This record documents an initial 50-yard comparison in one Marlin 1894 SBL with a 16.1-inch barrel. It preserves the rifle, support, sights, bullet identities shown with the targets and the limits of what this session can establish.
Recorded purpose
The session compared early load-development targets for 240-grain Gold Country Rhino, 240-grain Gold Country Badger and 300-grain Gold Country Rhino bullets in this individual rifle. The record helps GCA decide what requires further development; it does not turn one session into a universal load recommendation.
Recorded setup
- Rifle: Marlin 1894 SBL
- Barrel: 16.1 inches
- Sights: factory iron sights
- Support: Lead Sled
- Distance: 50 yards
Targets retained from the session
Platform
Rifle: Marlin 1894 SBL
Barrel: 16.1″
Sights: Factory iron sights (no optic)
Support: Lead Sled
Distance: 50 yards
Bullet: 240 grain Gold Country Rhino FN
Platform
Rifle: Marlin 1894 SBL
Barrel: 16.1″
Sights: Factory iron sights (no optic)
Support: Lead Sled
Distance: 50 yards
Bullet: 240 grain Gold Country Badger SFN
Platform
Rifle: Marlin 1894 SBL
Barrel: 16.1″
Sights: Factory iron sights (no optic)
Support: Lead Sled
Distance: 50 yards
Bullet: 300 grain Gold Country Rhino FN
Observed boundary
The targets allow a reader to inspect the recorded paper results and the labels retained with them. One round was identified by the shooter as shooter error. The session used iron sights and a Lead Sled.
The public record does not retain enough controlled data to claim laboratory pressure, stable internal ballistics, repeatability across lots, terminal penetration, expansion, a universal barrel preference or suitability for every Marlin 1894. It also does not establish that every current 240- or 300-grain product duplicates the tested configuration.
What remains to be established
- Exact component and loaded-cartridge specifications for each retained test configuration.
- Chronograph records and environmental conditions when velocity conclusions are made.
- Measured group accounting and repeat sessions when repeatability is claimed.
- Separate terminal testing before expansion or penetration results are attributed to a design.
- A direct match between a tested configuration and any current product page before the record is used as product evidence.
How to use this record
Use this page as a bounded development record for the pictured session. Use the .44 Magnum selection Guide for the maintained 240-, 265- and 300-grain decision, and use each product page for the current item specifications and availability.
Status
Initial platform session documented. Further records should be added as separate tested configurations rather than inferred from these targets.