Old Marlin 30.30 has issues with new ammo

[Phantom 1-3]

Recently I have had a ‘71 Marlin passed along to me, two lock ups later I have been told that this 336 especially does not like the Hornady ammo. Anyone else have this problem?

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

Any pics of how it’s locking up? I know the lever revolution 45/70 is shorter and I know some Marlins have issues with OAL and double feed/marlin jam.
Wondering if the shorter ammo is causing a double feed locking up issue.
Look up the dreaded marlin jam for details. Usually seen with 38s in a 357.
Due to parts wear over the years.
I have found that this issue reads it’s ugly head when the screws loosen up on my 1894. Make sure all the screws are tight and try to post some pics of what’s happening please.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

Maybe start with a good cleaning and lube if you haven't done so already. Jack.

 

[mac1911]

How is it locking up.
Is it locking up as in you can not cycle a fired case out of the chamber.
If it only happened with Hornady ammo just dont use it.

 

[jpm]

'71 is not an old Marlin lol, that's a modern version and should have no trouble with modern ammo

 

[Woodstock]

Try some 150 or 170 gr. factory loads and see if they work any better. The Hornady nose profile is a sharp point. And a clean and lube is never a bad idea.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

Try some 150 or 170 gr. factory loads and see if they work any better. The Hornady nose profile is a sharp point. And a clean and lube is never a bad idea.

Ammo with "pointy" bullets is a bad idea in a lever gun. Don't do it. Jack.

 

[RumRunner]

Interested in this conversation. I have a Marlin 30-30 that I got many years ago, I think it's probably from the 70's, but could be older. I hadn't shot it in years, used up all the old ammo I had this year at the range, have not bought any new ammo for it yet.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

Interested in this conversation. I have a Marlin 30-30 that I got many years ago, I think it's probably from the 70's, but could be older. I hadn't shot it in years, used up all the old ammo I had this year at the range, have not bought any new ammo for it yet.

Be sure to get ammo with soft point bullets. In the tubular magazine you have bullets contacting primers and recoil. Think about it. Jack.

 

[RumRunner]

Be sure to get ammo with soft point bullets. In the tubular magazine you have bullets contacting primers and recoil. Think about it. Jack.

Yup, have always done that, it only makes sense. Just curious from this thread if there ends up being anything else related to the marlins and newer ammo.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

Yup, have always done that, it only makes sense. Just curious from this thread if there ends up being anything else related to the marlins and newer ammo.

When you open it up to clean it and take out the lever and bolt, the ejector can drop out and it may be possible to put it in back asswards. You may want to check this. Jack.

 

[RumRunner]

When you open it up to clean it and take out the lever and bolt, the ejector can drop out and it may be possible to put it in back asswards. You may want to check this. Jack.

Thanks, I'll double check that on mine. But I've had no problems, just that I've also not used any newer ammo either so just sitting back and seeing if there is anything to this issue for the OP.

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

Ammo with "pointy" bullets is a bad idea in a lever gun. Don't do it. Jack.

Hornady only makes the squishy pointed bullets like Hornady Leverevolution.

 

[Coyote33]

Interested in this conversation. I have a Marlin 30-30 that I got many years ago, I think it's probably from the 70's, but could be older. I hadn't shot it in years, used up all the old ammo I had this year at the range, have not bought any new ammo for it yet.

With modern ammunition, these older guns are no longer worth anything. I'll take it off your hands for $20.
;-)

 

[RumRunner]

With modern ammunition, these older guns are no longer worth anything. I'll take it off your hands for $20.
;-)

I'll pass, got a good deal on this one about 25 years ago from a neighbor. That is why I don't know how old it is, was already old when I got it

 

[BrianWilson]

I can only add this....as an avid reloader I went through all the gyrations trying to find the ultimate load for my 336. At the end of it all I just stocked up on factory Rem CoreLokt 170's. They shoot very well, and function smoothly. The difference between the ammo I lovingly and painstakingly hand assembled using only the finest components didn't amount to spit in the whitetails world, and the Remington ammo can be bought cheap enough. For blasting Bambi go with the soft points, not the hollow points.

 

[1919FAN]

The lever is probably worn I had one year's ago that use to jam up if you didn't cycle it fast a new lever cured it.

 

[HorizontalHunter]

The lever is probably worn I had one year's ago that use to jam up if you didn't cycle it fast a new lever cured it.

I have a well used Winchester made Sears 30-30 lever that would do the same thing if you “short stroked” it. I eventually had a gunsmith fix it and re-time it. It feeds everything I ever ran through it including the Hornady Leveroution. I mostly use the Remington CoreLokt In it has Brian mentioned above as it is inexpensive and minute of Bear accurate here. (No rifle hunting for Bambi here) It’s a fun gun to shoot.

The OP hasn’t provided any other info so we really don’t know what he means by “lock ups”. It could be anything.

Bob

 

[Phantom 1-3]

The lock up or malfunction is as follows, lever locked in the open position, magazine feed slot very stiff with no movement. I fixed it by loosening lever screw and feed screw. When speaking with the gunsmith friend of mine he is saying the same that most of you are. Use blunt nose rounds. I appreciate all the info. I will be grabbing some blunt nose and leaving the squishy tips alone in this rifle

 

[HorizontalHunter]

The lock up or malfunction is as follows, lever locked in the open position, magazine feed slot very stiff with no movement. I fixed it by loosening lever screw and feed screw. When speaking with the gunsmith friend of mine he is saying the same that most of you are. Use blunt nose rounds. I appreciate all the info. I will be grabbing some blunt nose and leaving the squishy tips alone in this rifle

It is possible to overtighten those fasteners and create a problem. I would try loosening them a little and see what happens.

Though I am not a gunsmith I am a card carrying member of the Gorilla Tight Screwdriver club.


Bob