Loading 38 spc for lever gun

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MGRAY

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Can anybody recommend a cast bullet to reload into 38 spc case to allow for a more reliable chambering in a Marlin 1894c 357 mag? I have been loading 158 swc, but having chambering issues with about every 4 or 5. Thanks..Marty
 
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Yep, that too.

But a SWC in .38 Spl brass is just like trying to get it to feed empty .357 cases!

Try RNFP.

rc
 
There are two factors in reliably feeding the Marlin 1894C Carbines. The first is bullet shape. They require a Round Nose Flat Point bullet for smooth feeding. The second is the overall loaded length of the cartridge. I've found the magic number to be 1.480" minimum OAL. For a lot of bullets in .38 cases, this will mean ignoring the crimping groove and crimping into the side of the bullet, which isn't a problem with lead bullets.

A crimp is necessary in tube fed rifles because of the amount of pressure the magazine spring exerts in the fully loaded magazine. A bullet pushed into the case will lock up the rifle.

In my various Marlin carbines, I shoot everything from 105 gr. TCFP to 185 gr. RNFP bullets. They all feed reliably, due to keeping them at least 1.480" in length.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
Are you buying them or casting them? Buying, just about any RNFP bullet. Casting your own, either Lee TL358-158-2R or 358-158-RF.
 
Hey thanks for the heads up on that rnfp. Was just trying diff ones that I had all ready loaded for my gp 100. Will stop by my bullet source and get a sample bag of bullets to test. Marty
 
My 1894C prefers jacketed bullets over cast. But, I have shot 158 SWC in it. You just cannot cycle the action quickly.

I do not remember specifically if i ever shot some 38 special cartridges in the rifle.

I probably have, if so, I did not encounter any major problems cycling them as I do not remember any problems.

But, I have slept a few times since I last shot my 1894C.
 
Mine also feeds wadcutters loaded in .357 brass, or in .38 brass with the bullet sticking way out to the same length as with .357 brass (OAL = 1.35") I haven't actually shot any yet; been devoting almost all my range time this year to .38 Special DA revolver.
 
Listen to RedCent and order some TCFP bullets from Clark's bullets. I've put quite a few of the 105 grainers through my '73 with nary a hiccup.
 
rcmodel is correct a RNFP bullet is exactly what you want for a lever gun.

The question is, how fast are you pushing them?

If you're going 1,000 fps or faster then you're gonna want a harder bullet like MBCs 18BHN "Striker"
http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=119&category=5&secondary=10&keywords=

If you're getting slower speeds, say 700-900fps, then a 12 BHN like the Cowboy 17, or Cowboy 11 would be good choices.
http://www.missouribullet.com/results.php?pageNum_rsCWResults=0&category=5&secondary=9
 
Made it out to the range this afternoon. Shot some test loads in 38 cases.
Bullet is 158 lead rnfp. Shot fine, loaded ok,,,,little notchy.

Second load was the same bullet loaded at 1.48 oal, just a little crimp groove showing. Chambered flawlessly!! Apriciate all the advise......Marty
 
My Rossi/Win.92 feeds everything-even wadcutters with a moderately slow stroke of the lever.....BUT RNFP are wonderful. Cycle as fast as you can manipulate the lever.
 
"If you're going 1,000 fps or faster then you're gonna want a harder bullet like MBCs 18BHN "Striker"
If you're getting slower speeds, say 700-900fps, then a 12 BHN like the Cowboy 17, or Cowboy 11 would be good choices".

AH....Hondo..... as long as you brought this up in your answer......
I was going to hold off on asking this question because i just started reloading for a M92 Rossi in .357 & 24" tube, and haven't "graduated" yet to cast. Figured i'd start out with what i've been using in all my reloading; jacketed bullets. Then i'd like to give cast a try.From what i've read about casts so far is I know its important to know what size bullet you need to have, followed by trying to match the proper BHN to get proper obturation to prevent/minimize ledding. (please correct if wrong) But now.... i don't understand your velocitiy quotes of 700-900 fps in my long tubed .357? I would think at those velocities i'm pretty close to sticking a bullet. Please comment.....
 
i don't understand your velocitiy quotes of 700-900 fps in my long tubed .357? I would think at those velocities i'm pretty close to sticking a bullet. Please comment.....
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You have to really try to stick a lead bullet in a bore. Jacketed bullets have a lot more friction so it becomes a much stronger possibility if you don't drive them fast enough in a long gun.
 
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