357 Marlin 1895 Cowboy Load help

[Ray Cover]

I am trying to come up with a good load for this gun in 357 mag. and 38 spec.

I have tried several things out of my Hornady, Speer, and Sierra manuals from the 357 mag rifle section.  The only powders I had on hand that had data in those sections of the manuals are H110, 2400, and Unique.

Bullets I have tried so far are
140 gr Lee SWC cast lead using #2 Lyman formula sized to exactly .357" dia 
125 gr Hornady XTP
Store bought lead Sutter's Choice hard cast bullets 158 gr RNFP .358" dia

So far I have not found anything that has worked in this gun using these components in either the 38 cases or the 357 cases. Well... they work but I am getting 6" groups at 50 yards.

I suspect I may need either:
Heavier jacketed bullets
Harder cast bullets (maybe cast from pure linotype)

I also suspect I need a slower burning powder than I currently have.  I am used to loading for pistols and the powders I have are mostly fast burning pistol powders.

Before I go out and spend a ton of money on components I thought I would ask you folks to find out what loads some of you have found that shoot accurately in your Marlin cowboy guns.  I would like to find a good 357 and a good 38 load for this gun.  If I can't make is shoot any better than 6" at 50 I will be selling it.

Any advise will be appreciated,

Ray

[Gohon]

What powder are you using and what load?  My gun doesn't like anything less than 158 grains.Try moving up to 158-180 grains and using Lil'Gun, H-110, or 296 and I think you will see a world of difference.

[buck460XVR]

I am trying to come up with a good load for this gun in 357 mag. and 38 spec.

I have tried several things out of my Hornady, Speer, and Sierra manuals from the 357 mag rifle section.  The only powders I had on hand that had data in those sections of the manuals are H110, 2400, and Unique.



I also suspect I need a slower burning powder than I currently have.  I am used to loading for pistols and the powders I have are mostly fast burning pistol powders.

IMHO......I would think H110 is plenty slow enough. In my experience it needs a firm crimp tho. I too would try a 158 or 180 Jacketed bullet.