By Matt Shively

February 11, 2013

Dear Hornady,

I recently decided that I'd blow the cobwebs out of my Marlin 336 in .30-30, and try out some of the new lever gun products available. Part of the reason that this rifle drifted to the back of my gun safe is that it has never been impressive in the accuracy department. It typically produces three MOA, at best. But I thought maybe some of the new products might give me better results.

I loaded up some Hornady 160-gr. FTX bullets over LEVERevolution powder. My starting load was 32.4 grains. (CCI primers, OAL 2.535"). Holy cow! I thought the first two shots, which were nearly touching, were a fluke. But my first group of 5 shots at 100 yards was less than 1.5 inches - see the attached picture. And the second group. The 3rd and 4th opened up a little to just under 2 inches, but still a great improvement over anything it has shot before, factory or handloads. (I think the micro-groove barreling is subject to fouling anyway, which may account for the groups opening up a little). Wow, was I impressed at the difference the FTX bullets made in my rifle. I can't wait to try the rest of the loads that I have to see if it holds tight at higher velocities.

Thanks,

Matt S.