Black powder in 38-55 Win

[7mmlefty]

Im trying out some black powder loads for the 38-55 Winchester for the first time and can't get anywhere near 55 grains in the case.

The best I can do so far is 1/2 teaspoon measure cup of BP that equals about 32 grains... With that, I'm already seeing theres going to be a bit of pressure on the powder when loaded with the standard 250 grain cowboy cast bullet.

Question is how in the heck did they ever fit that much powder in the original brass?.. and also what kind of velocity are we looking at with 32 grains?

 

[hk33ka1]

Some cases for other BP calibres had a larger internal capacity due to a less thick case web (inside bottom of case). In .45-70 these were called balloon head cases and are not made anymore. Also in the case of .38-55 vintage cases were a little bit longer than the ones made today. Starline Brass makes both lengths available now and a forum sponsor here has the longer ones. There are a few tricks to getting more BP in a case such as powder drop tubes to make it settle more and powder compression dies too. Although many measure their BP by volume I just weigh mine in the balance scale the same as smokeless powder when loading cases (gasp!). All that said I don't recall if I ever got 55 grs in my .38-55 since I have mostly used smokeless in that calibre but I don't think I did.

 

[vagrantviking]

I know with a drop tube and a bit of compression I can get over 70gr into a 45-70 fairly easily. Balloon
head cases certainly had more room and were what was used when most of these cartridges were developed.

Depending on the load that you are trying to achieve 40-45gr shouldn't be too difficult. Most black powders burn best with at least a little compression. The biggest charge isn't necessarily going to give the best results either.

 

[MC One Shot]

Make sure that the bullet is lubed with BP lube not lube intended for smokeless powders.

Use a drop tube of copper or aluminum about 36-48" long to drop powder down into the case. This will help compress the powder into the case.

Place a cookie, wad etc over powder to protect the base of the bullet.

BP works well with some compression. Do not leave any air space.

Get Lymans Cast bullet and Black Powder books.

Visit www.castboolits.com and BPCR websites for more info.

 

[gunlaker]

In the Starline long brass ( 2.125" ) I use loads ranging from 45gr of Fg or 48gr of Goex FFg Express drop tubed with mild compression. My bullets are seated .455" into the case. I've gone as high as 57gr of FFg Express when breech seating but the case is basically filled to the top at that point. If you are not using a drop tube, or if you are using the short brass or no compression then you"ll get less.

Chris.

 

[Cleftwynd]

Make sure that the bullet is lubed with BP lube not lube intended for smokeless powders.

Use a drop tube of copper or aluminum about 36-48" long to drop powder down into the case. This will help compress the powder into the case.

Place a cookie, wad etc over powder to protect the base of the bullet.

BP works well with some compression. Do not leave any air space.

Get Lymans Cast bullet and Black Powder books.

Visit www.castboolits.com and BPCR websites for more info.

Holy crap, a 4 foot drop tube? I havent played much with BP, but that sounds crazy....lol

Do you set your loading block on the floor for such operations?