adrians
I am currently having a blast with my 32-20 in my Savage M23. It also is an old rifle with a dark bore, giving me some fouling problems and poor accuracy when trying to push modern velocities over 1,400fps. I have settled on velocity at just under 1,200fps with the LEE 90326 cb which is cataloged under rifle molds at .309” diameter, but this mold casts CBs at .312” and weighs 105grs in wheel weights.
The Savage takes the .312” diameter Lee 90326 in the throat just fine and shoots 'as-cast' with no gas check and only tumble lubing. I have tried the 3118 cb but have not had any accuracy with it, about 2.5” to 4” groups at 100yds. With the Lee cb I can get 1” to 1.4” groups using 5.3gr of AA#5. I do use a pvc wad under the cb, but only because it seems to leave the bore a little cleaner (because I have had fouling problems before). I have tried W231, Unique and SR7625, but AA#5 gave the best accuracy. The 5.3gr of AA#5 with the Lee 105gr cb gives me a velocity of 1,180fps, a real easy load on the old rifle but still a great load for 100yd shooting.
I use fortified LLA for tumble lube. I add 10% melted Carnuba Wax to Lee Liquid Alox and mix over heat til blended. This fortified LLA is similar to the 45/45/10 LLA that other casters are making. By just using a very light coat, I have very little problems now with bore fouling. Have fun with the old Marlin, and as Ed says, let us know how well you do, we'all wanta know :D............DanW