38-55 Winchester 94.... 1900's

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ghostntheshell

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Hi folks.

Anyone reload for the old 38-55 Winchester 94's? I believe this particular model is from 1904 or 1905?
I have been told any modern variation of the 38-55 would be too hot for the old girl.

Any insight would be appreciated as the owner of the rifle wishes to shoot it this fall.
 
The modern offerings from Winchester are probably about on part with what it wants. They keep them pretty sedate in order to ensure no-one grenades themselves.
Not too sure if BP loads can be shipped without hassle.
I've done a tad of BP loads for an CGN ' who was 'in the neighborhood' so to speak.
 
1905 should be rated for smokeless. I use H4198 and is good for lead as well as jacketed bullets. Just use specified loads for quoted powder and you are good to go.
Main thing is to slug the barrel in order to determine appropriate size of projectiles for given application. Start at min charge and work your way up till you hit that sweet spot in 0.5 grain increments.
 
The noted gun writer, Mike Venturino recommended 26 grs of H322 in one of his articles. It is a very mild load in my .38-55 with a 255 gr cast lead plain base bullet.
 
I have a 1906 Winchester M94 in .38-55 that I reload for. I keep my reloads to 1,400 fps for Long Range Cowboy Action matches using either IMR 4895 or Unique and bullets from the Bullet Barn.
 
If your rifle is in good shape modern winchester cartridges won't hurt it. The cartridges are loaded to the same pressure specs that haven't changed since the rifle was made, and that cartridge was designed for that rifle. Should be fine as long as your rifle is safe to shoot.
 
Garand said:
I have a 1906 Winchester M94 in .38-55 that I reload for. I keep my reloads to 1,400 fps for Long Range Cowboy Action matches using either IMR 4895 or Unique and bullets from the Bullet Barn.
Click to expand...

1400 psi wouldn't get the bullet out the barrel. You probably mean 14,000 psi. 14000 psi is still very light and might not work too well with jacketed bullets but should be Ok with cast.
 
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