38-55

death-junky

death-junky

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hi all i was just talking to my Grandpa and he is going to give me his 1900 win modle 94 38-55 when i get my PAL in a few weeks and i have a few questions :D :
who uses it, how good is it, how avalible is ammo, what is the max range, what animals is it used for.
thanks for the info.
talk to ya all later
Riley
 
Used for anything big and furry.

It's good that it doesn't have a whole lotta recoil.

I've got one in an 1899 but don't really use it.

Ammo is available but if the gun was made in 1900 I'd be alittle leary on shooting factory offerings these days. In 1900 the 38-55 was a black powder bullet and these days they're using smokeless powder and they might be to hot for the rifle, hopefully someone that knows the ballistics on this will prove me wrong.
 
I just shot one today cast bullets and around 18 g of powder with a tang rear. Managed 1 1/2 at 100 for 3 shot group. The owner shot a 10 shot group for about 3 1/2 pretty sweet!
 
I have a Winchester M94 rifle manufactured in 1913 in .38-55. Reloading is the only way to go. Brass and dies are available through Wholesale Sports, bullets through the Bullet Barn. I use 10.0 grains of Unique pushing a 245 grain lead flat point bullet. It duplicates the muzzle velocity of the only commercially manufactured cartridge by Winchester. About 1,290 fps. I've put over 1,300 rds through mine with no problems. Winchester factory ammo was $32.00 per 20 rds last time I checked. Don't push the velocity limits on older firearms. If you want to crank it up to 1,900 fps buy a brand new Marlin. I sold my 1905 .38-55 Winchester 94 Carbine a couple of years ago, it was a great little rifle, same accuracy as my 1913.
 
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38-55 are a fun gun to shoot. I cast my own bullets and reload. I hope one day I will get a chance to take a dear. New brass is priced as other new brass is. Some factory ammo is pricey though. The new winchester stuff is not all that powerful. I think they keep it low power for loose old guns. I found old Dominion ammo to be snappy. Shoot and enjoy.
 
Don't push the velocity limits on older firearms. If you want to crank it up to 1,900 fps buy a brand new Marlin
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................or buy one of the NIB Winchester commemoratives in .38-55 that are at every gun show and shoot the #### out of it. I did and my only regret is selling it at a moment of weakness. The new Win 94's come in .38-55 as well.
 
If you ever want to try BLACK POWDER in your rifle I can offer some help. I shoot a lot of BP in most of my lever guns and in all of my single shots. Cast bullets work well.
Carry on!
 
The problem with factory ammo in the old 38-55's rifles is that the bullet diameter is .375 whereas the bores of the older rifles vary in diameter. My model 94 in 38-55 (made in 1895) has a bore diameter of .379 so as a result, cast bullets offer better accuracy. Slug your bore to see what the diameter is of your rifle. I've heard of them going from .376 to .382.:eek:

Factory loadings will be fine in your rifle as they are pretty mild.
 
Hey guys, he said the rifle was made in 1900!

Wnchester's use of nickle steel barrels, for smokeless powder was introduced somewhat gradually in that period.
I suggest for safety sake that you do NOT use high velocity 38-55 loads in this rifle.
Factory loads are FINE!
They are tuned down to black powder pressure levels.

The 38-55 in that form (black powder power levels) is just fine for game up to moose at modest ranges up to about 100 yards, it will work a bit farther, but you will have to hold higher. Practice lots.
Take good care of this old gun, don't be tempted to modify it, it may be worth a few bucks if left original.
 
todbartell said:
isn't that illegal to have your M305 then? :confused: :rolleyes:
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NO i get my dad or uncle or other family member to regester them in his name. they keep it at there place and i pay for it. then when my PAL comes i get them Regesterd in my name
talk to ya all later
Riley
 
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years ago i had a win 94 rifle. at that time barnes made a jacketed soft point specifically for the 38/55. diameter was .379 or something. about 220 grains.it was VERY accurate in my rifle.
 
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