Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin Talk Need 2 Load Suggestions for .357 Mag Rifle and Revolver

Need some help sorting this out.

I just picked up a 1894C this week and a older Blackhawk a month ago. Maybe this isn't practical, but I'm looking for two loads that can be used in each. One load would be a milder "do-it-all" that would be used for anything from plinking, walk-about whacking of critters such as woodchucks, and home self-defense. The other load would be full power load for hunting deer.
The 1894C is a 1979 with Micro-groove rifling, whether or not that makes a difference in bullet selection.
I'm thinking some kind of jacketed hollowpoint for the do-it-all and maybe a heavy cast for the full power load.

Does this sound doable?

I would be starting from scratch for components.

Thanks!

I shoot 158gr Hornady XTP's in both rifle and revolver in front of 15.5grs of H110. Lots of sight adjustments betwixt full power and fun loads.

I I've run either 158 jacketed (xtp or Rem sjhp) over 15.5-16 gr H110 but currently load the 180 gr Rem sjhp w/ 13 gr H110 out of my 586 and Marlin. I had to trim the brass back to 1.22 to crimp in the cannelure and get it to feed in the Marlin.

Thanks, guys!

Hi Teeder! I own both of the guns you mentioned. However, my Marlin has the Ballard rifling.

When it comes to full power stuff, both of mine prefer different loads. Both shoot 38 special level ammo very accurately. The projectile Steelhead mentioned is an excellent choice as is that powder when used in the Blackhawk. But out of the Marlin, Lil' Gun will yield higher velocity with lower pressure.

HERE are some loads and data for you.

Thanks, Plinker!

Honestly,I thought cast lead in micro groove rifling doesnt work very well due to the scant lands and grooves.My 44 would only shoot jacketed with good accuracy or was I doing something wrong.I used ww296 powder for jacketed and h110.I did a test with alliant 2400 powder to drive the cast lead out of microgroove and it worked pretty good but even with hard cast ,it leaded the barrel and would assume it would in a .357.I love your choice of guns as a blackhawk is a joy to shoot.I have a classic in .218 bee,what a hoot.It is very accurate. I wish I had the .357 model as I think the smartest fun lever ever.