New lever gunner

[truckmsl]

Hi folks, I just bought my first lever gun - a new Marlin 1894C in .357. I'll be running the Lee 158 gr RF bullet and was wondering if any of you are having any luck with WST or WSF powder with this bullet in your lever guns.

I'm still waiting for my 6 cavity mould to show up, so haven't been able to test any out yet. My barrel slugs out to .3567, so I'm hoping to be able to run my bullets through at 358, since that's what I'm set up for with my GP100.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[txbirdman]

I've played with a similar bullet in my 94C but have found that the 358156 works best for me. I also use the 358429 and crimp on the drive band to get a usable OAL. My rifle shoots best with bullets sized to .3585. I don't think I've used WST or WSF but I did try some 231 with the 358477 in .38 Specials and got mediocre performance. Let us know if you find a winning combination with that bullet.

[NickSS]

I have used WST in 38 spl loads and they work fine for target and plinking loads. It is fairly clean burning in my guns. I got a deal on 8 pounds of the stuff (cost me about $10/pound so I have been using it. It really shines in 45ACP target loads though so I am mostly using it for that purpose.

[JesterGrin_1]

If you are going to shoot 357 Mag why not use W296 or H110. :)

[truckmsl]

JesterGrin - I was just interested if anyone uses these powders since I've got them on hand. I'm definitely interested in what others are having success with in the 1300-1400 fps velocity range, that meters good in a progressive loader.

[bobthenailer]

ive used alot of winchester super light and super field in 45 acp & 38 super works excellent, with excellent accuracy. in my marlin i use the 180 grgc lee gb mould without the gas ck with 4.5 gr tight group for a little over 1000 fps and excellent accuracy

[nevadajohn]

I have a .357 Marlin,I shoot only 125 and 140 x-treme copper plated bullets at 1900 to 2000 fps using ww 296.I've avoided using lead bullets,for fear of leading.Anyone here have a leading problem?

[boommer]

nevadajohn welcome BUT don't use fear of leading on this site (somebody think your sissy or something) just kidding ! I think we all have had a problem with leading but it comes out!
But with lead bullets correct BHN. and gas checks, good lube,you can push them purdy hard!
lead is much easier on the barrel and cheaper. jacket bullets do have there place. Sure you will have some leading but with jackets you will have fouling too. stick around John check out this site, read the post's will have you believing in lead. THERE ARE SOME PURDY KNOWLEDGEABLE
PEOPLE ON HERE! will have you casting.

[truckmsl]

Well - finally got my new 6 cavity lee mould for the 158 RF and they're casting right at .359. It took an hour in an ultra-sonic cleaner before it would cast good bullets. I loaded em up as cast with Unique and they flew at 1250 fps with no trace of leading with my 50/50 wheel weight/ range lead water quenched mix. This load also shot well at 1000 fps through my 6 inch GP-100. Accuracy at 50 yds seemed good but was hard to quantify since the wind was high. Next up - W296 with magnum primers and heading toward 1400 fps. The gun has been flawless so far and extremely lead friendly.