1894c reload help please

[dmdracer]

I recently purchased a Marlin 1894c 357cal. lever. Ind. changed hunting laws to allow PCR, (pistol cal. rifles) for deer. I checked serial #'s and it was born in 1979.
Sorry no pics, but it is 99% new.

I have been casting now for 3 yrs. and had made up some .357's from the 357 168gr 358429 "keith" grp. buy, for use in my Ruger GP100. with 15.0gr H 110.

I shot 4 of the above across the chrony and avg. was 1633 fps. I was surprised at the speed ! I thought the thing would be full of lead but notta :) Now I do not have the experience of most on here but I assumed from reading here daily that a non gas checked boolit at this speed would more than likely lead up.

I used felix lube and H2O droped from WW's. they come out around .359ish and I do not size them, and 178.3 gr. and almost 180 gr lubed.

What you all think ? is this fast? I loaded a few down to 14.8 gr H 110 which recorded 1580 fps avg. but accuracy was not as good. I'm going to load more in awhile and seeking some thought from you.

thanks
Dave

[Morgan Astorbilt]

I routinely shoot these speeds with my cast bullets, using straight Lino, and 50-50 Alox beeswax lube. Never had a leading problem. Generally, you will have a leading problem if the bullets are too small for the bore, and you get gas cutting.
Morgan

[EDK]

There was a link to the LASC (Los Angeles Silhouette Club) and Glen Fryxell's articles on loading the Marlin 1894 at leverguns.com. He had a lot of data on 357, 44 and 45 Colt Marlins. Check him out.

:castmine: :Fire:

[Scrounger]

For speeds above 1400 or so, you will probably need to go to a gas checked bullet, like Lyman 358156.

[imashooter2]

My 1894C shows a distinct preference for heavy bullets and does best with plain base at about 1400 fps. Checked bullets can go as fast as the available powders and case volume will let them...

[BCB]

dmdracer,
The 358429 is about the only bullet, cast or jacketed, that I can get to shoot from my 1894C which was purchased within a year of the date you indicate on yours. I am shooting SR-4759 for a chronographed velocity approximately 6-feet from the muzzle, of 1554 fps. I am using straight wheel weights or an alloy of 2-1 (ww-#2). I get no leading at all. I just push a clean patch through the barrel after each shooting session (usually around 20 rounds) and that is it. The microgrooves appear clean and sharp when using a bore light. No leading anywhere in the bore that I can see. That particular bullet was the “salvation” for my 1894C. I have never had a rifle or handgun that gave me fits like that lever did. It now shoots ONE slug—the 358429—period! I do shoot them from shortened cases so as to get the crimp in the crimp groove and still be able to cycle them through the action. Good-luck…BCB

[KYCaster]

Dave: If it works whatcha bitchin about. :mrgreen: From time to time you'll find something working for you that the experts say won't. No need looking for trouble where there isn't any....you just might find it!

Personally, I haven't seen a need for GC's on revolver boolits.

Jerry

[dmdracer]

Thanks all for the replys, no complants here.

I have had trouble locating much info on rifle loads for this cal. and was 2nd guessing my self at this speed.... seems I have gotten lucky out of the box... not use to that.

Loaded 50 more tonight, I'll shoot these and see if I am still confident to use next Sat. (opening day )

Dave

[crowbeaner]

I had an early 1894c and shot the 358429 myself. Try the 180 gr. Saeco or RCBS silhouette bullet. They work well also. Plainbase and lots of bearing area. I used 296 and 2400. CB.