.38-55 Winchester

[Mad-Dog]

Brownie has it right. In its day, the .38-55 saw extensive duty as a target round and for good reason. I have a Winchester 1894 round barrel in .38-55 that consistently shoots sub 2.5 cm (one inch, if you like) groups at 100 metres. It literally equals the accuracy of my new rifles with excellent optics at that range. It is an absolute joy to shoot!

Previous posters were commenting on the price and availability of cartridges. I don't reload. But I am a shopper, and the best I can do is north of $40 a box. I have heard from a couple sources that the availability of these cartridges is dependent on when you are buying. Winchester, supposedly, only turns out these shells once every 12-24 months because they are in relatively low demand. If you were seeking them shortly after the factory run was produced, you were in luck. Until Cabelas got off the ground here in Canada I followed the rule, if you see them, buy them. Period. Now I would say they are "generally available," I don't feel the same pressure to stock up in advance.

I use the gun, as my grandfather used it, to hunt deer in the bush. To the OP, I hope your discovery of the spent cartridge might motivate you to "buy the gun." I would go for a good re-sale, but others here may be able to suggest alternatives.

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

I used to live on Southern Van Island and all I can say is I hope that isn't a deer load! Tiny little guys.

Thanks for the advice re: reloading.

I don't actually own a rifle at the moment, but I am hoping to pick up a lever action soon. My heart says .35 rem or 45/70 but reality is pushing me towards the 30/30.

No worries, and as for the deer here, most on the southern end are not big, but there are fat ones here. I use the 265 gr. cast boolit loads @ 1500 fps. because they shoot well, don't wreck meat and will break heavy bones in critters like bears in close quarters.

On coastal blacktail's, a side-on heart/lung shot normally results in complete penetration, but the critter can't tell the difference. Meat in the cooler.

The 30-30 is a perfect choice to start out with....and come back to.

 

[conor_90]

Mad Dog maybe someday I will buy one. I feel like I`m searching for a caliber that can be used effectively on any north american ungulate at short and medium ranges without too much damage. From what ShellShucker describes the .38-55 sounds good.

I have a strong preference for iron or peep sights and lever actions, and I`m sure the 45/70 if reloaded correctly could fill a similar role, but it seems sort of overkill for blacktails. Shellshucker, I used to work with a guy who hunted in the Cowichan area and only used centerfire .22 calibres. He reloaded so I'm not sure of his FPS or bullet weight.