loading 38-55

StevieK

StevieK

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A few questions regarding loading up 38-55. I have a model 1893 marlin, made in 1904 I believe. I've heard the actual bore diameter of the guns can change depending on when it was made. What diameter projectile do most of you use in your 38-55? And where can I get jacketed 255gr bullets?
Also what powders do you guys find work well with jacketed bullets in the 38-55?
 
I am not sure about the Marlins but I would bet they are like the early Winchesters. They are .379 dia. and the new 38-55 is .375 dia. I shoot cast in my rifle as .379 jacketed bullets are almost impossible to find.

Graydog
 
Have you slugged the barrel to find it's diameter?

I bought some as dropped cast bullits from the Bullet Barn on the advice of another .38-55 shooter on the forum. They range in size from .381 to .383 perfect for the bore in my 1913 era Win 94.
 
"...Have you slugged the barrel to find it's diameter?..." Exactly. Save you a lot of mucking about. Hammer a cast .38 calibre bullet(it'll be close enough and will expand) or suitably sized lead fishing sinker through the barrel and measure it with a micrometer.
 
I have a quite modern 94 Reproduction 38-55, [1980] and an older production 94. [1920's]
The older one has a groove diameter of .3779", and my newer one is .3767"
Barnes still makes a .377 bullet for the 38-55, and it shoots well in both rifles.
As far as cast goes, the minimum diameter that works well for me is .379", with .380" best.
Gotta love the 38-55...it bis a great chambering!
Regards, Eagleye.
 
I slugged my 94 at .377 which isn't bad for its age. 1902.
I've seen the marlins go up to .383 in diameter.
Currently I'm messing with a load with a soft bullet and 3f blackpowder. Results have been very good. The load chronis at 1170fps. And I can ring a 6" gong consistanly at 100 yards free hand. My bullet is sized .379 and lubed with spg.
 
StevieK said:
A few questions regarding loading up 38-55. I have a model 1893 marlin, made in 1904 I believe. I've heard the actual bore diameter of the guns can change depending on when it was made. What diameter projectile do most of you use in your 38-55? And where can I get jacketed 255gr bullets?
Also what powders do you guys find work well with jacketed bullets in the 38-55?
Click to expand...

I have the same rifle from 1906..same caliber as well. I believe mine is .375. I shot couple of cast .379 from a lee mold with no issues, but since slugged the barrel and got .375. I would like to size them down to .377, but lee does not have a sizer for them so I am waiting till I pick up a Lyman. Does your barrel say black powder or smokeless steel?
Since mine is a black powder barrel, I am using 35g of Triple Seven.
 
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