One step closer to joining the MLC....

[golfish]

That sucker looks brand new ....good score Bob

[200Apples]

Good grief! Bob. She's a stunner! and ye even have sling swivels on it.

Until you find a handload it likes, it should like Hornady's boxed .357 Magnum 158 grain XTP loads. Heck, it should like everything. If it's a microgroove barrel, it'll like cast about .002" over, but you probably already knew that.

Man! what a crew! the MLC has become.

[BOBGBA]

Good grief! Bob. She's a stunner! and ye even have sling swivels on it.

Until you find a handload it likes, it should like Hornady's boxed .357 Magnum 158 grain XTP loads. Heck, it should like everything. If it's a microgroove barrel, it'll like cast about .002" over, but you probably already knew that.

Man! what a crew! the MLC has become.

Apples, thanks, your recommendation on cartridge selection is appreciated. The only thing I reload is shotshells (12, 28 & .410). We'll see if this starts me down a new reloading path.

I believe it was made in 2003 and the barrel is not labled microgroove.

I found it on GB, the seller was Lock Stock & Barrel in Simi Valley. It does have a small gouge on the comb, when I get it, I'll take a better look at it too see if I can steam it out. Didn't get to spend much time checking it out.

[pennstater]

Bob, if the barrel isn't stamped "Microgroove", a very good chance it is Ballard style rifling. Which is way better for cast bullets. Let's hope.

MLC

[200Apples]

Either way, that thing will shoot. I love my Marlins. Of the five I now own, two were made right around the time yours was; my .41 Mag FG in 2005 and my 1895GS in 2007... right about the peak before the oncoming Remlin quality problems era.

Does your .357's bore have twelve lands or six? Twelve would denote microgroove, six Ballard. Again, either way, that thing should shoot. You're going to love it.

[nickel plate]

Hello MLC members, I've been following this thread since it's beginning and wishing I lived closer because I would shamelessly beg you all for a field trip invite!
My two levers are both JM Marlins, an 1894 - CARBINE (actual rollmark) .357mag made in 1981 and a newly acquired 39A .22 made in 1957.
It would be an honor in spirit to become a member of the MLC and I would certainly make every effort to attend your annual high desert convention.

EDIT- I thought I was on the actual MLC thread! Seeing that some charter members have posted here on BOBGBA's thread got me all exited....

[200Apples]

It would be an honor in spirit to become a member of the MLC...

On behalf of the MLC Administrative Board, Membership Division, and in a loud, booming, Wizard of Oz voice, "IT IS DONE".

Your two Marlin arms represent the brand well, sir!

[RayPDA]

You guys are great!

Nice irons nickel plate!

[jimmykan]

I had a Marlin 1894C in 357, that I sold in 2011. I later got a Rossi R92 in 357 to replace it.

Now I want another Marlin, so I just DROS'd this:

[DueceMcGurk]

Beautiful. Love the grain in the wood. Love my 1894C. You will too.

[200Apples]

jimmykahn, congrats! and Welcome! to the MLC.

Nice 1895! you have there. Short rifle, octagonal barrel.. big cartridge, big bullet. You will have a lot of fun with that one. I recommend a box or two of the Remington CoreLokt green/yellow packaging "Safe In All Rifles" trapdoor loads if you're new to the .45-70.

[wpage]

Marlin levers are sweet. Got my first buck with a marlin in .35. One shot one kill...

[robledor]

hello Bob finally found you. I'm Ricardo the guy who you told the story about your father's M1A. Very nice meeting you my friend. Beautiful Rifle happy trails!

[BOBGBA]

Based on this photo and the fact that it doesn't say Microgroove on the barrel, I think it has Ballard rifling.

Maybe some of you experienced lever folks can let me know what you think.

I could also use recommendations on what reloader and accessories to buy, so I can get a feel for what It takes. Let me know what you use!

I'll probably be a low volume shooter.

Feel free to PM me, if you don't want to post here.

If you want to see better pictures, you can go here: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...96cV9Kbmx6MVN3

[pennstater]

I'd have to call that Ballard type rifling. Man, that's a nice looking rifle Bob!
As far as handloading equipment goes, you'll get plenty of ideas here. Low volume loader/shooter; I'll suggest a RCBS Rockchukar(single stage) press, carbide dies and get a Lee Factory Crimp Carbide Die. That usually come with Lee 4 die set. A GOOD beam scale. That's a start. Others will join in shortly. More questions, ask away Bob. You're heading in the right direction!

MLC