Marlin 1895 Problem

[Bullseye]

 

I have a 1895GG that is about 5 or 6 years old. I have never shot it much but have probably put 50 rounds through it.

Had it at the range today and fired 8 shot through it fine. Then when I fired it you could hear the hammer stop at its endpoint against the frame, a slight delay and then the gun fired (sounded like a hangfire in a muzzleloader). It did this three times in a row. The last time I decided to put it up. When ejecting the shells the first loaded round hung bad with the bullet in the chamber. Finally got it out and then the next two jammed and the last one came out fine.

I noticed the first one out of the magazine after firing had soot on the back of the brass by the rim.

Now my first thought was something was wrong with my reloads. However I was also shooting my 45-70 Contender Pistol and everthing was fine. I shot a couple through the Contender after the issues with the Marlin and they were fine.

My loads were IMR 4198, CCI LR Primer and Hornady 300 gr HP loaded to standard trapdoor levels. This is the only round I have used in my 45-70 for years.

I took the bolt out and found the firing pin is all bound up and does not move freely at all. You really have to push on the firing pin and the plunger at the back where the hammer hits to get any movement.

The bolt was just plain covered in soot. I assume this is what has caused the firing pin to get gummed up.

I was wondering if I should push the pins out and remove the two firing pins to clean it?

Is this something that commonly happens with these guns or just a freak thing?

[tacklebury]

Is it cold where you are?  4198 has temperature sensitivity and also if you are doing light loads It may be low in the case.  Between the two, it could account for several of your issues.  Try a magnum primer if you are in cold climate or perhaps a powder which is less temp sensitive like reloader7.  I'm in MI and use RL7 and have never had a hang in cold weather. 

[BBF]

If you used standard Rem primers I would switch to something a little hotter.

[Smokin Joe]

I was wondering if I should push the pins out and remove the two firing pins to clean it?

I would. You might have a broken pin.

[STUMPJMPR]

I would try some factory stuff just to rule out the ammo.

[Swampman]

I use IMR-4198 all the time and I've never had a problem.

[tacklebury]

Do you get a lot of near freezing temperatures where you are Swampy?  I know several people here who have varying issues depending on caliber and powder choice.    Nothing wrong with the powder, just depends where you live. 

[Swampman]

I live in the south but I've shot in really cold weather.

[tacklebury]

Ok, went to Hodgdon's website and checked their specs.  Apparently, they've revamped it not to be temp sensitive any longer.  As long as it's not an old stash of powder it shouldn't be that.  Sorry... 8(
 

This Extreme Extruded propellant has gone through some changes since its inception, all the time maintaining the same important burning speed of the past. The kernels were shortened for improved metering and necessary elements were added to make it extremely insensitive to hot/cold temperatures. H4198 is outstanding in cartridges like the 222 Remington, 444 Marlin and the 7.62 X 39. Available in 1 lb. & 8 lb. containers.