2 sizes of 38-55 brass?

[jethunter]

Looking for 38-55 brass and found that starline offers 2 different sizes of 38-55 brass. Why are there 2 sizes? Which one works in winchester lever action rifles?

 

[hunter64]

What year is your winchester? Most of the ones that I have run into made before 1920 can use the longer or shorter brass.

 

[jethunter]

The rifle is 1908 vintage. I guess I'll try the longer cases.

 

[hunter64]

I have one that is 1911 and I took a chamber cast of it first and it was the longer brass. I think I read somewhere that the changed to the shorter brass in the 40's mainly so they could use the same brass cases as the 30-30.

 

[Eagleye]

I have both lengths of brass in my collection.
I can safely shoot the longer brass in my 1980 Reproduction
Winchester 94.
The only nuisance is resetting the seater/crimp die.
Eagleye.

 

[Dean2]

Looking for 38-55 brass and found that starline offers 2 different sizes of 38-55 brass. Why are there 2 sizes? Which one works in winchester lever action rifles?

There is no perfect pattern that I know of as to which of Winchester's rifles, or any of the other makes for that matter used the short or long brass. They both cost the same so I would buy the long, try it in your chamber. If it is too long, it is easy enough to trim it shorter.