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I've got a slot for both a .38 / .357 rifle (under lever) and LBR.

Originally, I'd planned to use mainly .38 special because of the reduced cost compared to .357 magnum, which seems to be at least a third more expensive.

However, I've now read on a few forums that .38 special doesn't perform well in 'longer' barrels. Is this the case? If so, what barrel length would be optimum and what's too long?

The LBR is obviously limited to a barrel length of 12", but I was also considering a buntline (18"/19"). For the under lever, my options seem to range from 16" to 22". What should I be looking at - I want to shoot gallery rifle comps with both guns?

I use 38 Spl in my Marlin all the time - for practice and competition. Absolutely no problem - just have to remember to clean the chamber now and then.
There is no reduction in accuracy and the cost benefit well worth having.
Load your own with cast boolits.
For 25 yard shooting I use a 148 gr boolit with 3.0 gr of Zero powder that I have left over from the pistol shooting days. You will have to work up your own load.
Make sure your barrel is spotless and free from copper before using lead.
I use a fairly soft lead (around 10 Brinell) for these light loads.
Boolits from Hannams and Kranks are, in my opinion, much too hard requiring more powder to be used in order to upset the boolit into the rifling.
For longer range - 100 yards and more - use the .357 with cast or jacketed bullets driven with more of a slower burning powder.
Hope this helps.

Stupid question from a newby, can I buy .38 ammunition if my FAC lists .357 Rifle?

If it says .357 then that's what you have to get - normally the FAC itemises 38/.357 for ammo to acquire. Talk to your Firearms licensing dept and get the FAC altered (for free).

dodgyrog wrote:If it says .357 then that's what you have to get - normally the FAC itemises 38/.357 for ammo to acquire. Talk to your Firearms licensing dept and get the FAC altered (for free).

It may very well say that I will check or like an ijit I only asked for.357.


Thanks

clayduster wrote:

dodgyrog wrote:If it says .357 then that's what you have to get - normally the FAC itemises 38/.357 for ammo to acquire. Talk to your Firearms licensing dept and get the FAC altered (for free).

It may very well say that I will check or like an ijit I only asked for.357.


Thanks

I listed both calibers as separate lines on my application. My FEO combined them to a single allocation of 500 to buy, 600 to keep for any combination of .38 or .357

Mikaveli wrote:I've got a slot for both a .38 / .357 rifle (under lever) and LBR.

Originally, I'd planned to use mainly .38 special because of the reduced cost compared to .357 magnum, which seems to be at least a third more expensive.

However, I've now read on a few forums that .38 special doesn't perform well in 'longer' barrels. Is this the case? If so, what barrel length would be optimum and what's too long?

The LBR is obviously limited to a barrel length of 12", but I was also considering a buntline (18"/19"). For the under lever, my options seem to range from 16" to 22". What should I be looking at - I want to shoot gallery rifle comps with both guns?

When you shoot .38spl in a .357 chambered gun you do see over a period of time a ring in the chamber caused by "flame erosion". There is no reason why when you start reloading using a .38spl load in a .357 case. In fact most people I know who shoot .38/.357 lever actions do that.

No problems in my chamber after 1000's of 38 spl rounds.

dodgyrog wrote:No problems in my chamber after 1000's of 38 spl rounds.

There were definite rings in the chambers of my pre-owned revolver but I don't know how much had gone through but I acquired it.

channel12 wrote:

dodgyrog wrote:No problems in my chamber after 1000's of 38 spl rounds.

There were definite rings in the chambers of my pre-owned revolver but I don't know how much had gone through but I acquired it.

Or if it had been cleaned!
Hardly a definitive example to try and put somebody off!!!