I don't have my reference stuff here with me to identify date of manufacture, but as far as cast or forged, it is PROBABLY cast, as most .22 rf rifles from Ballard were.  You can tell for sure by dropping the breech block assembly out of the rifle and examining the section immediately beneath the barrel tenon...it is solid in the forged actions and hollow if the action is cast.

If I were looking for screws to perfectly replace the ones on any Ballard action, I would first contact Cedar Creek (check the archives of this site for address and hone #) and get them from him if available, otherwise I would wait until Ballard Rifle Co completes their move and buy what I needed from them.

HTH~Froggie

Evidently Cedar Creek is out of business. I needed several screws for the Ballard action I'm working on. I looked every where to no avail. However, thanks to a gentleman in Kentucky I was told of a fellow in Michigan who makes Screws to order. They were not cheap but when they can't be had elsewhere..... I am not sure if he wants his name put out to the public but if you email me I will give you the contact info. Email me at waschenckATgmailDOTCOM. By the way the screws are very nicely made and fit perfectly.

Bill

Iowa,

The idea of trying out lots of different match grade ammo is a good one.

I have a Cody Ballard 22lr with a 30" barrel.  I have tried all sorts of ammo and some works well, most brands do not.   I have traded ammo with people who have found the right stuff for their rifle and it did not work well in mine.  What worked well in mine did not work in theirs.  Try a bunch.  From what I have heard and from what I have seen with my Ballard, 22s can be finicky.

Eley Tenex worked so-so.  Wolf Match Extra is about the same.  Remington Subsonics shoot well, but with a high percentage of fliers.  The best I have shot are Federal Gold Medal Target and Lapua Midas M.  With iron sights at 50 yards, I have shot 1/4 by 5/16 inch 5 shot groups with each.  Lapua is a little more consistent, but since Federal is way cheaper I shoot that the most.

By the way, Iowa, my rifle normally gets shot near Des Moines.

FEB

Iowa, .22 creedmoor shoots sound like a super idea!  Please let us know more about how that goes and how much participation you have.  I LIKE IT!! 

Froggie

PS  Should I assume that these matches are IN Iowa?    Is that still a looong way from Virginia?   

Dates of manufacture can't be determined for Ballard rifles. Two line or three line doesn't make much difference in dates. 
If your gun is marked "Marlin firearms Co." it is 1881-1891. If it is marked "JM Marlin" it is 1875-1881, but these JM Marlin marked guns wander up past the 1881 date, as they were assembled over time.-Vall

digitall423, have you tried calling Ken at the phone number that was given on a recent thread?  IIRC, somebody had been in touch with him that way and he was still in business.  I haven't bought screws from Cedar Creek in several years, but am getting low on some sizes and was about to. 

Froggie

360-225-6448, and he's still in business.-Vall