RD's TLC359-175-RF and the 357 Mag

As promised, an update on my work with a bullet specific to the Marlin 1894C, the TLC359-175-RF.



Despite casting from the mold several weeks ago, ranch work has kept me away from the reloading and shooting bench until now. I wanted to start my work with Lil' Gun, QuickLoad suggested that among the powders I had on hand and it would offer the best velocity performance. My rifle is one of the last of those manufactured in CT and I've actually not shot it, saving it for this dedicated bullet.

With my RSI Pressure Trace equipment hooked up, I fired the short load schedule of 13.6, 14.3, and 15.1-grains of Lil' Gun. The QuickLoad generated max of 15.1-grains showed quite a bit of promise. That software suggested a load based on a Pmax of 43.5K PSI and a NMP of 38.1K PSI. the 15.1 grains was forecast to produce 1752 FPS and 34.9K PSI.



The actual performance was 1776 FPS (corrected for actual muzzle velocity) and 35.6K PSI. Very close to the QL prediction. This was only a five shot string but the SD was 11.7 FPS with an 32 FPS ES. Pressure, like velocity, is concerned with both an SD and ES; hence, a load generated only to NMP. Any plus variances occur and should be contained between NMP and Pmax. The ES was 3K PSI so I will have room to work a little closer to the Pmax. If you look at the bottom of the pressure trace graph, you will notice the "Optimum Barrel Timing" (OBT) markers. Where the traces are starting to flat line you will also notice a "+" symbol on each trace. That is where the bullet is leaving the barrel. Ideally, you should adjust the load to leave the barrel at a marker. That supposedly and in practice delivers the best accuracy. I have room for a little bump to move it to the marker to the right of that "+" cluster.

The best news is the 50-yard group was not bad for shots 11 through 15 from this NIB carbine!



I was pleased enough with the group that I went back in and loaded 5 more cartridges so that I could carry the carbine into by east pasture for a little work I had planned. The hogs have been enjoying the nice weather we have been having and I would like them to get a look at the bullet. I am looking forward to shooting this without the PT equipment because with it, more attention needs to be paid to making sure the rifle is "live" with the computer so that data is not lost at the shot than is paid to shot follow through.



This bullet is designed to use the Marlin's 1.59" maximum cartridge length. Brass is trimmed to 1.275". These two measurements should allow the bullet nose to kiss the rifling. My intent is to offer two additional items in my online store to compliment this mold. A Lee case trimmer that will cut the exact brass length to satisfy the crimp groove spacing against the OAL and a collet type factory crimp die. Go back to that bullet image, see that collet crimp!

There are two other forum members shooting the bullet; Steelbanger and Tom Myers. Both of these fellows have wheelguns that are being evaluated as well. I do not have any information about the bullet on my web site as of yet. Once the testing is complete, design changes made if needed, and my inventory ordered from Lee, I will have complete info on the bullet including an expected "in stock" date.