357 velocity from a four inch to a 18 inch barrel?

T

tech

New member
Hi Guys,

I have a Marlin lever action 357 and a Security Six. I have read that with every inch of barrel you get added velocity. Is there some point where this stops and you get no added advantage? Furthermore is the stoping power (or knock down power) much greater with the same shell coming out of the Marlin vs the Ruger? I know you are still shooting a pistol cartrige out of a rifle but I would like to know what my added advatage is if any other that having a couple of extra rounds in a bigger package.

Thanks
Mike
 
Yes, there is a point that the barrel length no longer increases velocity, but actually decreases it. It all depends on cartridge/load as to what the barrel length is, and only the resident TFL experts on ballistics can give you those numbers.

The .357 magnum from a rifle barrel is a whole new animal. IMO, it can be effective on black bear out to 50 yards, and deer out to 75 yards.

For example, you often see velocities such as these out of the 18.5" barrel:

125 grain: 2100 fps
158 grain: 1800 fps
180 grain: 1500 fps
200 grain: 1350-1400 fps

In short, there is a significant advantage to a .357 magnum carbine over a pistol. It effectively gives you a 100 yard combat accurate capabilities. With most .357 magnum pistols, the effective accuracy range is 25-50 yards (depending on sight radius). With a rifle in .357, you have less bullet drop and more downrange energy.
 
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It's been my experience that a good cast gas checked 180gr bullet will attain 1850fps out of a 20 rifle barrel. This velocity is the same as The TC Contender boys get with a 35Remiington. Just ask some of them what there limitations are. You'll find they are usually limiting their shots to 175 yds. The BC of the bullets they are using may be slightly better, but only 50yds better in the real world under my defined circumstances. Too, the first factory loads for the 30-30 Winchester offered these same ballistics and it was the terror of its time. The game has really become tougher to kill. Just ask someone who has never used a 357 Mag rifle. In cidently that same 180 gr load will get 1450 out of a med frame revolver and will cut a nice wound channel as well.
 
CZ_
Thank you for the information. I knew that there was more advantages other that the longer sight radius and more rounds.

RugerNo3
Thank you for your help but please sir, three questions. By BC do you mean Ballistic Characteristics? If so is that because they are using expensive match grade ammo? Lastly Is the 30-30 round now stouter than when first conceived?

Thanks again,
Mike
 
BC actually means Ballistic Coefficient. It's a measure of the "streamline-ness" of a bullet. Bigger numbers mean more streamlined, and thus, greater retained velocity and energy.
 
tech,
Earlier this year I did some side by side testing using a 6" S&W 686 and Marlin 1894 with 16 1/4" barrel.
Factory WW 145 Silver had velosity of 1792 from the rifle, this was 513 fps FASTER in the rifle.
Handload using a 165g LBT type had average velosity of 1577 in the rifle, 392 fps faster in the rifle.
 
JWC,

Thanks for the info. You know I decided I realy like having a rifle and pistol in the same caliber.

Mike
 
I was able to borrow a friend's 357 Marlin lever action and shot a few rounds through it last week. I was very impressed with the accuracy using a peep sight. The 357 Mag lever action is on my "to buy" list!

The muzzle energy difference between a rifle and handgun in 357 Mag is pretty significant also. Using JWC's velocity data I come up with:

WW 145 Silver

527 ft-lbs - handgun
1034 ft-lbs - rifle
 
Wouldn't a 45 colt lever action (such as Marlin 1894) have a similar improvement in velocity over a 5.5" Vaquero?
Click to expand...

.45 Colt is a relatively low pressure peak cartridge in standard loads, so while it should have improvement, it likely won't have as dramatic improvement as say a .357 magnum or .44 magnum. Thats just IMO of course.
 
629 Shooter
I have enjoyed my Marlin, truly a fun gun! I hope it will someday be involved in the demise of a ferel hog.
I first got a Marlin in 44 mag to go with my pistls. Enjoyed that one so much I wanted the 357 for the same reason.
Marlin also made the 1894 in 41 mag, but not too many. Would love to have it also, but prices are steep!!
 
JWC , used to own one of the 44 Marlins back in the late 80's - really fun and very good accuracy! The 357 rifle will be a great addition to my 357 revolver and 357 Contender.

Good luck bagging that hog some day!
 
Yup, a revolver and lever in the same caliber is a classic combination that has served many people very well for fun, food, and defense, not necessarily in that order. I bought a Wrangler in .44 to go with my mdl 29 years ago. It is fun with 300 gr loads and a Williams receiver sight. It should do well loaded with warm Specials for the home too.
 
I told the ole lady that before I went horseback riding again on our horses I was going to get a scabbard and pistol combo. hehe. She bought into it, but I haven't bought into it, if you know what I mean. I am looking forward to a dual cartridge...an actual real life, ridin' horses, runnin' fences, yada yada set. I think that a .357 would be plenty here in central OK, But I'm a big .45LC fan. Or does the .44 fit better in my picture? Decisions, Deciions.
 
I bought the Marlin 1894C 357mag. about three weeks ago and have no regret. With my eyes the way they are I put a Tasco 2.5x Batam scope on it. I have it sighted in for 75yds. Which puts it 1" high at 50yds. and 1" low at 100yds. with Federal American Eagle 158gr. SP. I am guessing the velosity is around 1800 to 1900fps. I plan on using it for coyotes when I am calling them. I also even might take a deer with this gun. I will keep my shot at under 100yds. though on deer. This gun is sure a pleasure to shoot and very acurrate. Mark:)
 
Yes, there is a maximum effective barrel length for any given cartridge. My .44 Mag loads clock 1990 FPS from my 16" Winchester M94 but the manual states that this should be around 1800 FPS. They used a 20" barrel for their testing so maybe 20" is too long for optimum .44 Mag performance and the extra 4" is actually slowing the bullet down, some.
 
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