Tried out my 'new' 38-55 at 100 yards today

Win 38-55

Win 38-55

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I had tried out my 'new' Winchester Model 1894 38-55 (built 1897) at 50 yards a couple weeks ago to see how it did. The results were encouraging, but I could see I needed to adjust the windage a bit. Before I headed to the range today, I tapped the front sight over a tad. Figuring it must be fairly close, I put up a target at 100 yards and let five shots rip. I was a little sloppy, but here is the first 100 yard target ....


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I tapped the front sight over a bit more and took five more shots. These cast bullets vary a fair bit in weight and quality. I've picked out the best bullets and have loaded up 10 rounds to see how it will shoot with good bullets, but that will have to wait until next week. Here is the second 100 yard target (five shots were fired, but there are only four holes ... there was a much wider backing on this target and no 38-55 holes, so I'm figuring one of the bullets when through one of the existing holes. The one closest to the black was a little large before I took down the target, so I'm thinking that is where the fifth bullet went)....


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superted said:
How much and what kind of cotton filler do you use?
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I just pinch off enough to fill the space between the powder and the base of the bullet, with still some fluff and loft to it once the bullet is seated. I find it doesn't make any difference if there's a bit more cotton in some cases than in others, judging from the chronograph results.
 
Thanks for packing info - years ago used packing when "building loads " with Unique but when 5744 came along packing or not didn't seem to make an appreciable difference. With a 249 gr cast bullet best load was 18grs 5744 av 1354fps. My accuracy/shooting skills DID NOT MATCH YOURS however! Salute!!! Thanks for info - will give the wadding another try!! My 40-82 LOVES 28grs 5744 topped with 250gr cast bullet av 1617fps.
 
Well done Kirk!! I will be pm-ing you when I get back to the Yukon next month and get my hands on my new Win 1885 highwall 38-55. Never done much with cast bullets in a rifle so will be looking for some assistance.
 
Win 38-55 said:
I just pinch off enough to fill the space between the powder and the base of the bullet, with still some fluff and loft to it once the bullet is seated. I find it doesn't make any difference if there's a bit more cotton in some cases than in others, judging from the chronograph results.
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I used to use the same, a 'pinch' of cotton ball material that I got from the local drug store. From Rexall and I believe they were called Jumbo Puffs. I've found and use another material now that I use as a filler, primarily in 45-70 and 444 light loads. It's a foam backer rod called Stop Drafts, made by Tago and purchased at hardware/builder supply outlets like Home Depot. It's a round low density foam that comes in a variety of diameters and is 20' long. What I do is first, determine the empty space between the base of the bullet and the top of the powder charge. I've made up a very quick little jig, cut the foam rod to the desired length, roll it between your fingers to allow it to slip into the case over the charge. Quick, easy uniform and no residue left behind after firing the round. Works like a charm.
 
That foam stuff sounds interesting. I'll keep a lookout for some. I get my cotton from a fabric store. It looks fairly raw, with tiny bits of chaff in it.
 
Win 38-55 said:
That foam stuff sounds interesting. I'll keep a lookout for some. I get my cotton from a fabric store. It looks fairly raw, with tiny bits of chaff in it.
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Works well for me. The primary reason I went to this filler was in an effort towards round to round quality control type uniformity like weighing cases, bullets and accurate powder charges. The truth be known;), filler uniforimity probably doesn't make all that much difference. Just eliminates an 'excuse' for a poor shot on paper.

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I have my Grandad's 1894 38-55 and have yet to get around to making up some cast.I found a 265gr GC Lyman mold so I should be in business.Shot my second deer with it as a kid about 10ft from the muzzle! It shot jacketed into about 2" @ 100 yards last time I shot it.........Harold
 
Nice to see your velocities mate, As im loading my .375WIN down an i thought around 38-55 Veloctiy, going by the book only, it says around 1700-1800fps, which appears to be a fair bit quicker than yours.

cast is obviously a different story an velocity is not needed, esp for targets.

Nice shootin though mate

WL
 
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