Oregon Trail .44 mag barrel leading

Tuzo · May 3, 2010, 08:30 PM

I have been shooting Oregon Trail LaserCast .240 gr SWC .44 magnum in my S&W 629 and micro-groove barrel Marlin 1894. The rounds are loaded to a muzzle velocity of 1100 fps. Last trip to the range saw 100 rounds fired through each firearm.

During cleaning a couple of days later I discovered that the Smith was lead free and a good amount of lead fouling in the barrel of the Marlin. Oregon Trail states that their bullets can be loaded to magnum velocities with virtually no leading. The lead was removed as flakes using Hoppes #9 and Remington bore cleaner soaked in a patch wrapped around a bronze brush. Most of the lead was deposited on the rifling lands.

Will plated lead bullets prevent leading in the Marlin? Has anyone tried plated bullets in their Marlins? I shoot Rainier plated bullets in my 1911 with no problems.

mavracer · May 3, 2010, 10:05 PM

yes they worked good in mine.Micro grooves are finicky when it comes to lead.just keep them below about 1250-1300 fps or you'll start shredding jackets.

May 3, 2010, 08:30 PM	#1
Tuzo Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 797	Oregon Trail .44 mag barrel leading I have been shooting Oregon Trail LaserCast .240 gr SWC .44 magnum in my S&W 629 and micro-groove barrel Marlin 1894. The rounds are loaded to a muzzle velocity of 1100 fps. Last trip to the range saw 100 rounds fired through each firearm. During cleaning a couple of days later I discovered that the Smith was lead free and a good amount of lead fouling in the barrel of the Marlin. Oregon Trail states that their bullets can be loaded to magnum velocities with virtually no leading. The lead was removed as flakes using Hoppes #9 and Remington bore cleaner soaked in a patch wrapped around a bronze brush. Most of the lead was deposited on the rifling lands. Will plated lead bullets prevent leading in the Marlin? Has anyone tried plated bullets in their Marlins? I shoot Rainier plated bullets in my 1911 with no problems.