I would like to start hand loading for a Marlin lever gun. Due to feeding issues, some bullets work better than others.

The load in mind is a Beartooth 185gr with gas check. It supposedly will run about 1,600 fps out of a carbine length barrel. The barrel has a 1/16 twist
It would be nice if this round would also work in my 28-2 with 4” barrel.

Does anybody know what the twist rate of a 28-2?
Do you think a 185gr would stabilize?

Standard S&W twist rate is 18 3/4".
I know for sure it will stabilize a 196 grain bullet, having shot some a number of years ago.

I played around with a hard cast 200-grain semi-wadcutter in my N-frame S&W's years ago. No problems, and probably one of the more effective loads for big critters like elk or bears.

Check OAL with that bullet. N frame cylinders are short.