Anyone out there shoot a Marlin 1895 .45-70? How well do they shoot with the ballard type rifling and what is the twist rate of the rifling?

Between my shooting partner and myself, we have three M1895s -- two stainless steel, one customized non-stainless. We have invested much effort to create a 425-grain LFN GC bullet that emulates Beartooth's Piledriver Jr and have finally achieved successful accuracy.

And . . . 350-grain Hornady JRN and JFP bullets shoot well, as do . . .

400-grain Speer JFP

several 400-405-grain LFN GC cast bullets

405-grain Remington JFP
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The translation of this information is: If you are willing to invest some effort, the M1895s with Ballard rifling will accurately shoot whatever you have in mind.

Hope this helps.

I have 4 of them both with micro-groove and ballard rifling. They are ALL extremely accurate with well fitting cast boolits. My 1895 standard with micro-groove being the most accurate of the bunch but not by much (1/2" vs. 5/8" @ 100yds).

Mine is an exceptional shooter. Shot a group at 289 yards that you could hide with a silver dollar. 300gr nosler partions. Imr 4198.

If you want loads that have worked for me just shoot me a Pm. I tend to shoot the lighter gr. bullets. The only load that shot poorly was AA 1680 and Nosler partions. The accuracy was there but so were the signs of pressure way to early to use as a hunting load. I say buy one and see. I havent met a guy that owns one and doesnt love it.

all factory loads shoot very well and the hottest of loads from garrett and bufflo bore can only be shot from ballard type rifles.
you cant go wrong with the 1895 or the GG.

all factory loads shoot very well and the hottest of loads from garrett and bufflo bore can only be shot from ballard type rifles.

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Why would that be? Is that a cartridge maker recommendation. I never have heard such a thing before.

I have a date with the range this Saturday to fire my 1895 Ported Guide Gun in 45-70 for the first time! Mine has the 18 & 1/2" barrel with 1:20" r.h. twist (6 Ballard-type rifling grooves). I'll be able to respond to the first half of your question after Saturday.

Why would that be? Is that a cartridge maker recommendation. I never have heard such a thing before.

go to Garret cartridges website. I dont know why, it is the way it is.