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Finally got my Marlin 1894 38/357mag -- well chuffed !!!!

going to load 357 brass with a 38 load so need some advice

i am using Vhit 320 (as i have a lot of it for my 9mm pistol) so i dont need any replies with different powder loads please
158gr lead TC from Hammans
after some research i am thinking 4gr of N320 up to 7gr
what do you guys think ? or if you have used N320, what loads are you happy with ?
i will be mainly plinking for the time being from 25 yards up to 50 yards

thanks
Brian

Hi Brian,

Well done on your new acquisition

I use Vhit N320 for my Marlin - It seems better for the shorter barrel (was using N340 for my Winchester).

As the Vhit manual doesn't have .357 data for N320, I was given the advice (which turned out to be good) of using the .38 data, but taking it up by .3 of a gn to make up for the extra space - The minimum load for .38 with a 158 gn bullet (LSWC) is 3.3 gn, so I started at 3.6, and have found the best accuracy load to be 3.9 gn.

Be careful going much higher though, as the max load in the Vhit manual for .38 is 3.8 gn - so in a .357 case you'll reach maximum before you get to 4.5, let alone 7!

The 3.9 load is plenty pokey, and is fine up to 50 m (spot on for 25 m) - I can also recommend some of Dodgyrog's 158 gn RNFP bullets, which I'm getting better accuracy from than the cheap hard cast bullets I was previously using....

I use 3.6 grains in my Winchester trapper 94AE with a 158g Semi wad cutter .
I use 38special cases they chamber with out any problems I have never used 357 magnum cases never seen the point when I am only shooting at 25 yards/meters.

Alpha: That sounds about an equivalent load, allowing for case size difference...

Btw... Did you get the take down guide?

Brian: Forgot to say - The .38/357 Marlin has a recommended maximum overall cartridge length of 1.590" - So if you're using truncated cone bullets, and crimping into the cannalure (which you should), then with .357 cases you can exceed this....

Dougan I am in Spain at the moment sorry I should of thanked you for the take down info. I have received It according to number one Son. Thank you.
I am sat on the balcony looking out to sea the temperature is 34c. Cold beer in right
hand book in left hand. Not in any hurry to return to the UK.

Alpha1 wrote:Dougan I am in Spain at the moment sorry I should of thanked you for the take down info. I have received It according to number one Son. Thank you.
I am sat on the balcony looking out to sea the temperature is 34c. Cold beer in right
hand book in left hand. Not in any hurry to return to the UK.

Cool - just wanted to make sure you got it.

Enjoy the beer and sunshine :cheers: