SWC for 38 spcl lever action, OK or not ?

[Charly]

I am waiting to get the Marlin lever action 38 spcl/357 mag I have in backorder.

While waiting I was wondering what are the opinions on the SWC shape bullets in lever action rifles ?

Any good/bad experience to share ?

Feeding problems to expect ?

Charly

[ISUSteve]

They work well. My micro-groove barrel really leads up though. I've thought about slugging it; that might clear that up.

[Charly]

... I've thought about slugging it;

can you explain me the meaning of "slugging" ?

I don't understand this word... (please remember English is not my mother language...)

[ISUSteve]

You take a chunk of lead that is slightly larger than the bore of the barrel. Then you ram it all the way though the barrel and measure it when it comes out. This gives you an accurate measurement of the bore diameter so you can match your bullet size with the bore diameter. It helps prevent leading.

[fredj338]

You may have some feeding issues w/ the shoulder of the SWC hanging up on the feed ramp, but they are certainly safe to use. The RNFP is popular w/ alot of CAS in lever guns.

[ronterry]

The one thing that come to mind with the Marlins (Mines in 44) is ghost ring sights. If your not planing on scoping it, get some ghost rings. The sights that come with the marlin is are fine, but if you get to shoot one with peeps you don't want to go back!

BTW: You might check, but I don't think the 1894's have micro groves. I thought that was a 336 deal.

[Charly]

The one thing that come to mind with the Marlins (Mines in 44) is ghost ring sights.

As it is, I was actualy looking at the "Tang Sigth" from Lyman.

I most probably will mount one like this but first I need to get the rifle and it is damn difficult to find for the past year !!!!!

[ronterry]

Those Lymans look good, and I especially like the ones that mount on the stock. Gives it that classic look...

Here's mine that I scoped with a fairly inexpensive Bushnell, and weaver mount.
These Marlins are really fun to shoot Charly, and I think your going to enjoy the heck out it. --Well worth the wait--

BTW: When I bought mine a few years back they had just about every one over at Ganders, even the 41 Mag version.
Also I had a chance to look at the manual, and the only ammo they did not recommend was shoot shells, and wad cutters. So you should be OK with semi's. At worst like said above it might hang up a little, and I've had that happen a few time on my 44, but you can usually just back the lever up about half an inch and try again. I've never had a complete jam.

Make sure you give us a follow up, when you hit the range.
http://www.ronterry.com/arms/images/IMG_0094.jpg

[BeltFed]

I had a nice doe get away from me because I was using swc 44spl. in a Marlin lever gun. She came right under my stand so I worked the lever slow so I wouldn't spook her, the round hung up, and before I could clear it she was gone.

[Charly]

Those Lymans look good, and I especially like the ones that mount on the stock. Gives it that classic look...

Here's mine that I scoped with a fairly inexpensive Bushnell, and weaver mount.
These Marlins are really fun to shoot Charly, and I think your going to enjoy the heck out it. --Well worth the wait--

BTW: When I bought mine a few years back they had just about every one over at Ganders, even the 41 Mag version.
Also I had a chance to look at the manual, and the only ammo they did not recommend was shoot shells, and wad cutters. So you should be OK with semi's. At worst like said above it might hang up a little, and I've had that happen a few time on my 44, but you can usually just back the lever up about half an inch and try again. I've never had a complete jam.

Make sure you give us a follow up, when you hit the range.


Ron,

Your Marlin just looks really awesome !!

About the Lyman, it is just that classic look I am found of.

About availability, here in Belgium there is not one rifle in 357/38 available in the whole country, nor in Germany, France or The Netherlands (at least not with the contacts my gunsupplier has).
The last news I have are fresh from yesterday and it says to wait at least till July as he will get one through the German importer. I only hope it will get here before October or I will be loosing the licence I have for it.

[chewy]

My 1894 Marlin 357/38 special feeds swc most of the time. True, sometimes they hang up a bit, but a quick jiggle and lever action (har-har) gets it goin. Mine ain't got the Micro Groove riflin' either so's there ain't no leadin' issues. Is your micro grooved or standard rifling? You'll love them 357 mags loads! Turns the 357 mag into a monster!
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k298/chewybaca67/Fire%20Arms/PB040002.jpg