First .38 for Marlin 1894

[simgre]

I use a RCBS 38-158 CM mould. It's a RNFP designed for Cowboy action and going through lever guns. Use a 20-1 alloy or range scrap with some lead.

If using .38 spl cases, seat the bullets so the COL is equal to the .357. The timing of the Marlin cartridge lifter is designed as such. More preferably, use magnum cases. You can still load special data in magnum cases.

[tinbum]

I use a RCBS 38-158 CM mould. It's a RNFP designed for Cowboy action and going through lever guns. Use a 20-1 alloy or range scrap with some lead.

If using .38 spl cases, seat the bullets so the COL is equal to the .357. The timing of the Marlin cartridge lifter is designed as such. More preferably, use magnum cases. You can still load special data in magnum cases.

I had thought about that but worried it might have adverse effects somewhere down the line

[Daryll]

... More preferably, use magnum cases. You can still load special data in magnum cases.

Yep, done that since I started reloading .38 back in the 80's. Theres a theory that if you use .38 special in a .357 chamber for any length of time, that extra 1/10 inch gets filled up with lead and crud.... so when you do want to chamber a .357 it won't fit.

If you always use .357 brass, it won't be a problem..

[Turnup]

Deffo the TC bullets work very well in the Marlin and although the RNFPs chamber fine no one I know can get them to be accurate.

I use a very light load - 2.7 grains of D0302 (similar to Bullseye but cleaner) and a minimal crimp which delivers about 770 fps - fine for target work up to 50m

Have always used .38spl cases at .38spl COL with no porblem. It will need a good clean if you switch to 357magnum cases but if switching from lead to jacketed bullets you will anyway have to get all of the lead out first - jacketed bullets do not push the lead out of the barrel, they push it into the barrel wal - I ruined a barrel doing that.

I get the idea with .357 brass but it is so moch dearer than the 38spl (actually I have a lifetime supply of 38spl brass from my pistol days).

[DesG]

I use a RCBS 38-158 CM mould. It's a RNFP designed for Cowboy action and going through lever guns. Use a 20-1 alloy or range scrap with some lead.

If using .38 spl cases, seat the bullets so the COL is equal to the .357. The timing of the Marlin cartridge lifter is designed as such. More preferably, use magnum cases. You can still load special data in magnum cases.

I find the same. My Marlin 1894 made in 1984 is very particular in ammo. Normal col 38s will jam every few shots so I seat them to 357 length. I’ve got quite a few 38 and 357 cases so I use whatever the press is set up for on the day. I’ve noticed some marlins are more sensitive than others. Also my RCBS 38 158 swc mould from the seventies shoots into the x ring all day at 25m but doesn’t feed well. My lee round nose mould feeds beautifully but shoots like shit. I know it prefers a fat bullet. Anything sized to 357 will rattle down the micro grove!

[tinbum]

I find the same. My Marlin 1894 made in 1984 is very particular in ammo. Normal col 38s will jam every few shots so I seat them to 357 length. I’ve got quite a few 38 and 357 cases so I use whatever the press is set up for on the day. I’ve noticed some marlins are more sensitive than others. Also my RCBS 38 158 swc mould from the seventies shoots into the x ring all day at 25m but doesn’t feed well. My lee round nose mould feeds beautifully but shoots like shit. I know it prefers a fat bullet. Anything sized to 357 will rattle down the micro grove!

My Lee mould is a .358, it would be worth not sizing and tumble lubing by the looks of it. Oh, with the oal at .357 rather than .38spl.