Reloading Q; .38/.357 Marlin lever

[2571]

I have not thought this out yet but submit it for your initial advice.

My .38/.357 Marlin does not like .38 RN ammo but does well with .357. I lose a lot of brass in the weedy location where I shoot. I have a handful of .357 brass for reloading but several thousands of .38 casings.

Can I load the .38 brass with .38 loads but seat my rn bullets to achieve .357 overall length (C.O.L. 1.590)? This would assume I can find a bullet long enough to remain seated.

I have not measured anything yet but I cannot think immediately of a reason why this would be dangerous or impracticable.

All advice welcome. tia

[Hobie]

Yep. You might want to use a Lee Factory Crimp Die.

[Lefty Dude]

To feed properly the 38 must be at least 1.425 in length. My Son shoots a 94CB limited and uses 38's exclusive for CAS-SASS. He run's it fast and no boggles. A flat point round nose, or a truncated nose works best. The round nose can sometimes get hung up on the feed ramp of the carrier.

And yes many seat the 38 long in the case to achieve the desired reliable operational length.

We use a 125 gr. RNFP

[J Miller]

2751,

There is nothing wrong or dangerous to seating a bullet out further in a .38 case.
Remember there is only 1/10th of an inch of difference between the two cases. Not enough to cause problems.

I would think that you could find another less overgrown place to shoot though. I would. I hate loosing brass.

Joe

[AJMD429]

I don't know, but it seems like you could load .357 Mag level loads if you were using a .357 Mag gun, a decent/new .38 case, and loading with the same overall length as a .357 Mag - the case volume would be the same, I'd think. The only differences would be if the brass is weaker, or if somehow having the bullet exit the case sooner, would make a difference.

Anyway, on a more practical note, consider taking a tarp if you shoot in weedy areas alot. Lay it down, or even prop it up so it 'catches' the brass as it exits the gun. Some folks who shoot at the same place alot put a couple poles up, and hang a tarp just to the right of their shooting area.

Also, you could perhaps rig up a 'brass catcher' that would fasten to the gun. I've seen, purchased, and made ones for semiautos, but not leverguns. Still, it wouldn't be hard to have something that clips on to the gun forearm - say a 1/4" rod, bent to hold a 12" square of leather or denim just to the right of the action. At least the brass hits it and falls down there rather than being tossed several yards.

[Big Fella]

Moulton Lead has a long 147 grain bullet designed to load in the Marlin. I use it and seat the bullet to 1.57" Stay safe!!!

[Gary]

My .38/.357 Marlin does not like .38 RN ammo but does well with .357.

Does your Marlin have Micro-groove or Ballard rifling? I ask because mine has Ballard rifling and shoots 38 Special LRN just fine.

Gary

[horsesoldier03]

If I were you I would go to heavier bullets and seat them out a little farther so that you get a longer OAL with the .38 spc that would be close to the .357 mag.