357 marlin

dtac96 · 05-12-2010, 03:39 PM

I want to buy a marlin 1894c in 357/38 but i want to know if i could hunt a white tail deer with it and it just if its strong enough to kill what youy want

sconnyhunter · 05-12-2010, 04:15 PM

That caliber should do fine for close range shots.

Though I would recommend reviewing your states caliber rules, as pertains to Handgun calibers.

thndrchiken · 05-12-2010, 07:35 PM

357 with 158 or 180 gr sp's will do just fine inside of 100-150 yds.

ruger357w · 05-13-2010, 01:05 AM

I've got a marlin 1894cp in 357 mag. nice rifle and shoots 158gr. xtp's great. I've shot one Deer with it and it did fine, just keep your shot distance to like a 100 yards or so.

dtac96 · 05-13-2010, 07:48 PM

thanks guys i really appreciate it

IndyHunter83 · 05-14-2010, 01:53 PM

I have a Puma 92 in 38/357 and a Marlin 1894 in 44sp/44mag. The marlin lever action is far superior to any other on the market in my opinion. I've had both the Puma and Henry replicas and have not had one that was as good quality as the Marlin. So I absolutely agree with going with the brand. Having used them for both SASS and hunting I'll put my stamp on the brand.

As for the cartridge choice. Yes, a 357 will take down deer sized game out to 100 yards (some people may even tell you 150). I am going to recommend going with the 44sp/44mag version of the 1894. I don't know you and I don't know what type of hunting your going to use this gun for. I can just advise on my personal experience. You're not dealing with a bullet that is 180 grains and large about of powder here. You're dealing a short shot rifle whos max effectiveness for that sized game is 100 yds or so. Your bullet is going to to be traveling at slower distances. Therefore a larger bullet will be the way to go for the sake of knock down power.

Look, If you've bought and shot 1894c then my recommendation is going with the Remington 185 gr hollow points for deer. Its a great gun for coyotes and varmits at short range also. My question would be what applications are you planning on using it?

dtac96 · 05-18-2010, 04:12 PM

yeah i would buy a 44 the only problem is that in peru you can only get what they have at stores and what people in the army can sell legally since laws here are pretty restrictive any way thanks for the tips

HEAD0001 · 05-18-2010, 04:26 PM

A 357 magnum in a rifle is a fantastic cartridge. And it is an extremely inexpensive rifle to practice with. Personally I would shoot a cast bullet in the rifle. Go with the largest weight bullet that the action will function flawlessly with. One problem I have seen with the Marlin over the years is that they sometimes have functioning problems with the heavy for caliber bullets. But hopefully yours will handle the 180's. And there is nothing wrong with the 158's.

I also like the 44 magnum as the poster above stated. But I do not think you will have any problem with the 357. Take advantage of cast bullets, and shot the heck out of it. The practice will more than make up for any slight deficiencies the cartridge "might" have. Tom.

IndyHunter83 · 05-21-2010, 03:00 PM

Ok. Well that being stated I would definately go with the .357. It will in my opinion take most species up to deer sized game at closer ranges. Honestly I did not get rid of the puma because I didn't like it. I got rid of it because I couldn't put a scope on it. I'd so go with the 357. You'll be happy with it.

Silver_Wolf · 05-23-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtac96

I want to buy a marlin 1894c in 357/38 but i want to know if i could hunt a white tail deer with it and it just if its strong enough to kill what youy want

Not sure on ammo down there, but out to 100 yards totally agree with the rest. Great gun. I love mine for the tight cover and walking in dense woods. Smaller barrel and lighter to carry. I have a Full Buckhorn style sight on mine. Kinda a cross between a peep sight and regular iron sights. If the federal fusion line of ammo is able to be found 158g does impressive job out to 100 yards.