So I have this crazy idea to turn an 1894 to a 357 Maximum. Will a 357 magnum lever gun have enough throw to load a fresh round and eject a fired one? Any issues with the elevator? Who is a good 'smith to do the barrel work?
Finally, is there a better platform I should consider than the 357 Mag Marlin 1894?

The problem is the .357 max case is too long for the action. I guess with enough $$$$ thrown at them -- maybe a gunsmith could get it to work, but it would not feed well at all.

If you have to have a .357 maximum-- it would easily work in a 336 platform. But-- you can buy a .35 remington off the shelf and load it down to .357 maximum power.

I wondered if the case length would be the problem. thanks for the info. It was a fun idea but may be impractical, given the results.

Happy to help.

A 356 GNR might be interesting, it's the 41 mag necked down. Should function through the 357 mag length action and should just require a re-chamber and opening up the breeach face and extractor for the larger rim. Or you could go with a 357 Baines and Davis, which is a 44 mag necked down. Probably easiest to start with a 44 mag lever gun and have it re-barelled.

I have a couple friends who successfully reworked their 94 Winchesters originally chambered in 357 mag to 360 DW, and still functions with 357 mag ammo. The 94 Winchester has more than enough throw to handle the length of the 357 max but from what I gather not the strength.