357 Marlin Accuracy Potential

[Old Savage]

Some one was asking about the accuracy potential of the 357 Marlin. This was 15 shots at 100 yds with a 4x scope off the bench. Ignore the 22s. This rifle was having the screw on the magazine loosen so I loctited the screw. It apparently moved the impact left. I see it would have been possible with a right shift in the scope adjustment to have 7 shots in the X ring. I have since readjusted it 3/4" to the right. A couple of the shots were flinches when loud rifles next to me went off as I was squeezing. Guys with their semiautos and rate of fire. The 10 ring is 3 1/4" and all would be in that with the group shifted right. You can fairly well see the rifles potential absent my errors.

[86er]

Hey that's nice shootin' and one of the better groups I've seen at 100 yards with the 357 rifle. What ammo did you use and can you compare the accuracy of one bullet weight to another?

[Old Savage]

Well thank you. These were PMC 158 gr Jacketed Soft Points - $22.95 for 50. They shot better than the Winchester 158s and 158 Blazers. I haven't tried any other weights. I think if this were bagged in it would prove to very accurate. I think with this target you see my couple of variations in hold over a gym bag. I got up after each shot and looked at the target with a spotting scope on another bench.

I would like to try some heavier bullets but haven't as yet.

[meanc]

Minus the distractions and tube screw, I'm pretty sure those are close to 1.5" groups which is pretty dang good and more than sufficient for anything you'd use a 357mag for.

Minus the distractions/adjustments, I'm sure you'd be able to do that all day long and possibly out a bit further, too.

[El Chivo]

I would think it would be very good with a scope. I've always had a tough time keeping groups together because of the short sight radius. With a scope the sight radius thing is moot, and the short barrel becomes an asset.

I have a tang sight on mine now, which helps. And I just got a hair trigger, we'll see if it helps or hurts in silhouette.

[Tycer]

Love range reports!! Thanks.

[Gary]

OS, If you would like to try some factory Remington 180 grain loads in that, I'll let you have a half dozen to test. I don't have a scope on my 1894C and would like to know their accuracy potential. PM or email me and they are yours.

Gary

[rjohns94]

Old Savage, Nice shooting. the .38/.357 just seems to be inherently accurate. Your range session shows the potential. I bet your groups once settled in without distractions would continue to be in the 1.5-2 MOA out another 50-75 yards. Well done with that and a nice report.

[Old Savage]

You're on Gary - I am in Lancaster - I sent you my office address near AV Hospital.

[Old Savage]

rj and mean, I think you fellows are right on with your estimates. Results were not as good with my 1894C but I think I will try it again.