Just picked up an 1895M 450 Marlin with an 18.5" ported barrel. I am going to chop it to 16.25" to get rid of the ports, and make it more handy. I want to shoot the Barnes 300 gr XFN.

What is the max pressure for this rifle?

What are some (safe) max loads for this chambering, in this rifle, with this bullet?

Ideal bullet seating depth?

What do you think about the "ballard" type rifling. It looks shallow to me. The chamber is rough as hell. Is there any benifit to that to keep the bolt thrust to a minumum?

Thanks for saving me some time.

The SAAMI pressure specification for the 450 Marlin which was developed with the Marlin 1895M in mind is 43,500 PSI.

Rick Jamison developed some loads for the 450 Marlin with an Oehler M43. I will post them when I get home.

Generally, loads are just crimped into the cannelure or COAL is kept to 2.55".

Marlin 1895M 18.5" barrel



450 Marlin



Barnes

300-gr.

X-Bullet

Powder VV N-120

Charge, grains 46.0

Chamber Pressure, psi 39,000

Velocity 1931

Extreme Spread 44

3-shots 100 yards 1.90"

5-shots 100 yards 2.30"

10-shots 100 yards 2.70"





Barnes

300-gr.

X-Bullet

Powder AA 1680

Charge, grains 52.0

Chamber Pressure, psi 41,400

Velocity 2100

Extreme Spread 47

3-shots 100 yards 1.20"

5-shots 100 yards 1.90"

10-shots 100 yards 2.50"



Source: Rick Jamison, Shooting Times July 2002