38-55 Winchester reloads

[7mmlefty]

I recently purchased a 38-55 Win model 1894 with full length mag.
Built in 1899.
Factory loads were over 50 bucks a box of twenty rounds at the local gun shop, so I decided to buy the dies, brass, and bullets instead, for about the same price as 3 boxes of factory ammo.

I would like to know what youre pet loads are in this type of rifle.. speed is good but accuracy is king, a good combination would be nice.

I've fast forwarded and decided to reload a few shells last night in anticipation for the rifle.

The loads are;
250 gr cast lead bullets over 25 grains of IMR 4198 powder. CCI 200 primers in brand new Winchester brass... also crimped.

Did I do ok for reloading in the dark ?...

I went back seventeen pages here on this site, looking for something I could relate to, but didnt find much. Thanks for any reloading tips...

 

[iceman2]

Where did you get your load data? There are lots of manuals out there with established loads for the 3855. As with any rifle start at minimun and work your loads up from there.

I just looked on the Hodgdon site and they don't list IMR4198, but they have H4198 which is not interchangeable but close. They list 18.5 to 24 gr min to max. Without IMR data, I would hesitate to use those loads in an old rifle without first working them up in a proper manner. Both out of respect for an old rifle and liking my eyes and fingers. Just my .02

 

[hk33ka1]

What diameter bullets did you get? This is a calibre that doesn't really have a standard barrel size where say .30-06 will always have a .308" barrel give or take a half thou.

I ended up using .380" lead for my rifle. I also assume since your gun is of an older vintage that it has the original, longer chamber. Modern brass and many guns are shorter. Starline Brass makes both lengths (2.080" and 2.125") for this calibre. Pedersolis new rifles have the longer chamber like original guns. It's ok to use the short stuff in any rifle. I'm using a starting load of 24gr IMR 4198 with my 255gr boolit. Your load data sounds good. When you get your rifle you will probably want to slug the barrel to get an idea of actual bore/groove size.

 

[7mmlefty]

I found some reloading info on "steves reloading page" on the internet.. He lists 255 grain lead bullets can be loaded with IMR 4198 from 21.0 grains to 27.0 grains quite safely. Thanks Iceman2...

HK33... The bullets are averaging .278 and 279.. diameter. The Winchester brass is 2.080.. Thanks for the info.

Anyone have any powder recomendations or loads that shoot accurately from this caliber?.

 

[Eagleye]

You really need to slug your bore to shoot cast in that 38-55.
Ideally, your cast bullet should be .002" larger than groove diameter for best results.
I will post loads that I have had great success with, both cast & Jacketed.
My 38-55 is a later production rifle, but the groove diameter is .3775"
I am shooting cast sized to .380" with best results.
240 grain Cast [.380"] 30.0 grains of IMR3031
265 grain Cast [.380"] 26.0 grains of RL7
285 grain Cast GC [.3795"] 25.0 gr RL7
" " " " " 23.5 gr IMR 4198
255 grain Barnes Original [Jacketed, .377"] 31.0 gr H322 [This load shoots about 1 MOA in my rifle, and is my jacketed hunting load @ 1650 fps]
R-P 9½ Primers used in all loads, Winchester new 38-55 Brass.
Regards, Eagleye

 

[Alex McK]

Also try the "Reloaders Nest" forum. A few months back, a fairly comprehensive list of powder/bullet combinations for the 38-55 was discussed and shared. Definitely worth a look.

 

[Garand]

I'm using 255 grain bullets from either the Bullet Barn or Cactus Plains Ammunition, both I recommend. I have 2 favorite loads that approximate the original muzzle velocity of the caliber in the 1880's. First, is 24.8 grains of IMR 4895 and the second, is 10.0 grains of Unique. This gives average accuracy out to 150 yds.

 

[7mmlefty]

Thank you Gents.. Im taking notes in the back of my new #6 Nosler reloading guide.. Unfortunately theres nothing on the 38-55 in it.

learning more about this amasing cal is a treat.. Thank you all for youre info.

 

[hk33ka1]

I would recommend both Lyman 49th Handloading Manual and Lyman 4th Cast Bullet handbook for this. Also Lyman Black Powder if so interested.