lyman 358156 in a Marlin

[Corbi]

Does anyone have experience with the lyman 358156 bullet in a Marlin 1894?

Will this bullet feed well? I am interested in using 38 special brass with the bullet seated on the long crimp groove.

Thanks,
Corbi

[Guesser]

It works for me!! I cast with air cooled WW and size .358 and check it, doesn't seem to matter which lube. I use it in 38's, extended 38's, like you intend and in 357.

[Corbi]

Thank you Gusser.

I just got the mold, and I have about a grocery sack full of 38 special brass. The rifle is on my "next purchase" list. I am just doing some pre-planning. The mold casts at .361.

Any idea on what velocity can be had from the 38 special brass loads in the rifle? I'm thinking of using 38/44 load data that is floating around.

I haven't had an opportunity to load any for my S&W 586 yet.

Thanks again.

Corbi

[Sprue]

I've yet to have an issue with the 358156 GC in a 357 case @ mag velocities for hunting loads. For 38 Spl cases and plinking/target loads I use a 150gr PB SWC both, of which function 100% in the Marlin lever.

[Glen]

The 358156 feeds and shoots very well in the Marlin 1894. For a few details, see:

http://www.lasc.us/FryxellMarlin1894.htm

[NHlever]

For a warm load that shoots well in my Marlin, Winchester, and handguns I use the old Skeeter Skelton load of 13.5 grains of 2400 in 38 Special cases crimped in the lower crimp groove of the 358156. Mine are usually sized at .358-.359 depending on the gun. I've had no issues with feeding, etc. I haven't run these over the new chronograph yet, but I expect they are over 1100 fps in the handguns, and of course more in the rifles.

[NickSS]

The new marlins feed fine with SWC bullets but the old ones do not. I have one of each and my older marlin (1970s vintage) hangs up on the sharp edge of the bullet quite often.

[theperfessor]

My 1894C hangs up with 358156s in .357 Mag and .358429s in .38 Spcl unless I operate the lever "briskly" rather than "deliberately". No issues w/TCs or RNs.

[EDK]

John Taffin wrote an article on 357 rifle/pistol combination loads in the Sep/Oct issue of AMERICAN HANDGUNNER....it's on their web site and has additional info in "web blast" there also.

I recently got a .361 sizer for my STAR from Lathesmith and that diameter seems to work in my MARLIN Cowboys (Ballard rifling) and assorted RUGER revolvers.

Glenn is THE MAN on cast boolits.

[Corbi]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm going to start another thread in the favorite cartridges section to ask about favorite loads.

I'll check American Handgunner.

What are you all sizing to for the Marlin rifle?

Thanks again.

Corbi

[EDK]

See Glenn's article. His data is more rifle specific.

I size to .361 for generic/cowboy/utility loads. TITEGROUP is my current favorite powder...Mr. Obama inspired me to get eight pound kegs BEFORE his election! 1400 plus loads per pound! Get the Hodgdon freebie manuals...start at the cowboy loads and work up as you like. HP-38 has worked for me in 357 and 44 loads. UNIQUE and HERCO are also good.

Conventional wisdom on MARLINS is larger diameter, harder alloy, gas check and higher end velocity...heavier weight boolits also seem to be preferred. I really like the NIGHT OWL ENTERPRISES 360 180 WFN (plain base and gas check both.)

:Fire::cbpour::redneck: