Ballistics of pistol ammo from rifle?

[DragonDog]

I'm thinking of getting a Marlin 1894 lever action in .357 mag/38 spl caliber and was wondering if anyone knows how much extra velocity/range you might get over say a 4" pistol bbl.

Would the 357 mag. even be gettin near what you would get in a 30-30? How much bullet drop do you get at 100 yds w/ the 357? What do you think would be the most effective range for the 1894? What about the longest effective range?

I'm not really thinking of hunting with it, though might want to occasionally take a wild hog. Would be more for home D, and I would be somewhat concerned about overpenetration w/ the 30-30. The 1894 also holds 9 rds. vs. only 6 w/ the 336. Would the 357 mag. be enough for a wild hog?? I sure wouldn't want to be underpowered and piss one off!

Thanks for the input.

[griz]

The 38 only gains a little out of a longer barrel but the 357 gains around 200 to 400 FPS depending on the load. That's a big jump and to me that means it would be an excellant choice for home defence.
For hunting it would turn the 357 into an entirely acceptable choice for short range (50 - 75 yards) deer with good bullets.

I've never hunted hogs so have no input on that.

[JWC in MS]

DragonDog
I just recently got the Marlin in 357. I have only been to the range once, did not carry my chrono on that trip.
It is my intention to test the same loads from a 6 inch revolver and the rifle at a later date.
As to using for hogs, that is my intention also!
I have taken whitetail with the 357 using 180 grain loads. Even at revolver velosity the 180 will penetrate end to end.
I will use 180 LBT type for the hogs.
Saddly the 180 Remington is too long to cycle through the action.

[DragonDog]

Hey thanks, doods!

I would expect that the 1894 in .357 wouldn't kick like the 30-30 either, right?

JWC, do let me know when you chrony that little jewel. How far out did you get your deer? Do you have it scoped?

Bet that MS whitetail is fat and tasty! I'm orig. from E. Texas myself, but never hunted w/ a lever action. My granddad sure did though.

Best regards!

[Bogie]

125 gr. Gold Dots over a case of of W296 work great in my 16" Winchester - Wouldn't dream of using 'em on deer tho...

There's still a BIG fireball at the muzzle...

[JWC in MS]

DragonDog
I took the whitetail(2) with scoped pistol. Short range, less than 20 yards.
Just this afternoon I mounted old Weaver 1.5 to 4.5 on the 357.
I hope to make it to the range Saturday for sight in session.
If I can I will take the chrono also for some preliminary tests.

[griz]

I would expect that the 1894 in .357 wouldn't kick like the 30-30 either, right?

You're right about that. The kick is trivial, about the same as an M1 Carbine or maybe a 223. Downright pleasant to shoot.

[KilgorII]

I've posted a lot of chrono data from a Marlin 1894cp (16.25" barrel) here. Do a search for .357 and my name and you will find a lot that I don't want to retype. Here's a couple to get you started:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=91776&highlight=.357

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=68097&highlight=.357


Kilgor

[Dave Klingenstein]

I can't speak to having the 357 caliber but I have two 44 mag lever action, a Ruger and a Winchester 94 trapper. They are great for hunting deer and good for home defense too. The Ruger uses a 4 round detachable magazine which is nice when hunting. The Winchester has a larger round capacity because of its internal magazine. I think I like the Winchester a little better because it is a little smaller and lighter than the Ruger. But both are excellent lever actions. I would think about the 44 before the 357 because of the longer range for the 44 mag.

[JWC in MS]

DragonDog
Made it to the range Saturday to shoot 1894 357. Bright, bright sunny day, forgot difusers, got no chrono results.
I will be going back in a couple of weeks and will post results.

[Snowdog]

Here's a couple examples from the 2001 Guns & Ammo Annual for the .357 magnum:

4" Revolver

..........Winchester 158gr JHP..........

velocity: 1250 FPS
energy: 548 FPE

..........Remington 180gr JHP..........

velocity: 1180 FPS
energy: 524 FPE

Carbine-length barrel

..........Winchester 158gr JHP..........

velocity: 1830 FPS
energy: 1175 FPE

..........Remington 180gr JHP..........

velocity: 1550 FPS
energy: 960 FPE


As you can see, the .357magnum yields roughly twice the muzzel energy out of a carbine than that of a typical 4" revolver.

A .44 magnum enjoys similar hikes in power, approaching 2000 pounds of energy out of a carbine.