Bore diameter .386"-.381"

[41 Colt]

I just slugged a .38-55 Winchester from the 1800's and the groove diameter ranges from .386" at the chamber end to .381" at the muzzle. Looking at Buffalo Arms they have what look like oversized .38-55 molds including one at .385" @260gr. Will a .385" bullet be okay going down a bore that narrows to .381"? The bullets would be cast most likely from pure lead if that makes a difference.

 

[hk33ka1]

The problem with the larger sizes is they may or may not fit in your chamber while in a cartridge. I'm just getting into this .38-55 thing myself with a Pedersoli. I'm starting with .380" that chambers fine, but have yet to slug bore.

 

[41 Colt]

I was thinking that after posting. The chamber appears to be .396" at the end. I have some Starline brass in another caliber and the case walls are around .009"-.010" which means a bullet of only about .377" max.

 

[hk33ka1]

Some owners on the Cast Boolits forum have reported this problem with the Uberti 1885 in .38-55. Large grooves with tight chamber, this is why I chose the Pedersoli. That said the only way to really know is to try, big boolits might fit, and small ones might shoot well and not lead. I'm looking forward to getting some long Starline Brass for mine.