Barbwire Benn Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Hope this hasn't been talked to death but............... Just getting my Dillon 550 going good and had a question about the LOA that the Marlin 1894c likes. I'm loading 125gn. Lead TC bullets. I've had a few hiccups in the past with this rifle and didn't know if its me not cycling good or a LOA problem. I've noticed various lengths from 1.45 - 1.50 in the posts I've seen so far. What works good in the 94c in 38 calb. for ya ll??? My gun has has some work: slicked and one piece firing pin but NOT short stroked. Thanks Barbwire Benn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Canyon Kid #43974 Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Most Marlins want an OAL of over 1.45 ". Marlins can vary a lot tho so see what length works best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest diablo slim shootist Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 I use 1.51 as my oal it works in my Marlin as fast as I can lever it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbwire Benn Posted March 1, 2011 Author Share Posted March 1, 2011 When I approach the 1.48 plus area I start getting into area below the crimp groove. Is anyone crimping below this. Does the 94c like longer rounds? Thanks, Barbwire Benn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Dave Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 My Jimmy Spurs slicked up Marlin eats my 38 special 130 gr RNFP reloads measuring 1.444 to 1.445 like candy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boon Doggle Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Try some Master Craft 160 grain bullets from Stormy Reinz. OAL of 1.50 – 1.54 should be right in the crimp grove and solve your problems: http://mastercraftbullets.com/cowboy.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mongo, SASS #61450 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I load a 158 TC because it's a little longer than the 125 and I crimp it below the grove to an OAL of 1.52 (in a .38 case). I use a Lee Factory Crimp to give it a tight crimp right into the bullet. My 1873 and Marlin like this length. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.A. Stranger Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Yep I have an 1894C 38/357. You just have to load a couple and see what works. I used the 125gr. from Ammo Direct and their OAL was 1.53 and worked fine. I am reloading the 147 grn. from Moulton Lead and have to stay at about 1.48. Trial N Error. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rio Brazos Kid Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 If you use 38 Spl. cases, you need to stay at approx. 1.540 or a bit longer, or you very possibly will have feeding problems. Mine does OK with this length, but actually runs smoother with lengths of 1.560 to 1.590, which require using 357 cases. Since I like my rifle ammo a tad snappier than the pistols, I just load the rifle with 357 cases. That way the rifle ammo is at optimum length, (1.585 to 1.590), and optimum velocity, (1000 FPS), and feeding is 1000% positive. Some Marlins will feed shorter ammo very reliably, and some won't. You just have to try some and see. It's desired by some to use the same ammo in both the pistols and the rifle, and that's ok. However, when total reliability says use the longer length, then it's a no-brainer to load ammo that feeds the best in your rifle. RBK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder SASS #13056 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 Another option is to crimp at the top of the lube groove. I did that for a few years with my Marlin. By crimping at the top of the lube groove, the bullet cannot be forced into the shell and make shorter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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