Generic Question about .357 Carbines

[Thor]

I've been doing doing some research, and gathering information on various guns that could make up my CAS set.  On the subject of rifles, I have been looking at some of the winchesters, such as the one listed here: 

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=534&type_id=094&cat=003C . 

My question is this:

Does this rifle, and other like it readily accept .38 spcl ammo as easily as their .357 revolver counterparts?

Thanks folks.

[St. George]

Yes.

The .357 Magnum case measures just 1/10" longer than that of the .38 Special - according to 'Barnes' Cartridges of the World'.

Scouts Out!

[Delmonico]

Also the 38 Sp and the 357 are loaded to the same OAL per SAAMI specs, the case was lengthened to prevent the higher pressure rounds from being loaded in 38 Sp.  On can load 38's to 357 mag specs as per Phil Sharpe and others before the 357 mag was introduced.  The problem is these can also be chambered in the 38 Sp.

Some of the cast bullets have 2 crimp groooves or in the case of the Keith bullet it was crimped in the crimp groove for 38 and over the shoulder for 357.

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Thor, Lever guns can be notoriously sensitive to OAL in regards to the timing of the carrier/elevator mechanism......ie: shorter rounds. Don't make a mistake and get a Win. of that model. Out of all the complaints I've seen about that model, the majority were for those of that caliber. To use/shoot that caliber, go to the other Win. copies or a Marlin. Definately stay away from that one.................Buck

[John Barleycorn]

Hey Thor,
      My puma needs 357 mag or 38's sized to 357 lenth. regular 38's just dont feed as well for my rifle.   JB

[Marauder]

Between the Winchester 94 and the Marlin 94, the Marlin is MUCH better for our game.  The Marlin is much more reliable.  As noted, cartridge length does matter on these guns.  Some of them work fine with the shorter 38 Specials, but many prefer a longer cartridge.  On my Marlin 94, I loaded the 38 special brass but crimped in the lube groove so the cartridges were about the same length as the 357 Mag cartridge.

The copies of the Winchester 92 are nice as well.  I have one that likes 38 specials just fine and on that prefers longer loads.  Just cannot tell until you try the gun.

[Will Blastem]

Between the Winchester 94 and the Marlin 94, the Marlin is MUCH better for our game.  The Marlin is much more reliable.  As noted, cartridge length does matter on these guns.  Some of them work fine with the shorter 38 Specials, but many prefer a longer cartridge.  On my Marlin 94, I loaded the 38 special brass but crimped in the lube groove so the cartridges were about the same length as the 357 Mag cartridge.

The copies of the Winchester 92 are nice as well.  I have one that likes 38 specials just fine and on that prefers longer loads.  Just cannot tell until you try the gun.

I'm curious as why one particular rifle will feed 38's and another wants 357...What mechanically makesthis happen? Can a good 'Smith correct the problem?

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Can't explain why, but yes, a good smith with experience in lever guns can correct it. Nate Kiowa Jones of Steve's Guns down Texas way is an expert with the '92 model Winchesters. Not sure about who's good with the Marlins, haven't needed any work with mine..................Buck

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I had a model 94 in .357 when I first started. It wouldn't feed a factory length .38spl at all. I sent it back to the factory and they worked their magic on it. It still wouldn't feed whe  it came back so I offed it and got a '92 (which Nate Kiowa Jones slicked up like oiled ice). The '92 wouldn't feed .38spl loads consistently and .357's were a little dicy, too, so at Steve's (Nate) recommendation, I fiddled with the load length and got a round that would feed great. That gun worked really well until I got fast enough that the design couldn't keep up with me. My wife shot it for a few more years with no problems at all until she borrowed my '73. Then I had to buy her one to get mine back. We eventually sold the '92 and to my knowledge, the guy that bought it is still using it with no problems.

So, what all that means is that the cartridge length is critical to fast operation on the '92 and probably the '94. Steve also said that each gun is individual and most require the optimum length to be loaded for consistent operation.

[RRio]

That's really weird, 'cause my '92 LSI Puma in .357 will feed .38s and .357s without a bobble. My Rossi Trapper-Big Loop can be finicky at times, but will feed both also.