I have a Marlin Ballard #2 sporting rifle

[fnikodem1]

It has great rifling and its shootable. Wondering what pressure's and velocity you can load it to. Also is it faster with BP or a Substitute speedier??

Frank

[marlinman93]

It would really help to know what cartridge it's chambered for since Marlin made the #2 in a half dozen different cartridges. Pressures for a #2 should be kept below 20,000 psi, and even 15,000 psi is better. It's a cast action and should be kept pretty mild.

[fnikodem1]

Sorry I thought I had added that. Its marked 32 long on the top.

[marlinman93]

The .32 Long should be kept to velocities of under 1000 fps, and you can use .32 S&W light load data for it. But bullets are the tougher part as the .32 Long cases are smaller diameter so you need to try and find a heeled bullet for it, or buy a mold for the heeled bullets and cast your own. Accurate and NEI both sell a correct .32 heeled bullet mold.
If the bore is in great condition these are really good shooters with the right bullet and charge. I own #2 Ballard rifles in .38 Long, .32-20WCF, and .32 Long and shoot all of these.