bullet choice for 38-55?

from what i've found, the falling block 1885 was the base used for testing many if not most of the upandcoming bottle neck cartridges being developed at teh time so action strength was there and I have no doubt a modern production would be as good or better
Not that I plan on pushing the pressure limit though

"Check out what PSI your action can take, then look at some bullet molds, and go from there? It is a great round, and lots can be done with it,"
first stop on the journey is CGN input of course
 
25gr /Re#7 and a Barnes 255gr shot nicely in a worn 1894 when I couldn't get PC cast to group consistently.
Think my error prior was trying to hot rod the cartridge ? Seems to like moderate loads....may retry some PC cast in the spring.
 
Last edited:
Yeah the 1885 highwall is a very strong action ( not the older low walls though). Winchester used the actions for pressure testing many of their later cartridges, long after the production of the action ended. They were also chambered in a rimmed version of the .30-06 for a series of long range match rifles in the old days. With modern metals the action is even stronger. If you want to push them hard I imagine you'd have zero trouble loading them up to 375 Winchester pressures. I wouldn't do it in an older 1885 with the large diameter firing pin as it's more likely to pierce a primer, but other that you'd be good I think.

Chris.
 
I use a 249 grain cast bullet (sized at .379) from a Lyman mold over 24 grains of 4198. I shoot it out of a 1921 Winchester 94 with a 26" Oct barrel which my grandfather purchased in 1922.
With open sights I am getting 2" groups at 50 yards which is about as good as my 64 year old eyes can do.
In a single shot you might hot rod the 38-55 a bit, but in my vintage mint Winchester, I keep them pretty mild.
 
Have found info on .379 bullets Postell style in 310 gr and 335 gr
would like to find some of each for a trial run before buying the mold but cannot find either up here
 
found some interesting ballistics too, these are wit100 yd zero and rough figures...
255 gr @ 1600 fps = -18" @ 200, -59" 300
stepping it up a bit
@ 1800 fpz = -13.5" @ 200, - 46" @ 300
@ 2000 fps = - 11 @ 200, - 36 @ 300

have figures for 2300 8) but not looking to go there for a while
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom