I have an old Marlin 1893 chambered in 32-40 and amgoing to order a bullet mold from LBT. This rifle barrel was lined by John King with a .323 bore and 1-16 twist. Can some one help me choose a bullet weight. Veral says he likes to use a bullet without a cannalure and crimp lightly with a Lee factory crimp or use a full case of powder and no crimp so I am leaning on this method VS crimping into a cannalure.

I'll be ordering his LFN for .323. His sizes available are 150,170. Felix has said the 170 should be about maximum for the twist rate so I was thinking the 150 grain would be more suitable.

Should I order the 170 or the 150?? Is there any accuracy advantage with the 150??
This gun will most likely be used for mostly plinking and target work but may on the occasion be used for a pig or deer.

Thanks for any advise

[ 11-11-2003, 21:39: Message edited by: West Creek Charlie ]

Get the 170!!! That was the standard factory bullet and should give you fine accuracy and stability out of the Marlin. With the 32-40 I've found the that heavier the bullet, the more accurate it shoots. If you are gonna use it for hunting, the 170 will give deeper penetration and range much better. I shoot 200 grain Saeco bullets at 1400 fps out of a TCR with a 16 inch twist and have no stability issues at all. I strongly recommend the LBT bullet, but can also recommend the RCBS 170 Grain FNGC bullet, It shoots very very well. I've also had good luck with the LYman 323470, a 170 grian loverin design that is really for 8mms but sizes well for the 321 bore. Finally, the most accurate target bullet is the Saeco 200 grian. I've also got a NEI 175 grain pointed bullet that is finicky as all get out, but with loads it likes is a tack driver. Finally, I've got a 170 LBT and find it to be the best balance of accuracy and power for hunting. I only wish that I had had one cavity cut without gascheck so that I could use them for the match work.

good luck and regards,
Graycg