38-55 incomplete burn

tokguy

tokguy

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I'm trying to come up with a new load for my 38-55. It's a Win 94 carbine with a worn bore. It still shoots pretty decent but it doesn't give me a good clean powder burn.
I have been using oversize slugs from a Lee .379 mold with CCI primers behind 25 grains of H4895.
I like H4895 because of it's versatility but upon cleaning the rifle unburned grains are present in the action.
I need to replenish my powder supply as the 4895 is about used up anyhow.
Any suggestions as to what may work better?
 
I've always found 2400 to work very well in straight cased reloads, 3031 is also good, but, I found it left alot of carbon behind. My 38/55 loved 255gr GC(gas checkes filled with lube) wheel weight pushed by 15-20 grains of 2400 very good.
 
From "The Art of Bullet Casting" Handloader +Rifle Magazines 1966-1981 they recommend RE#7 as the best powder for cast /jacketed bullets from 255gr-280gr.So for 255gr jacketed /30gr-RE#7/1600fps to a MAX of 33gr RE#7/1825fps........unburnt powder is common with IMR 3031 + IMR 4895 according to the author.The above data can be substituted for your 250gr slug but start low and work your way up.Use at own risk...Harold...........lots of info at castboolits.com
 
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I think that your 4895 is on the slow side for the 38/55 and a faster burning powder would be best...RL-7, AA2015, 5744, 4759, 4227, etc. I'm playing with the new 300-MP in the 35/55 and .32/40, where I have been using small amounts of AA#9.
 
OK , I'm busted.
Jack of all trades master of none, right?
I'll pick up a pound of powder special for the Ole gal instead of using 4895 because it works for my milsurps too.
Any thoughts on that new powder; leverloution I think?
And what's so great about Trailboss? I think the point being you cannot double charge a case, but it shows elevated pressures and slower velocities in my book. Beat up my rifle for less performance,WTH is with that?
I'm slowly striving to become a handloader as opposed to a reloader, LOL.
Thanks for the help
 
Unburnt powder is more than a cosmetic issue if it starts to fall back into the action, as well as getting caught up between the brass and the chamber wall.
For .38-55, I have found 3031 is the slowest, with Reloder 7, as already mentioned, almost optimal for good velocity with OK pressure, and easy ignition.
 
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