My first 38-55 was an old Winchester Model 1894 octagon barreled rifle made in 1899 according to the factory letter. Slugging the bore, I got a groove diameter that varied from .379 to .382, depending upon whether I was measuring the leading edge of the groove or the trailing edge. I've listed a few things I encountered that may be of some help to others.
- .379 hard cast (20 BHN), bevel base bullets, didn't shoot worth a hoot. The same bullet sized to .380 was not too bad.
- Soft cast was the way to go (8 BHN). .379 soft cast, bevel base bullets give me five shot groups of about 2 to 3" at 100 yards.
- For the soft cast bullets, bumping them up gave better accuracy. For example, faster (say, SR 4759) powder gave more accurate results than slower stuff like IMR 3031.
- Medium fast powders like 2400, 5744, 4227, and SR4759 seemed to be better than slower powders like IMR 4198 and IMR 3031. I believe this was because, for the same velocity, the faster powders gave a higher pressure spike, causing the soft cast lead bullet to bump up to seal the bore better.
- Toilet paper filler gave a substantial improvement in accuracy and burning consistency. I haven't tried cornmeal to see what it would do.
- For traditional velocities (i.e., 1,200 to 1,500 fps), stay away from hard cast bullets.
- I'm not a big fan of bevel base bullets. In my opinion, they are for people you don't like to slightly flare the case mouths, but they don't do diddley for accuracy.
- Soft cast (I would included wheel weights) bullets are the way to go, with a plain base. If you are rich, use a gas check.
- 2400, IMR 4227, IMR SR4759 and 5744 all seem to work well.
- Toilet paper covers a multitude of sins. It is the poor man's gas check and it also holds the powder agin the primer. I like it and use it for the 38-55 for normal loads.
Last edited:
