As a follow up I shoot the Hornady 180 gr XTP with 14.8 grains of Hodgdon Lil'gun as a hunting load. I shoot one large doe with this load and she went just 20 yards.
My range/fun load in a Dardas 180 gr .360 diameter (required for the Marlin .357) with 6.7 grs of Hodgdon Long shot. Very accurate load and the Dardas bullet is now feeding fine. I had to replace a almost new ejector for reliable feeding. My favorite lead bullet is the Ranch Dog 180 gr sized .360 with gas check...best bullet for the little Marlin carbine. I wish there was a commercial source for this bullets as I don't cast lead as I don't need another hobby.
Once the snow clears I have a defense load to test using the Remington .357 158 gr Hollow point again using Hodgdon Longshot powder. Velocity should be under 1,300 feet per second which should be fine coming out of a .357 rifle barrel. The Marlin 18 1/2 inch barrel will add from 200 to 250 FPS to most handgun loads.
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