Mad Turner

[Mad Turner]

I have a 357 Marlin Cowboy and thought about putting a few rounds through in black powder just to replicate the pre smokeless era. In other words, just to see what it was like. Can someone tell me if I am stupid and if not what charge of BP or Pyrodex or 777 should I use and how should I be certain that the whole space in the cartridge is filled. Thankyou for your attention.
Mad Turner

 

[Afy]

go for it... I know nothing about the Marlin.. so couldnt tell you what load.
But definetely would reccomend BP... it will give you a new addictive hobby.

 

[Chawbaccer]

I have used a bit of BP in my 35 Rem. Fill the case with powder and then pack it a little bit when seating the bullet. Make sure there is no air space in the case.

 

[Starter52]

Chaw's right. No need to measure the blackpowder or Pyrodex. Scoop up a full case of BP and seat the bullet on top, compressing the powder load.

Your Marlin is a tough gun and will handle any BP load with ease.

 

[sundance44s]

Marlin Cowboy

I`ve got a Marlin 1894 Cowboy limited in 45LC ...I`ve tried the black powder loads in it ...and wasn`t impressed with the size groups it shoots ...at 25 yards best i could get out of it was 4 inch groups ....good enough for SASS shooting ....but still it shoots much better with the smokeless powders ..with the smokeless loads I shoot 1 inch or smaller groups at 25 yards . You can still have some fun with the B/P loads ..and cleaning the 1894 Marlin isn`t too bad eaither .. just cock the lever half way and take the screw out that holds the lever on ...then the lever slides out of the bottom and the bolt slides straight back and off the rifle . Your rifle can take full blown 357 mag loads ..so there`s no way you can hurt it with B/P ..just remember ( no air space ..fill`em up )