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6/6/2025 5:15:52 PM EDT
I’m considering a Marlin SBL in .38/357.  Any issues with feeding different bullet types reliably? I have never owned a pistol caliber lever action. I’m curious about function with different types of ammo.
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6/6/2025 7:21:09 PM EDT
[#1]
Mine didn't have a problem with any FMJ .38 spl or .357 I fed. I never tried JHP,  flat nose or wadcutters.

Beware if it was made before the Ruger purchase of Remlin. I bought mine new just before the takeover and the front sights were badly canted, barrel not timed properly.



"According to Argonne National Laboratory, it takes 100 pounds of battery in an EV to go a distance achieved by only one pound of gasoline in an ICE vehicle"
6/6/2025 8:25:18 PM EDT
[#2]
So far so good with 44. No issues . I would expect the .357 to also be good with Ruger/Marlin.   I have heard of the Rossi not feeding 38 on occasions.
6/6/2025 8:57:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: steve8140][Edited] [#3]
I have a new Marlin made by Ruger in 44 mag. So far it’s been good. Cycles smooth and ejects fine 99% of the time. The rest is probably me not racking it fully.

Only thing I’ll complain about it the rear sight. I’m zeroed at 50 yards and the rear sight is maxed to the left. It works but bothers me that it’s not even close to center.

I’ll make my own thread about that to see what options I have.
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6/6/2025 10:14:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: _DR][Edited] [#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By steve8140:
I have a new Marlin made by Ruger in 44 mag. So far it’s been good. Cycles smooth and ejects fine 99% of the time. The rest is probably me not racking it fully.

Only thing I’ll complain about it the rear sight. I’m zeroed at 50 yards and the rear sight is maxed to the left. It works but bothers me that it’s not even close to center.

I’ll make my own thread about that to see what options I have.
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Is your front sights.  Centered and vertical?
"According to Argonne National Laboratory, it takes 100 pounds of battery in an EV to go a distance achieved by only one pound of gasoline in an ICE vehicle"
6/6/2025 11:44:09 PM EDT
[#5]
I've got an 1894 trapper and haven't had any issues with it.  So far I've shot a fair bit of everything, excluding wadcutters and really big flat point bullets out of it though.  I think XTP and Golden Saber are the flattest I've done so far.  Generally it lives on a diet of 158gr .38 special for the suppressor though.
6/7/2025 8:51:16 AM EDT
[#6]
Mine feeds everything!
6/15/2025 11:18:07 AM EDT
[#7]
A friend couldn't afford the Marlin, so bought a Henry X.
Was pleased to find it fed the .357 cases, loaded with a Keith pattern 358429 SWC.
My Henry X  and RugMarlin .44 Trapper also feed the .44 Mag brass, loaded with Keith 428421 SWC's with no problems.

In spite of buckets of .38 and .44 spl, I don't shoot the shorter cases in either caliber, to avoid lead/fouling buildup in the unused chamber portion.
Same for revolvers.  Works for me.
6/15/2025 12:52:39 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Giltweasel][Edited] [#8]
No wadcutters. Not even once!

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If the bullets are seated flush with the cartridge mouth they are probably too short to cycle reliably in many actions.

Marlins can jam up on them and only full receiver disassembly will fix it.

Don't even try.
"Zeal without prudence is like a ship adrift."

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