I've found a used Marlin 1894C .38/357 for my first rifle after years of owning only shotguns. From what most of you have said, I've made the right choice. I intend to use it only for target shooting and home defense (hopefully not). Only problem is, I'm quite ignorant about rifles and rifle ammunition. Can you folks help me out on what would be good starter loads (round nose, flat nose, either or what else?) and a progression path to help me learn the differences? Marlin's online manual isn't too helpful (it says not to use wad cutters --what's that? -- and I note several of you say you have fired them in this gun). Any other advice on references would of course be welcome. Thanks.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Ammo for Marlin 1894c
- Thread starter dgrebs
- Start date
Wad cutters are flat nose bullet, flush, the front is the same diameter as the bullet. Marlin sugest not using them because they will jam while feeding. They have no point to guide the bullet into the chamber.
Any 38/357 will work as long as its not so pointed that it could perce the primer of the next round while in the magazine.
In choosing ammo all you really need to look for is a flat point or hollow pont which is wider then the primer pocket.
I shoot nothing but reloaded cast SWCs in mine, but reading your post makes me think you don't reload.
Any 38/357 will work as long as its not so pointed that it could perce the primer of the next round while in the magazine.
In choosing ammo all you really need to look for is a flat point or hollow pont which is wider then the primer pocket.
I shoot nothing but reloaded cast SWCs in mine, but reading your post makes me think you don't reload.
DEWC's work just fine in .357 Magnum brass if you crimp them in the crimp groove rather than seating them flush. (I think the OAL is about 1.35") They feed better than SWC's and you can fit more rounds in the magazine.
158 grain RNFP bullets are probably the best profile. JHP's and JSP's should also work.
158 grain RNFP bullets are probably the best profile. JHP's and JSP's should also work.
bamaranger
New member
ammo
As noted, you can single load .38 spl wadcuttter. That is a very mild revolver target load, from the carbine it is like a giant .22, mild report, no recoil.
I ran my Marlin for a long time with medium velocity .357 handloads and a lead semi wadcutter. The SWC is a semi pointed bullet with a flat nose.
Jacketed soft points and hollowpoints are ususally indicators of full power ammo, in .357 from a carbine you get into the serious medicine category.
My carbine shot 148 .38 spl WC and 125 gr Mag JHP to the same point of aim, sort of useful.
Congrats on a dandy lever carbine.
As noted, you can single load .38 spl wadcuttter. That is a very mild revolver target load, from the carbine it is like a giant .22, mild report, no recoil.
I ran my Marlin for a long time with medium velocity .357 handloads and a lead semi wadcutter. The SWC is a semi pointed bullet with a flat nose.
Jacketed soft points and hollowpoints are ususally indicators of full power ammo, in .357 from a carbine you get into the serious medicine category.
My carbine shot 148 .38 spl WC and 125 gr Mag JHP to the same point of aim, sort of useful.
Congrats on a dandy lever carbine.