357 Mag, 1894C load data needed

[Chuck White]

I have a box of about 500 180 grain (180+ w/lube) cast bullets that a friend gave me years ago and I'd like to use them in my Marlin M-1894C 357 Mag.

These bullets are round nose with a flat point, lubed and are sized to .358, and are plain base, not gas checked!

The powders I have available are 2400, Unique, Red Dot and WW-296!

[ihmsa70]

14.0 to 16.0 gr. Lilgun.
Clyde

[ihmsa70]

14.0 to 16.0 gr. Lilgun.
Clyde

[BCB]

I am shooting the Lyman 358429 Keith style bullet from my 1894C.  It weighs in at around 173 grains.  My most accurate loads are using 2400 and SR-4759.  Thirteen grains of SR-4759 produces 1554 fps and 12.0 grains of 2400 produces 1474 fps.  These loads stay less than 1.5” at 100 yards.  I can continually hit a 5”x11” steel pendulum at 200 yards from my shooting bench.  24-ounce plastic beverage bottles are mostly dead every time at 100 yards.  This little lever gun is topped with a 3x-9x ‘scope.  Remember, these powder charges are for the 358429 slug—I have not idea what weight of powder you should use with you 180’s—be  careful.  Good-luck…BCB

[Scott T]

I shoot nothing but 180gr slugs in my Marlin.  15.7gr LilGun.

[Chuck White]

Thanks for the replies!

I've never used LilGun, I haven't seen it in any of the stores up this way!

What manual would I be able to find 180 grain cast load data in?
I've looked through all of 12 or so that I have on hand and have found nothing on the 180's!

[Scott T]

I hate to be this way.......but if you could find that data in a manual, you would not have asked us the question.

Just seems odd to me.

[Chuck White]

I hate to be this way.......but if you could find that data in a manual, you would not have asked us the question.

Just seems odd to me.

Scott;
I don't know what your problem is, but I asked a legitimate question and you have to give some smart a$$ed reply!  If you have nothing intelligent to add then please keep your nose out of it!

NOW, If you care to read my posts here, you'll read that I have looked through all of my manuals and have not found the desired info in any of them!  It was my hopes that someone might have a manual (that I don't have a copy of) which might contain the desired load data, then they could give me the name of the manual and the desired load info!

[Scott T]

Seems like that is why you asked us.....you could not find it elsewhere. :-D

Now climb on down with the rest of us and I will tell you where to find the data.  LilGun is made by Hodgdon and the info is available in their "Hodgdon's 2006 Annual Manual" pg 125.

I'll bet if you went to the Hodgdon website you would find not only the loading data you seek, but you would also see pressure data.  Good luck.

[Chuck White]

Scott
Why didn't you say something intelligent on your first post?
Instead all I got was sarchasm!

It just so happens that I don't own a Hodgdon reloading manual!
Mainly because I rarely use Hodgdon powder!

[Scott T]

Is it becasue you are retired Air Force or because you are in New York that makes you so testy?

[Chuck White]

Neither!

It's just that when anyone responds to someones question, they should be responded to in a responsible manner!

Forums like this, and others are started to share information and to help people out and make friends!


Keep going and Ole Graybeard will be after you!

[haroldclark]

Hello Chuck,

I have a Marlin 357 also and have had it since Marlin first came out with it.

I use 180 grain cast bullets in my gun.  I have a Saeco mold and I also buy some from Oregon Trails.

I use 13 grains of IMR 4227 behind the 180 grain plain base bullet.  It will come out at 1320 feet per second.  The pressure will run about 19,057 psi.  Max pressure is 35,000 PSI.

My Saeco 180 home cast will print 20 shot group at 100 yards in 1.5" all day long.  I have fired two 20 shot groups just to see if it would open up at all.  I also, have fire many 5 shot groups with it at 1.5".

The recoil is very modest.  With IMR 4227, you could run the velocity up to about 1440 fps with a maximum load.  The case will only hold 13.9 grains of the powder.

I have tried numerous loads and the 4227 produces the best accuracy in my 357s.  I have several handguns and actually, 2 1894s.  One rifle shoots better than the other.  I've used this load in the 6" revolver at the 200 meter Silhouette Range and it takes Rams at 200 meters (220 Yards).

The pressure numbers and velocity came from Neco Quickload Software that I have found to be very close to real life.

Harold Clark

[Chuck White]

Thank you very much Harold!

This sounds like a real good load and I will be giving it a try soon.

I appreciate your input!

[scout34]

My Lee manual has loads for a 180gr lead bullet.  I used the 13.5gr of H110 listed there and got 1040fps from a 4" 686+.  They show the load generating 1300fps, but no notes on what gun that came out of.

[Badnews Bob]

I use my own cast bullets but the ones from Miester shoot very well also, IMR 4227 works best for me also. I've friends who use Lil gun and swear buy it. Tigetgroup works well also very clean powder but the 4227 gives the best results so far. the .357 load book.  gives rifle loads for the 180 cast and 200s. That little Marlin is a great deer rifle, fun to shoot.

[scout34]

I'm using the 180gr from Oregon Trail.  Haven't taken it hunting though.

I've got an 1894 in .41 Mag, though I have not shot it yet.  Considering getting one in .357.  Sold my Puma M92 and can't remember why.  Like the fit and finish of the Marlin better.  Also has lots of cool sight options.