[StretchNM]

I took the Marlin 336SC out the other day to a cove in a little mountain in the flats nearby. I set up a target at an even 75yards and fired from the hood of my truck, on top of 3 or 4 sandbags. I couldn;t see the red bullseyes on the targets, I was just approximateing the center of each target.

#1 - The first five rounds grouped at about 4" with a flyer (me?) way high. I adjusted the front sight up one ramp level. 35.0gr IMR4064, Wolf LR, 2.515".

#2 - The second five rounds grouped a tad better, About 2-1/4" with a flyer way over to the right (me again). 36.0gr IMR4064, Wolf LR, 2.515".

#3 - This 5 rounds grouped at under 1-1/4", about 1.5" low and 3" left. 35.0gr IMR4064, Fed210, 2.515".

The last 5 rounds I spent cracking rocks near the target.

I am very impressed with this rifle and these Hornady FTX bullets!! I couldn't even see the bullseye dots, I was just trying to keep the sights centered in the middle of the target paper, approximating where i sighted each previous round !!

Here are some pictures:
The first 5 rounds:

The next 10 rounds. First 5 on the left-hand target (#2) and the second 5 on the right (#3):

A rock carcked into pieces:

Overall, quite a nice experience for this yearling reloader......

 

[StretchNM]

I didn't realize I was in the Handloading forum when I started this thread. I meant to put it in the Rifle forum. Please move it if that's OK.

 

[Chief RID]

FTX is the gummy tips I guess. That is good. You need to scope it and see what they do at 150 or 200 yds. Well, if you only have 75 yard shots you need to see what they group from your hunting position. guess I would get a better target and try again. You need to be able to see what you are shooting at for judging bullet performance. It looks like the gummy tips are doing well.

 

[mattsbox99]

Very nice! The .35 Rem Marlin is on a long list of guns that I want... its close to the top.

 

[broom_jm]

Sounds like you had a great first outing with that new gun...very cool! I hope my 35 shoots as well when I finally get the dies and start reloading.

 

[StretchNM]

I suppose I do need to some sitting, kneeling, and prone, and maybe some standing leaning against something to see what it does. But I'm very interested to see just how the rifle will group from a bench position, when I can see the bullseye. Once I know how it's going to group with a good load, I'll try some "field" positions.

I read in a couple of places that guys had problems with their .35Rem brass giving up early, and they were full-length sizing. So I asked Kempf Gun shop to order a Lee Collet die. They said they would. But here recently I think I read a post from a fellow who said he was on his 15th firing on some brass for this caliber, and that he full-length sized his cases every time.

Anyway, I'm pleased at how the rifle is shooting this early in the game.

Oh, for the record.... there has been no break-in proceedure with this rifle.... (D))

 

[MikeG]

I moved it to Leverguns for you.

 

[federali]

I just acquired my third Marlin 336 in .35 Remington. Haven't shot my 1977 vintage Marlin I acquired in early December, but my last 336 (don't ask me why I ever sold it) easily shot Ballentine signs over the 100 yard bench. For those of you too young to remember Ballentine beer, their logo was three overlapping circles.

Marlins are not target rifles but a surprising number of them can outshoot bolt actions and they possess more than enough accuracy for a rifle normally used within 200 yards.

 

[Swampman]

If you'll switch to the Speer 180 or Remington 200 your groups will be even better.

 

[Phat Mike]

I haven't been able to take mine out for a good shooting! but hope it shoot's as good as that! just traded for it last month and not sure I'm going to keep it yet? still on the fence about it. but your making me have second thought's about it.

 

[jodum]

My 70's mod 336 35 remington loves 200 gr rn bullets of just about any make. Using a max dose of IMR4064 it will shoot 1 inch groups all day.