How hot could I load a .38-55 in an old 1894?

[senior]

Senior, I didn't know that. So the "nickel steel" proofing applies ONLY to the barrels? Receiver strength down the line is the same? I was under the impression the steel overall is stronger in the later guns.

My intention is to use cast lead only regardless, so does this mean I'm safe to load up the shells in a "non smokeless" type of barrel?

Yes

If your shooting cast, I'm thinkin you'll be limiting your fps to about 1500-1600fps. You should be quite safe. As pointed out there were 38-55 shells marked "Hi Velocity" these were box marked for Win 1894s, Marlin Levers etc. I have a couple boxes marked as such but have never chrony'd any I think they shot about 1600fps.

 

[Eagleye]

Eagle: I use Horn .375 cal 220s in my Sav 1899, Savs all seem to have tighter barrels, my current one slugs right at .375. For my Winnys which always seem to have .378-9 bores I have a friend that made up rig out of a dies barrel that you drop in the .375 bullet, run the ram on a fairly strong press up & it compresses the bullets to fill the inside of the die body & ends up about .379. It's kinda "rednickish" but works extremely well. Most important my Winnys like them, no more keyholeing, in fact they are surprisingly accurate!

I'm surprised to hear the new 94s in 38-55 are still oversize in bore

Thanks for the info, senior!! I know the Savage 99's had tighter groove diameters.
All the reproduction Winchester 94 38-55's I have had anything to do with have larger groove diameters, but usually around .377-.378".
I slugged a 1905 version that was .380"
Bore was good, rifling sharp, but plenty big!!
My friend shoots only GC cast in it, sized to .382"
Regards, Eagleye.

 

[Mad-Dog]

I am content with Winchester factory loads for my 1984, vintage 1901. This rifle is extremely accurate, and I see no point is sacrificing accuracy or barrel life for a few more foot-pounds of ME. The .38-55 is more than adequate for deer at bush and moderate open range distances.

As I see it, I would use a different rifle if you aren't comfortable in taking down deer easily and efficiently with very little wounded game.

 

[senior]

I am content with Winchester factory loads for my 1984, vintage 1901. This rifle is extremely accurate, and I see no point is sacrificing accuracy or barrel life for a few more foot-pounds of ME. The .38-55 is more than adequate for deer at bush and moderate open range distances.

As I see it, I would use a different rifle if you aren't comfortable in taking down deer easily and efficiently with very little wounded game.

But your not "sacrificing accuracy or barrel life" useing original so called "High pressure" loads. These "High Pressure" were "standard" loads till found a little heavy for some of the very week actioned type of guns from century before last!.
Trouble is factory Win loads chrony at what?? 1,200fps with 255gn bullets.
Can you spell -rainbow- tracjectory, makes even 100yd shots hold-overs

Out of interest I ran my 220gn 38-55 loads up to 2200fps in my 1899 Sav before I saw the slightest hint of any pressure signs. I love my Sav & have settled on 220s at about 1850fps or so because that made it a capable 150yd gun, very few of my deer hunting conditions demand anything more & if they do then I'll use a modern cartridge.