Yes- if you look at the manual you will find that the new ones say "use only Remington ammunition in this rifle." (That was my feeble attempt at humor:)
This would be the LOOOONG answer to the quesiton. Feel free to ignore this ridiculously long post, but this is what the Marlin 1894c manual states.
"If your rifle is chambered for 357 Magnum, it is designed to handle 357 Magnum factory-loaded ammmunition (except wad-cutters and shot shells). It will also function with 38 Special catridges that are within the length parameters shown below. (NOTE: Since 38 Special cartridges are shorter than 357 Magnums, their use can case a lead buildup in the forward part of the chamber. Be sure to thoroughly clean the chamber with a wire brush after using 38 Specials.)
Minimum overall cartridge length- 1.400"
Maximum overall cartridge length- 1.590"
------------------------------------------
The specs in the manual for 38 Special are Min. OAL= 1.275", Max OAL 1.550"
In another section of the manual under "how to load" the following is giving for ammo.
"Warning: Never attempt to load your rifle with ammunition that does not meet the cartridge designation stamped on the barrel. Use only ammunition suitable for a tubular magazine rifle. We recommend clean, dry, factory-loaded ammunition which conforms to industry standards."
"Warning: Some pointed and full metal jacket round nose bullets are on the market which can chainfire other cartridges in a tubular magazine during recoil, causing severe injury and damage. If you are uncertain about the safety of using a particular cartridge in your Marlin, contact the ammunition or bullet manufacturer."
"Warning: Do not use aluminum-cased ammunition in this rifle, since it may cause malfunctions."
"Warning: Do not use Blazer brand ammunition in this rifle. The design is not compatible with the Marlin feeding system, and may result in live rounds inadvertently remaining in the magazine."
---------------------------------------------------------------
For what its worth, I have feed just about every bullet weight and oal length through my 1894c in 38 and 357 (save those the manual and common sense tells you not to) and have NEVER had a failure of any kind. Well, I suppose I should say that the first shot I made with the 1894c, I babied the lever and had a jam, but after that, I racked it like a man and have never had a problem.
Also, I called Marlin once about using lead RN in the 1894c- they said "no."
Last edited by sbcman; 10/13/10.