586 and 94C shared loadings

[RustyShackleford]

A few months back I swapped my old man my 66-2 snub for his 4" model 586 for a couple of reasons. The added barrel length, weight and sight radius, as I intend on hunting with it. The second reason is that it just pairs up so nicely with my 1894c... those two guns should be sold together... pure sex! I'm going to do some handloading and I'm not sure if I am going to load for the 586 and shoot it from my 94c as well... or vice versa. I would like to find something that shoots well out of both. Have any of you had any experience with this "dilemma"? Main purpose will be hunting.

After thinking about it I might should have posted in the reloading forums but it is a 586 so...

[VAdoublegunner]

I have an 1894C and several 357Mags, the usual one I pair with it being a 4 5/8 Liberty model Ruger Blackhawk. For a hunting weight bullet, I prefer a 180gr in the Marlin. It can obtain some very impressive velocities in the carbine when loaded with Lil'Gun. The Blackhawk handles 180s as well. Eventhough Lil'Gun works best with heavy for calibers bullets and longer barrels, it works plenty fine in the BH, but is a bit of a stiffer recoil than the usual 357 loads.

You may also want to consider a good 158-160 gr bullet for both loaded with classic powders like Blue Dot, H110 or WW296.

One thing to bear in mind is that the velocities you will obtain out of the carbine are significantly greater than from the revolver. You may actually exceed the expansion design limits of the bullet, and it will not hold together well for penetration. A gas checked hard cast can overcome that. But if choosing a JFP, or especially a JHP, it is a consideration. Heavier, 'tougher' bullets in the 158-160gr range can work, but lighter ones may not be satisfactory in the carbine if you are after large game.

[RustyShackleford]

Thanks, I will definitely keep that in mind. I did remember that I have a box of 158 gr. XTPs. Maybe I can use those. They are supposed to have pretty good expansion characteristics from rifles... from what I hear. Any experience with those? I'm not sure that I've shot 180s through the pistol yet. I may have to run a few through it and see how they feel because that may be better for larger vermin. When I was thinking about loading for the pistols a was gone use 2400. Do you think that would also work well in the rifle? Now that I think about it, I may have some h110 in the cabinet. I'll have to see.

[VAdoublegunner]

The 158gr Hornady XTP is a very good bullet and should serve you well. I have heard that their 160gr JTC-Sil is a great bullet in the carbine driven at max velocities with Lil'Gun if you want deep penetration on tough critters. It can hit close to 2000fps and will reportedly still expand, and although I haven't been able to field test it on game, I have found it to be very accurate. I also think it is no longer in production.

The XTP is a fine game bullet. Good ol' 2400 and the Hornady 158 XTP are great components to start with. The optimal velocity range for the 158gr XTP/FP is 700 - 1500fps, easy to obtain with that combo. If your carbine shots are expected to be at longer range, then a higher MV should drop them into the sweet spot a little further out.

[RustyShackleford]

I think I'll go with the XTPs then... since I already have them. I'm guessin they'll handle quite nicely from the 586. Ill have to see what kind of Powder I have in the Cabinet and will prob try couple of powders that you listed... along with 2400. Unfortunately, Its way too cold in my garage to reload. Once I get some loads together and get out to the farm to shoot em, Ill let you know how it went.

Thank you much, for your help!

[kenjen]

if you are going to shoot lead bullets and you get large or inconsistent groups, slug the barrel. mine came under sized and i have to use lead bullets sized to .356-.357 instead of the normal .358, but it shoots thoes xtp's in both the 158 and 180gr. great!!! also give those new bullets made for the lever guns a try, the flex tip bullet (FTP) they are 140grs. and shoot really well in both rifle and pistol. you can get the bullets from midway for reloading.

[RustyShackleford]

Thanks Kenjen you make a valid point and hopefully both barrels are the same or its really gonna throw everything off. As far as the flex tips go, I agree with you 100%. I was using factory loaded Hornady LeverEvolutions in the 94c for quite some time and absolutely loved them and intended on realoading them. I busted a hog with one at about 40 yds a while back and he dropped like a lead anchor. The only thing holding me back from that is its performance out of a pistol. As doublegunner mentioned though, barrel length may be a problem and I'm not sure how well the bullet would expand at slower velocities as its made for a rifle. I might ought to try it though... I may be surprised. That problem may also be solved if I reload and use a faster burning powder for the short barrel of the 586.