357 lever gun

[kycrawler]

i am looking at buying a lever 357 rifle been looking at the winchester trapper , rossi 92 , marlin 1894

it will be strictly a cast boolit shooter and needs to work with 38 and 357 cases

do any of these have feeding problems with 38 cases ? semi wad cutters?

[Jack Stanley]

My Marlin 1894 doesn't like sharp shoulder semi wad cutters , but if they are rounded over a bit sometimes they'll run . I had a Browning BL-92 that was the same way though . I've heard others run them without any problems though .
As long as mine has a bit of a pounded profile the ammo runs like corn through waterfowl . :Fire:

Jack

[45r]

If you buy a Marlin you will probably get Marlinitus.

[kycrawler]

i already have a 336 in 32 spl and 30-30 and an 1894 src in 44 mag

i like the rossi's but i wish they hadn't put the safety on top of the bolt

[Chuck 100 yd]

My Marlin 1894 Cowboy Ltd. .357 will feed just about any bullet normally loaded in that case but full wadcutters. It, like my other 6 1894`s of various calibers ,will also feed cartridges as much as .090" longer than the factory said is max. length. The .357 is as accurate as most .30-30`s that I own and it will shoot cast almost as well as jacketed. I think you will enjoy your`s .

[bdoyle]

I have two 357 lever guns. The Winchester is one of the newer angle ejects with the tang safety and rebounding hammer. It will feed everything I tried so far. The 180 grain GB bullet feeds real slick. Even a Keith in a 357 case over standard lenght feed flawlessly. With the 16 in barrel it is a slick little rifle(9 shot). Probably the least annoying rebounding hammer, doesn't boing or missfire.
The other is a Rossi 16in barrel(8 shot). It is one of the older designs that I suspect has feed guides more along the line of the 32-20. I had one before that was extremely fussy about bullet shape and lenght. A truncated cone was the best feeder on my old one. This one wouldn't feed anything so I replaced the feed rails and now it will feed the 180 grainer and everything else as well. Can't go overboard on lenght though, 1.600 is max.

Brian

[Four Fingers of Death]

I had a Trapper which would feed anything, althought sharp edged SWCs in 357 Mag cases used to crunch and snap a bit going in, but always fed, in 38 cases they fed slicker than frog snot. My mega cheap, nasty rough looking Rossi feeds them all, slick as you like, my Browning 92 was a PITA and I sold it real quick like! Haven't tried the Marlin. Good luck.

[imashooter2]

My Marlin will feed empty cases. I believe it's really a luck of the draw thing.

[schutzen]

I'm with imashooter2. My Marlin 1894 (25 years old) will feed nearly any case/bullet combination you feed it. However, I have shot other Marlins that left something to be desired. I believe I would load up some dummy rounds (leave the primers out so the store clerks can tell they are dummy's) and cycle the action before taking it home. If it will not feed semi-wad cutters, let them keep it. This may not be a popular option in a larger town or in a chain store, but smaller dealers should be receptive to the idea.

[Dr. A]

My Marlin feeds all manner of bullets including the Keith and SWC. I think its a luck of the draw as well. Accuracy has never been stellar, although it was good enough for my 8 yr. old son to make his first kill this year.

The best SWC for it is the RCBS 158gr.

Best slug is the 185gr. custom made for hunting by Mountain Molds. Looks like the 185gr. Beartooth bullet.

[beagle]

I've been really happy with the standard Marlin M1894 .357.

The only problems I have had is with the 358439/429 crimped in the crimp groove. Just a tad too long. Deep seating cures that.

I'd go with the Marlin. Mine's had about 20K plus through it and is still ticking./beagle

[45r]

I really like my 357CB.I would buy another Cowboy in 45 colt if they bring them back with a 24 inch barrel and no checkering.The 20 inch is perfect for 35 cal but 24 would be better for 45 I think.My 357CB has shot many 3 shot half inch groups at 50 yards.With it's octagon barrel and nice walnut it is a fine looking levergun also.

[kycrawler]

i was looking more towards the 16 inch guns that should be enough barrel , i m not looking to deer hunt with it but i have a h-g 10 cav mould that drops a 75 gr wad cutter that would make a nice squirrel buster if i can get it to feed and should be a handy all around carbine for squirrels up to deer at close range