[MikePGS]

While reading an article about Lever actions, it was mentioned that a .357 mag carbine could be used as a lowrecoil solution for deer hunting. I'm not sure as to how valid this is or isn't, but does anyone have experience with such a load? Also is it applicable for anything else, or are deer the maximum for such a setup?

[Brian Williams]

The 357 out of a rifle is a different creature than out of a revolver. With the proper loads and knowing your gun an 1894 can be used on deer up to 150 yards. repeat, means say againWith the proper loads and knowing your gun an 1894 can be used on deer up to 150 yards.
Do a little reading about an 1894 and you will find a lot of those who have read spec sheets and said don't. Most spec sheets are about 357s out of a handgun.
Look at some of the Buffalo bore loads or check out some handloaders. I have a load of Lil'gun and a 180 gr XTP SP and will soon use my own 180gr LRNFPGC for hunting. A lot a people say to get a 1894 because it shoots like a 22lr but they have never tried my Lil'gun load... It is the max load by the makers manual.

[Bearhands]

www.leverguns.com ...... go there and ask 'em.... There are lots of picture threads from hunts w/a 357 carbine.

[Bearhands]

btw..... I would agree 100% w/ Brian

[BlindJustice]

Hey Brian does Buffalo Bore give ballistics
from the carbine length bbl.?

I have a Marlin 1894 in .45 Colt and
some of the 'only shoot in a TC or Super
Blackhawk loads I've seen would certainly
put the Marlin .45 Colt in the same cat. as
as a .44 Mag.

I read a review of the .357 mag Marllin
by a Brit. It isn't legal in G. Britain because
it's less than the min. 2,400 FPS velocity.
He took it on a hunt in S. Africa boar hunting.

So, what can yah hunt you ask?
Anything but whether you're legal or not
depends on where you are.

Oh, I also heard that the 200 gr.
bullets are too long to function in the
1894 unless loaded in the shorter .38
Spcl. brass FWIW

[MCgunner]

Deer and hog, okay, I'll go 150 yards with Buffalo Bore, but with my old eyes, I think I'd want a low power scope at that range. I've killed deer to 80 yards with a 158 grain SWC cast handload. Was sorta neat because I cast the bullet as well as loaded it.

[mustanger98]

Among several loads I'm liable to use to shoot a deer is a 180gr HP/XTP over 12grs of 2400. Out of that 18" barrel with a Williams 5D rear sight, it'll hold a clay bird at 100yds. Some guys load that same 180grainer over H110 and that's good too... I have some 158gr HP/XTP's over H110. Both loads are hard hitters.