I have been shooting the postal match for the last couple of months perfecting loads and having some success with my two Marlin 30-30's and a 1895 in 45-70. I feel real fortunate that my guns seem accurate enough to send in some targets I am not embarrased by. My 357 is somewhat dissapointing. I have not scoped it, and this is the primary difference. I am 41 Yrs. old and still have good eyesight. I scoped a 30-30 last year, removed my XO sights and put them no the 357. I shot very well with the 30-30 and these sights, but the 357 seems to do no better than about 3 inches at 50 yards. I shoot my muzzleloader at 100 yards and irons and get 2.5 to 3 inches, so I can shoot with iron sights. I have shot several powders and 4 or 5 different bullets. Best accuracy, suprisingly comes with jacketed remington soft points at 158gr. I have lapped the barrel as per Marshall. I think its time to try out some of Marshall's bullets. I have tightened everything, and find nothing wrong with the gun. Am I expecting too much? I am finding some mounts as I write this to mount a scope on temporarily to find out if it is my eyes and an inability to deal with irons.

The most accurate bullet I've found for my 1894C is the Hornady 158 grain FP/XTP. I get 5 shot groups averaging 2.75 inches at 100 yards with this bullet over 18 grains of Lil' Gun. That is from an elbows rest on a bench with a WGRS aperture rear and the stock front filed to a square post. Should be similar to your XO set up.

Oh, and for me the Remington 158 SJHP gets about 3.5 inches for 5 shots at 100 yards with the same load of Lil' Gun.

Imashooter2, I use little gun as well. Same dose.

The most accurate load I've shot from any centerfire handgun was Marshall's 185gr. FNGC, over 16 grains of 296, Federal small pistol magnum primers. 2" at 50 yards, out of a .357 Blackhawk.

I'd sure try that bullet before giving up.

Dr. A
Like Mike said, that load he's described has proven to be a real tack driver in not only the handguns, but the carbines as well. In your 1894C you'll want to try some .359" bullets though, in order to fill their somewhat generous bores.

This load combo should make that little gun sing a new song:

BTB .359"-1865FNGC/16.0g W296 or H110/WSPP/Win Brass

Don't give up on that slick little levergun yet!

God Bless,

Thanks Marshall, I will order some of those tomorrow.

Thanks a whole bunch :)

Too, let me know how they do for you!

God Bless,