25MN horrid accuracy

3329 Views 33 Replies 14 Participants Last post by RipRip, Jul 26, 2005

JOHNB9

Discussion Starter · May 17, 2005

I just joined a range, and now can shoot at 50 and 100 yards. Before I only had access to 25 yards indoors. At 25 yards indoors, my 25 MN 22 mag would shoot the 33 gr Vmax into 1 ragged hole. At 50 yards, it will not even group, shots are all over the place. If I measured the "groups" they would around 3-5 inches! I will try this weekend with 40 gr ammo. If that does not solve the issue, what can I do? The barrel is already floated. No one makes barrels for this rifle, so I can not change it to 17 HMR.

The issue is not me. The same day, I was shooting 1/2 inch groups with my model 7000 22 LR.

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oquirrh

· #2 · May 17, 2005

With all due respect, i'd check the scope and scope mounts first. For that kind of inaccuracy, something big is wrong.
2. check crown for dents or scrapes

3. Check if barrel/receiver is loose!

4. check the chamber for a ding from dry firing.

5. try a couple ammos.

Even a rotten .22wmr should put them into 2.5" at 50 yards with open sights.

2587

· #3 · May 17, 2005 (Edited)

Marlin WILL put a 17V barrel on that rifle if you send it back for a rebarrel.

You might have to either hog out the existing barrel channel before you send it to them(so the barrel will fit) otherwise they will make you buy a new stock as they only ship back complete and test fired rifles..

Many folks have sent back m336 Marlins to the factory to be retrofitted with Octagonal Cowboy barrels etc.As long as Marlin currently makes and stocks the parts,they will install them.

Since the action platfrom for the 25MN is the same as the 17V ,I don't think it would be a problem..
At least check into it..

I'd bet it runs about $100.

wmrimfire22

· #4 · May 17, 2005

JOHNB9 said:
I just joined a range, and now can shoot at 50 and 100 yards. Before I only had access to 25 yards indoors. At 25 yards indoors, my 25 MN 22 mag would shoot the 33 gr Vmax into 1 ragged hole. At 50 yards, it will not even group, shots are all over the place. If I measured the "groups" they would around 3-5 inches! I will try this weekend with 40 gr ammo. If that does not solve the issue, what can I do? The barrel is already floated. No one makes barrels for this rifle, so I can not change it to 17 HMR.

The issue is not me. The same day, I was shooting 1/2 inch groups with my model 7000 22 LR.

JOHNB9,

Mine 25MN is the same way. I've tried everything to make it shoot better with out spending a fortune and it just gave me a shot gun pattern and it's not flree floated! For now I've just put in my closet as magnum ammo is getting too much for my pocket book. No you have to change the barrel to make it a 17 caliber. It's most likely a bullet to rifling mismatch problem. I hope Marlin sees this and makes a fix for them.

wmrimfire,22

JOHNB9

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 17, 2005

Thanks for the replys. I did notice the scope rings had slipped forward, but I do not think that is the whole problem. I mean the shots where everywhere, I was lucky if 2 shots went within 1 inch of each other! The crown and the chamber are fine. Screws are not loose.

I called Marlin, asked if they would put a 17 HMR barrel on it, they said, "we do not do that conversion." If the 40 gr ammo does not work, think this rifle goes in closet. I have a feeling it is the ammo. I think the bullets might be tumbling, the holes in the paper target are not clean holes like the 22lr. I will check the card board target backing tonight to be sure. Thanks again for the replys.

2587

· #6 · May 17, 2005

Hmmm.

THAT is weird..They are more than happy to rebarrel centerfires..

It COULD be due to the difference in the bedding /action screw setup on the 25MN rifles..Hmmm.

Good luck with the 40grainers John,hope they work better for you :t

ken w.

· #7 · May 17, 2005

I would try different ammo.I've had a few model 25MN's and have had them shoot well at 100 yards.I have found that running a stainless steel bore brush down the barrel a few times can remove some burrs left behind from machining.I run a bore mop soaked in Kroil down the barrel to get it well lubricated and then run the SS bore brush thru.You can also use JB bore Bright to polish the bore too.After I do this I can see the groups tighten up.If your rings are moving,you may want to buy a good quality set of steel rings or a BLK mount.A loose scope will shoot all over even if it moves just a little bit.

JOHNB9

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 17, 2005

I think/hope it is the ammo. I will fix the scope issue. I will find out on Saturday.

oquirrh

· #9 · May 17, 2005

JOHNB9 said:
I called Marlin, asked if they would put a 17 HMR barrel on it, they said, "we do not do that conversion."

You probably could find a gunsmith to do the barrel work, but it might be cheaper just to buy a factory .17hmr. I hear Marlin makes a good one.

JOHNB9

Discussion Starter · #10 · May 17, 2005

I think the ammo is the issue. If I can not get this rifle to shoot, I will put it in the closet, and not drive myself nuts over it. My model 7000 22 lr is amazing. On the 100 yard berm at the range, I saw a stick, it was maybe an inch in diameter. For the heck of it, I guessed the holdover, (scope is zeroed at 25 yards) aimed half way up the bottom half of the scope. About 1 second later, I saw a puff of dirt, and the stick went flying up end over end about 3 feet in the air! I was amazed, just starting to see the full potential of the rifle and the round.

wmrimfire22

· #11 · May 17, 2005

JOHNB9 said:
Thanks for the replys. I did notice the scope rings had slipped forward, but I do not think that is the whole problem. I mean the shots where everywhere, I was lucky if 2 shots went within 1 inch of each other! The crown and the chamber are fine. Screws are not loose.

I called Marlin, asked if they would put a 17 HMR barrel on it, they said, "we do not do that conversion." If the 40 gr ammo does not work, think this rifle goes in closet. I have a feeling it is the ammo. I think the bullets might be tumbling, the holes in the paper target are not clean holes like the 22lr. I will check the card board target backing tonight to be sure. Thanks again for the replys.

JOHNB9,

If by chance you decide to talk to Marlin would you ask them what brand and grain bullet they recommend? Excepr for trying hollowpoints my rifles just gonna sit in my closet. It's a good rifle but just can't get mine to group. May as well shoot my 17 cal. cuz it at 50 yards it'll outshoot the 25MN by a long shot. Kinda sounds like some form of evasion on Marlins side. I believe in part the problems with that lousey micro-groove rifling.

wmrimfire,22

JOHNB9

Discussion Starter · #12 · May 17, 2005

If I can not get the rifle to shoot, I will call Marlin, and ask them. The micro-groove rifling is great. My model 7000 is a M.O.A. shooter at 25 and 50 yards.

wmrimfire22

· #13 · May 18, 2005

JOHNB9 said:
If I can not get the rifle to shoot, I will call Marlin, and ask them. The micro-groove rifling is great. My model 7000 is a M.O.A. shooter at 25 and 50 yards.

JOHNB9,

As long as your shooting long rifle cartridges your fine with the "micro-groove " BUT with magnum ammo it appears to do nothing. I've heard/read from past threads it can't grab the bullet to give it the proper spin due to the high velocity. Perhaps the twist is designed for 22 long rifle ammo and not the magnums. Let us all know when you talk to Marlin. I'm very interested in what they say or tell you.

wmrimfire,22

JOHNB9

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 18, 2005

Thanks for the info Mr GAP, your experiance seems to confirm the issue is the ammo. I will being trying the CCI 40 gr Maxi-Mag TMJ. What kind of groups do you get at 50 yards? I am hoping for a group I can cover with a dime.

Bigdog

· #15 · May 18, 2005

Definitely try the CCI Maximags. My 25MN shoots under an inch consistently at 100 yards with the CCI ammo. With the older Winchesters, it was shooting about a two to three inch group, a couple inches right and low!
It's all in finding the fodder the rifle likes.

USA Varminter

· #16 · May 18, 2005

ammo... you have it.

wmrimfire22

· #17 · May 18, 2005

Bigdog said:
Definitely try the CCI Maximags. My 25MN shoots under an inch consistently at 100 yards with the CCI ammo. With the older Winchesters, it was shooting about a two to three inch group, a couple inches right and low!
It's all in finding the fodder the rifle likes.

Bigdog,

I'm grouping about 3-4 inches using "CCI" at the same distance! What did you do to your Marlin? Mines completely stock.

wmrimfire,22

Bigdog

· #18 · May 19, 2005

Mine's basically stock, except for the trigger pen spring trick and polishing, and a small pressure pad at the front end of the barrel channel. It shoots the HP and Solid CCI's the same, but doesn't like the Winnys at all.
I haven't tried any other brands to see how they do, since the CCI is easily available here and the gun really likes them.

JOHNB9

Discussion Starter · #19 · May 19, 2005

Thanks for the reply Mr GAP. Only 2 more days until I find out if the rifle is good for anything beyond 25 yards. If not, heck with it, my 22 lr is my primary rifle anyway.

batmanacw

· #20 · May 19, 2005

I sold my 25 MN a few months back. With 50 federal hp's it would group under a dime at 100 yds. and shot a 1.5" group at 200 yds. All the .22 mag marlins that I have shot prefered the 50 grainers. I probably shouldn't have sold it, but the 17 filled that role very well. I glass bedded it and did the trigger my self.

1 - 20 of 34 Posts

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