Cast bullets in a New model Winchester 38-55

fuzzy39

fuzzy39

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Hi there. I recently picked up a used (essentially new) Miroku Winchester 1894 short rifle in 38-55. I would like to shoot jacketed bullets but there are non anywhere. I have found some cast bullets from my LGS and some from Jet bullets. All of these are .379 diameter. I have not slugged my bore but from all my research, the new Winchesters in 38-55 are true .375 bores.

My trouble is, I cannot find the Lee sizing kit in .376 and was wondering if it would still be advisable to try the .379 cast bullets through the gun unsized.

Better yet, if someone has a lead on a Lee .376 sizer kit let me know, lol.

That all said, the gun is something to behold! The bluing is absolutely fantastic and it is just so smooth. Such a well put together gun!
 
I can not say that I had such an experience, but I suspect that if the round chambers - that the loaded case neck is not too big for that chamber and ball seat - your cast lead bullet will swage down or bump up to whatever your bore wants it to be - you will be fine, if it chambers. As mentioned in previous posts, is usually a concern that your cast bullet snuggly fits the "ball seat" area - let it swage or whatever to match the bore. I first read about the "ball seat" size in writings by Veral Smith - he seemed much concerned that such a fit was critical with cast bullets. I have close to similar with a 9.3x57 - when I re-formed some brass from 8x57, is "snug fit" to chamber with Jet bullet - Jiffy Marker shows issue is right at very front of the case mouth - may be residual from the Lyman M-die flare that I did to insert the cast lead bullet - likely would benefit from a Lee FCD to "flatten out" that flare.

Is probably also a good example to start with lower level powder load and work up to whatever you want to get to - do NOT jump in at a high level, when not sure if all components are same as your source of information was - for sure, your rifle/chamber is different than what they used.

I do not own case neck peeling tool - but that might be another option to allow an oversize bullet to chamber into a "tight" case neck area?
 
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Cast Bullets as a rule are slippery, they should be crimped. This prevents bullets from being pushed back in the case when shot from rifles with tubular magazines, and prevents the bullet from moving forward and binding revolvers.

If the case and bullet will chamber it will be safe to shoot. Try moderate loads to start with .

Both my Ruger #3 .375 Winchester and my Ruger #1 38-55 prefer .379 sized bullets, shot same load with both using fireformed 30-30 brass , just seated the bullets to the other cartridges overall length.
 
FWIW I got some .377 cast from Rustywood trading. I also was quite surprised to find that the .379 cast jet bullets chambered easily in a modern Winchester 94.
 
jed said:
FWIW I got some .377 cast from Rustywood trading. I also was quite surprised to find that the .379 cast jet bullets chambered easily in a modern Winchester 94.
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they might in the new Miroku's but I have tried a couple Commemorative 94's in 38-55 and both slugged the barrel at .378 but the chamber was so tight that .377 was the biggest slug that would chamber.
 
HI; I shoot the Winchester Miroku 38-55. Use .379 diameters, but have used .377. The bore is .375 but the grove is .377 so .377 is the smallest diameter that should be used.
Gas checked are most accurate. I have launched all kinds of bullet weight and diameter. Some actually worked OK.
 
FYI, I did get a couple boxes of Barnes Originals jacketed bullets from Corlane's a few years ago. Hella expensive but shot very well in my .38-55's.
.379 cast did not want to chamber in my Miroku 1885.
 
I had Ron Smith re-bore a early pre-extra safety 336 30-30 into a 38-55 with a .376 groove 1-16 twist so I can shoot .375-.379 bullets. I use Jet bullet's .379 273gr GC no problem cycling or chambering. with Starline long brass and a standard Fed primer 32gr of IMR3031 cuts 1.08" 3 shot at 100 yards. Velocity 1600 fps.
 
fuzzy39 said:
... I have not slugged my bore but from all my research, the new Winchesters in 38-55 are true .375 bores. ...
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Slug that bore, fuzzy! For the price of modest effort, you might save a whole lot of wasted time, and then you'll know. Or you'll always be wondering...
 
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