Ballard rifling vs. MicroGroove

SIGSHR · July 8, 2010, 11:57 PM

I have read that Marlin changed to Ballard rifling at the request of the CAS shooters who found it better for their needs. I would like to know what advantages it gives.

Kadmos · July 9, 2010, 12:46 AM

Microgroove rifling is more shallow and has more grooves per inch. As such it is more sensitive to bullet hardness and diameter. If the bullet is not hard enough the small grooves won't be able to grip it well. If the diameter is too small then its much like shooting a smoothbore (well that's an exaggeration, but the theory is similar) . This becomes more problematic at higher velocities.

The deeper cut rifling in the Ballard cut is more suited to a variety of lead hardness's and bullet diameters.

Hawg · July 9, 2010, 06:54 AM

Micro groove works well with jacketed bullets but not lead, cept .22's but thats pretty low velocity.

arcticap · July 9, 2010, 10:59 PM

In a nutshell, according to the article below Micro Groove rifling will shoot lead bullets just fine if they're large enough in diameter and hard enough. While Ballard rifling simply isn't as finicky which results in a greater variety of bullets that can be used.

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/fr...ve-barrels.htm

Tuckerp229 · July 11, 2010, 10:37 PM

Quote:

In a nutshell, according to the article below Micro Groove rifling will shoot lead bullets just fine if they're large enough in diameter and hard enough. While Ballard rifling simply isn't as finicky which results in a greater variety of bullets that can be used.

I am relieved because otherwise all those 22 long rifle bullets that I have been shooting the bullseyes out of the targets must not have been real.

Really, I am fascinated about the subject because I have had good luck with Marlin Micro grooving but was surprised to find out I wasn't supposed have good luck. I just buy the 500 round bricks...what ever is on sale.

Owlhoot · July 21, 2010, 02:36 AM

I have a Marlin 1894 with microgroove barrel in .357 caliber. I've used the rifle in cowboy competition for fifteen years and I've shot many thousands of rounds through it, all of them with lead bullets, many of them loaded with BP subs. I've never had a problem with accuracy or barrel leading or powder fouling.

the Black Spot · July 21, 2010, 01:40 PM

i have a 1981 built marlin levergun in .444 marlin. has the microgroove. i shoot a wheel weight cast lee bullet (300 grain) in front of varget powder and get 1.75" three shot groups at 100 yards with a williams peep sight.

check this link (there is three seperate notes on the .444)

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech...h_notes.htm/28

July 8, 2010, 11:57 PM	#1
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Ballard rifling vs. MicroGroove I have read that Marlin changed to Ballard rifling at the request of the CAS shooters who found it better for their needs. I would like to know what advantages it gives.

July 9, 2010, 10:59 PM	#4
arcticap Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 3,166	In a nutshell, according to the article below Micro Groove rifling will shoot lead bullets just fine if they're large enough in diameter and hard enough. While Ballard rifling simply isn't as finicky which results in a greater variety of bullets that can be used. http://www.leverguns.com/articles/fr...ve-barrels.htm Last edited by arcticap; July 9, 2010 at 11:08 PM.

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July 9, 2010, 12:46 AM	#2
Kadmos Member Join Date: April 27, 2010 Posts: 93	Microgroove rifling is more shallow and has more grooves per inch. As such it is more sensitive to bullet hardness and diameter. If the bullet is not hard enough the small grooves won't be able to grip it well. If the diameter is too small then its much like shooting a smoothbore (well that's an exaggeration, but the theory is similar) . This becomes more problematic at higher velocities. The deeper cut rifling in the Ballard cut is more suited to a variety of lead hardness's and bullet diameters.

July 9, 2010, 06:54 AM	#3
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	Micro groove works well with jacketed bullets but not lead, cept .22's but thats pretty low velocity.

July 21, 2010, 02:36 AM	#6
Owlhoot Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Posts: 22	I have a Marlin 1894 with microgroove barrel in .357 caliber. I've used the rifle in cowboy competition for fifteen years and I've shot many thousands of rounds through it, all of them with lead bullets, many of them loaded with BP subs. I've never had a problem with accuracy or barrel leading or powder fouling.

July 21, 2010, 01:40 PM	#7
the Black Spot Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: arkansas Posts: 218	i have a 1981 built marlin levergun in .444 marlin. has the microgroove. i shoot a wheel weight cast lee bullet (300 grain) in front of varget powder and get 1.75" three shot groups at 100 yards with a williams peep sight. check this link (there is three seperate notes on the .444) http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech...h_notes.htm/28