I own an 1894 Marlin .357/.38. Fun as heck lever gun. I’ve had mixed results shooting my cast in it. First thing I tried was a conventional lubed gas checked Lee 158 SWC cast with Lyman No2. sized to .359. Absolutely no leading and when I worked up to 15.6 grains, groups tightened right up. Shot two deer with it this year. I thought there is nothing to this. I have since tried to develop a plain base low velocity .38 plinking load with W-231. They shoot great for about 20 and go to crap. I have repeatedly leaded the snot out of the barrel. Done it enough times I have become pretty adept at scrubbing the lead out with a chore boy wrapped brush but have not accomplished much else. Does anyone have insight into shooting cast .38’s through a micro groove Marlin they are willing to share? Thanks in advance to any willing to take the time to reply.
Willie