Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy - The Firearms Forum

permafrost · 11-13-2010, 08:22 AM

I've been shooting my model 60 at 100 yards with a BSA sweet 223 scope. 3-12x40 . Can't seem to get over 3" accuracy with federal 40 gr. ammo (old) Any ideas as to better ammo? Should I expect better accuracy at this distance? Was kinda windy. Thanks in advance

Naybor · 11-13-2010, 11:46 AM

Wow, I'd say that's a good scope for the model 60!! A 3 - 12 x 40 Bushnell is what I use. I think you may have hit on the reason by blaming the wind. The little bullet is much affected by it.

Also every rifle, even of the same make and model, may have different barrel "harmonics".
Therefore, may require a different brand of ammo for the best accuracy.

I use my Model 60 for up to 50 yards, and my Model 25MN .22 mag. for 100 - 125.

IMHO, these are the most accurate rifles made, but all .22's have their limitations with distance.

johnlives4christ · 11-13-2010, 12:05 PM

id say you could get better accuracy with a different ammo. just have to find what your gun likes. but i'd say 3" on a windy day with regular ammo is pretty good for 100yards with a 22

Old Grump · 11-13-2010, 12:20 PM

My 1964 Marlin 60 will shoot 2" on an exceptional day with perfect light and wind conditions, 3" is a typical good day and sometimes 6" is very satisfactory. If you are looking for one hole groups at 100 yards with a 22 LR you might consider staying inside a 100 yard indoor range where you can control all those pesky variables. Now quit yer bitchin and enjoy the fact that you did good.

Bobitis · 11-13-2010, 01:27 PM

I'd say that's very acceptable, but you could likely do better.
Every .22 has its preffered diet. You'll need to try different brands and shoot it to find out.

It can take 20+ shots for your barrel to get accustomed to the ammo used.
Shoot an entire box at one outing, but concentrate on the last 20 rounds fired. That's when you'll know how it likes it.

Clean the bore when differing ammo and start over, shooting an entire box.
When you find the ammo the rifle likes, DON'T clean the bore until accuracy drops off. By all means, feel free to clean the action after every outing.

My understanding is Federal bulk is generally an all around good round for anything. If you're after precision, you'll need to do the work. And there are lots of variables. Lead vs jacked. Round nose vs hollow point. 36, 38, 40 grain.

Stay away from anything hypersonic. The bullet wt simply can't overcome the destabilizing effects of breaking the sound barrier. You will find that subsonic ammo is generally more expensive, but much more accurate. In the US, we've been raised that faster is better. Not the case for .22s.

Good luck and good shooting.

permafrost · 11-13-2010, 03:56 PM

Thanks Lots, Guys for the responses. Maybe I'm expecting to much, but will get my cheap butt to Academy and get some different brandsof ammo. This was Dad's gun and it's been shot very little since he passed in '92 . I was reading the posts here and thought I' give it a try at longer distance. Tried before with a cheaper scope, but got nowhere and gave up. Hell,this may be fun!

JLA · 11-13-2010, 09:28 PM

and to add to bobs hypersonic ammo thing, the marlin 60s microgroove barrel wont grip the bullet if the velocity is much over 1600 fps, which rules out stingers and velocitors and aguila interceptors just to name a few... usually the first round will hit the POA but all the rest will look like they were shot from a shotgun and your bore will be caked with lead and copper plating...

Big Shrek · 11-14-2010, 10:18 AM

Also, do a pillar-bedding job on the Marlin 60, it'll tighten groups by about half across all ranges.

Fatter bullets (jacketed) tend to work better in Marlins...break out a Micrometer & check each type.

Standard Velocity ammo (Target) will work wonders.

permafrost · 11-14-2010, 01:02 PM

Fantastic! This just the type of info I am looking for. Been through alot of centerfire stuff, haven't paid much attention to the 22 lr. I had always kept it at 25-50 yds. I'll try some of this stuff. Big bores are starting to hurt more, not to mention the expense! Whole new arena to play in.

Bobitis · 11-14-2010, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Shrek

Also, do a pillar-bedding job on the Marlin 60, it'll tighten groups by about half across all ranges.

Fatter bullets (jacketed) tend to work better in Marlins...break out a Micrometer & check each type.

Standard Velocity ammo (Target) will work wonders.

I don't know that jacketed rounds are fatter, but the bedding is a very good idea.

Get one of these while you're at it.

http://www.spee-d-loader.net/

permafrost · 11-14-2010, 01:39 PM

What about the thumb hole stock i've seen from time to time at Boyd's Gun Stocks, anyone have experience with them ? I see them on sale occasionally. Apparently they don't make them all the time. Worth the effort?

Bobitis · 11-14-2010, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by permafrost

What about the thumb hole stock i've seen from time to time at Boyd's Gun Stocks, anyone have experience with them ? I see them on sale occasionally. Apparently they don't make them all the time. Worth the effort?

Won't make it shoot any better. Use the money for ammo.

300 H&H · 11-14-2010, 02:04 PM

To add a bit to what Bobitis was saying....True competetive target shooters want a bullet to either start and hit the target supersonic, or stay subsonic all the way to the target. When a bullet is transitioning to subsonic flight it is upset slightly as the shock wave it made as it was supersonic diminishes....and it wobbles a bit. I once read a subsonic or "standard velocity" (1085fps) would drift less in a 10-15 mph cross wind than a supersonic "high velocity" load would. Find that hard to believe, as the slower bullet is has more time to be deflected....So out comes the 15 lb. 52D Wincester target rifle, with a 16X scope. and I shot in a measured 12mph cross wind at 50 yds. Much to my surprise not only was the group made by the standard load 1/3 of the size, it driffed about half as far as the high speed load. I did this repeatedly to be sure of what I was seeing....

The ammo I ws shooting was "match" ammo at $6 per box (Wolf match extra)the high speed was bulk Winchester. the wolf is 0.25 or so groups (subtracting bore size) the H.S. Winchester did more like 0.75 @ 50yd. Wind drift was around 2.5" with the H. speed load, and about 1.25" with the Wolf. Interesting stuff......

regards, Kirk

old semperfi · 11-14-2010, 03:20 PM

nothing new here,as was said try different ammo.i always buy different single boxes of ammo with a new to me 22.i also suggest you start at a shorter diistance and then work your way further.i am taking for granted you are using a sand bag rest and not shooting free hand.i am sure you will get better accuracy.i would not suggest you get one inch groups although you may but this is more a plinker than a target rifle. old semperfi

Big Shrek · 11-18-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by permafrost

What about the thumb hole stock i've seen from time to time at Boyd's Gun Stocks, anyone have experience with them ? I see them on sale occasionally. Apparently they don't make them all the time. Worth the effort?

Personally, I LOVE 'em. Gives you an excuse to pillar bed your 60 in a Brand New stock

Here's the one I did for my Wifey's birthday

Literally TWO HOURS AGO...I got this in the mail...

a Pink DIP trigger Guard...you know where it's going, Wifey's Rifle!!

Yeah, they're worth it

For not only the look, but the feel!! Heaps better than a synthetic stock!!

Plus, even if you have an OLD Model 60...with the egg-ended trigger guard, you can still
use a Boyd's stock, you just have to use a New Model trigger guard or DIP trigger guard set.
I prefer the DIP trigger & trigger guard combo, as they resolve all kindsa trigger issues.
http://www.diproductsinc.com/Products.aspx?CAT=3603

William Harper · 12-08-2010, 04:19 PM

I have tested Federal waxed-lead 40 grain bulk ammo in a wide variety of excellent rifles. I find it will rarely group under 2.5" at 100 yards even in quiet air. A good lot of Federal Automatch, on the other hand, often gives me 1" groups at 100 yards and consistent squirrel head hits in the field. I have been shooting over 60 years.

BETH · 12-08-2010, 05:35 PM

Pillar bed?

Big Shrek · 12-09-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BETH

Pillar bed?

Yep, there are two general ways to pillar-bed a stock.

One uses aluminium or steel pillars epoxied into the stock...

The other uses Bedding compound mixed with powdered metal (drill shavings).
Both have the same effect, they help lock the action into the stock so that there is less movement.

When I do a regular bed job, after it totally cures, I usually use method two to pillar bed 'em.
Or I'll use Escutcheons...depends on what's needed.

11-13-2010, 08:22 AM	#1
permafrost Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oklahoma, USA Contributor Posts: 1,771	Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy I've been shooting my model 60 at 100 yards with a BSA sweet 223 scope. 3-12x40 . Can't seem to get over 3" accuracy with federal 40 gr. ammo (old) Any ideas as to better ammo? Should I expect better accuracy at this distance? Was kinda windy. Thanks in advance -->

11-13-2010, 11:46 AM	#2
Naybor Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 13	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy Wow, I'd say that's a good scope for the model 60!! A 3 - 12 x 40 Bushnell is what I use. I think you may have hit on the reason by blaming the wind. The little bullet is much affected by it. Also every rifle, even of the same make and model, may have different barrel "harmonics". Therefore, may require a different brand of ammo for the best accuracy. I use my Model 60 for up to 50 yards, and my Model 25MN .22 mag. for 100 - 125. IMHO, these are the most accurate rifles made, but all .22's have their limitations with distance. Last edited by Naybor; 11-13-2010 at 12:02 PM..

11-13-2010, 12:05 PM	#3
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy id say you could get better accuracy with a different ammo. just have to find what your gun likes. but i'd say 3" on a windy day with regular ammo is pretty good for 100yards with a 22

11-13-2010, 12:20 PM	#4
Old Grump Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Little hut in the woods near Blue River Wisconsin Posts: 2,290	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy My 1964 Marlin 60 will shoot 2" on an exceptional day with perfect light and wind conditions, 3" is a typical good day and sometimes 6" is very satisfactory. If you are looking for one hole groups at 100 yards with a 22 LR you might consider staying inside a 100 yard indoor range where you can control all those pesky variables. Now quit yer bitchin and enjoy the fact that you did good. __________________ "When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil."~~- Thomas Jefferson Roman Catholic, Life Member of American Legion, VFW, Wisconsin Libertarian party, Wi-FORCE, WGO, NRA, JPFO, GOA, SAFand CCRKBA

11-13-2010, 01:27 PM	#5
Bobitis Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6,612	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy I'd say that's very acceptable, but you could likely do better. Every .22 has its preffered diet. You'll need to try different brands and shoot it to find out. It can take 20+ shots for your barrel to get accustomed to the ammo used. Shoot an entire box at one outing, but concentrate on the last 20 rounds fired. That's when you'll know how it likes it. Clean the bore when differing ammo and start over, shooting an entire box. When you find the ammo the rifle likes, DON'T clean the bore until accuracy drops off. By all means, feel free to clean the action after every outing. My understanding is Federal bulk is generally an all around good round for anything. If you're after precision, you'll need to do the work. And there are lots of variables. Lead vs jacked. Round nose vs hollow point. 36, 38, 40 grain. Stay away from anything hypersonic. The bullet wt simply can't overcome the destabilizing effects of breaking the sound barrier. You will find that subsonic ammo is generally more expensive, but much more accurate. In the US, we've been raised that faster is better. Not the case for .22s. Good luck and good shooting. __________________ ^.^ A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all

11-13-2010, 03:56 PM	#6
permafrost Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oklahoma, USA Contributor Posts: 1,771	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy Thanks Lots, Guys for the responses. Maybe I'm expecting to much, but will get my cheap butt to Academy and get some different brandsof ammo. This was Dad's gun and it's been shot very little since he passed in '92 . I was reading the posts here and thought I' give it a try at longer distance. Tried before with a cheaper scope, but got nowhere and gave up. Hell,this may be fun!

11-13-2010, 09:28 PM	#7
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy and to add to bobs hypersonic ammo thing, the marlin 60s microgroove barrel wont grip the bullet if the velocity is much over 1600 fps, which rules out stingers and velocitors and aguila interceptors just to name a few... usually the first round will hit the POA but all the rest will look like they were shot from a shotgun and your bore will be caked with lead and copper plating... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

11-14-2010, 10:18 AM	#8
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 923	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy Also, do a pillar-bedding job on the Marlin 60, it'll tighten groups by about half across all ranges. Fatter bullets (jacketed) tend to work better in Marlins...break out a Micrometer & check each type. Standard Velocity ammo (Target) will work wonders. __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool. Last edited by Big Shrek; 11-14-2010 at 10:22 AM..

11-14-2010, 01:02 PM	#9
permafrost Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oklahoma, USA Contributor Posts: 1,771	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy Fantastic! This just the type of info I am looking for. Been through alot of centerfire stuff, haven't paid much attention to the 22 lr. I had always kept it at 25-50 yds. I'll try some of this stuff. Big bores are starting to hurt more, not to mention the expense! Whole new arena to play in.

11-14-2010, 01:39 PM	#11
permafrost Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oklahoma, USA Contributor Posts: 1,771	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy What about the thumb hole stock i've seen from time to time at Boyd's Gun Stocks, anyone have experience with them ? I see them on sale occasionally. Apparently they don't make them all the time. Worth the effort?

11-14-2010, 02:04 PM	#13
300 H&H Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,796	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy To add a bit to what Bobitis was saying....True competetive target shooters want a bullet to either start and hit the target supersonic, or stay subsonic all the way to the target. When a bullet is transitioning to subsonic flight it is upset slightly as the shock wave it made as it was supersonic diminishes....and it wobbles a bit. I once read a subsonic or "standard velocity" (1085fps) would drift less in a 10-15 mph cross wind than a supersonic "high velocity" load would. Find that hard to believe, as the slower bullet is has more time to be deflected....So out comes the 15 lb. 52D Wincester target rifle, with a 16X scope. and I shot in a measured 12mph cross wind at 50 yds. Much to my surprise not only was the group made by the standard load 1/3 of the size, it driffed about half as far as the high speed load. I did this repeatedly to be sure of what I was seeing.... The ammo I ws shooting was "match" ammo at $6 per box (Wolf match extra)the high speed was bulk Winchester. the wolf is 0.25 or so groups (subtracting bore size) the H.S. Winchester did more like 0.75 @ 50yd. Wind drift was around 2.5" with the H. speed load, and about 1.25" with the Wolf. Interesting stuff...... regards, Kirk

11-14-2010, 03:20 PM	#14
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy nothing new here,as was said try different ammo.i always buy different single boxes of ammo with a new to me 22.i also suggest you start at a shorter diistance and then work your way further.i am taking for granted you are using a sand bag rest and not shooting free hand.i am sure you will get better accuracy.i would not suggest you get one inch groups although you may but this is more a plinker than a target rifle. old semperfi

12-08-2010, 04:19 PM	#16
William Harper Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montgomery, AL 36106 Posts: 44	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy I have tested Federal waxed-lead 40 grain bulk ammo in a wide variety of excellent rifles. I find it will rarely group under 2.5" at 100 yards even in quiet air. A good lot of Federal Automatch, on the other hand, often gives me 1" groups at 100 yards and consistent squirrel head hits in the field. I have been shooting over 60 years.

12-08-2010, 05:35 PM	#17
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,676	Re: Marlin M60 acceptable accuracy Pillar bed?