot's better then the Stevens because of the trigger. I haven't tried the Mossberg. $500 total investments and it shoots! Should be out in .25-06 before long, but with a .30-06, you don't really need anything else. PLEASE don't tell my wife I said that!

BT53

Slufoot · « **Reply #87 on:** January 07, 2009, 03:16:47 PM »

I picked up my XL7 in 30-06 today, nice looking, light and great handling rifle.

When I got home I mounted the supplied Weaver bases, used blue Loc-Tite on the screws and torqued them down. I had a pair of low Weaver rings and set them on top of the bases with the ring tops off and laid my 3-9X40mm Leupold Vari-X II scope in the rings. The scope just cleared the barrel but I noticed the rear base looked slightly taller than the front base and sure enough when I applied downward pressure on the scope directly over the rear ring it rocked.
I got out my scope lapping supplies and began lapping the rings. In less than 30 minutes I had the scope setting perfectly in the rings with near 100% contact. I then mounted the scope and found that it sets so low that the bolt handle can touch the ocular bell if you pull up on the bolt. I cycled the bolt several times and found that it didn't touch the scope with normal cycling.

I then got out my Lyman trigger pull gauge and checked the weight of the trigger. It came from the factory set at 3 pounds 11 ounces. I took the action out of the stock and adjusted the trigger down to 2 pounds 6 ounces. This is as light as it will go on my rifle. The trigger also has very noticeable creep.

I then took 4 cartridges, Remington 150 grain Core-Lokt, and loaded the magazine. With the safety on and in a safe location, I proceeded to cycle the rounds through the action and then ejected them. I did this several times and noticed the bolt was very difficult to push to get the cartridge started from the magazine, like it was binding. Once the cartridge would move it then pushed on into the chamber easily. I noticed the first and second cartridge was harder to push than the third and fourth.

Have any of you folks had trouble with the bolt binding on your XL7?

I can't wait to try this gun out and work up some loads for it.

Slufoot

Cowpox · « **Reply #88 on:** January 12, 2009, 09:33:10 AM »

Slufoot, I had no problem with the bases that came with mine, and the bolt operates quickly and smoothly.

Your problem with starting the round out of the magazine could well be caused by the bolts close proximity to the scope. I had this problem with low rings on a Mark X Mauser. Before I put the scope on, everything worked easily, but once the scope was on, there was little clearance, causing me to use the side of my thumb to close the bolt, and the awkward angle caused the bolt to bind. I went to medium rings, which allowed better contact with the bolt handle, and the problem went away.
Take your scope off, and see how the bolt works. If it is smoother, you may have to use higher rings.

Slufoot · « **Reply #89 on:** January 12, 2009, 03:00:49 PM »

I found the trouble with the bolt being hard to push. The magazine spring got turned 180 degrees, my fault, I'm sure I did this when I put it back together after adjusting the trigger. It now works fine!

I got to shoot Friday and the only ammo I had loaded was for a couple of Browning BAR's. It consisted of once fired Winchester brass sized in small base dies, IMR-4895 Surplus Military Powder and the bullets tried were 150 Remington PSPCL and Sierra 125 ProHunters.

The Remington bullets shot a 1.312", 3 shot group at 100.

The Sierra bullets shot a 1", 3 shot group at 100 yards.

I've got some loads ready to try that were sized with standard sizing dies and a variety of bullets consisting of the 150 Hornady SST, 165 Speer SBT, 165&180 Nosler Ballistic Tips and 180 Sierra GameKings. I can't wait to have a good day to try these out.

I believe for the money you just can't beat these XL7's!

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot