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winchester high wall limited edition 38-55

5K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  Hard 1 
#1 ·
Hi
I have a winchester high wall in 38-55 having a hard time getting it to shoot black powder loads less than four inchs at 100 yds. I have put 500 rds thru it with swiss 2& 3 f goex 2&3 f and some subs three different molds lyman 250 gr. and lyman 272 gr made for gas checks that i do not use also a seaco 250 gr. tapered bullet it will shoot well with smokeless imr 4227 18 gr. and with pyrodex p at 35 gr. 2.5 groups with a couple of flyers. So far the most accurate loads are the lightest ? anybody out there shooting a winchester highwall limited edition 38-55 with good results ? have been useing veg wads .60 have tried both weighing black powder and by volume spg lube and homemade with no difference noticed. I have tried powder weights from fifty to thirty five less shoots better I have yet to try xmp 5744 that is listed in the lyman reloading manual as the most accurate but none is available here. In south florida. Any info would be appreciated
Bob
 
#2 ·
Bob,what diameter bullets are you using and what length brass?I have a model 94 trails end, that was throwing a pattern at 50 yards.That gun needs the 2.080 brass,and likes.375 bullets and 18 grains h4198. with them it will group under 3/4 inch (50 yards)with lower velocities. If it helps factory ammo is flying at 1320.
My 32-40 limited high wall isnt as picky about what powder or how fast.
 
#3 ·
I had one but sold it. Shot well out to 1000yds with 55 grns of 2F Goex Express powder, 330 grn Lyman mini snover bullet, .030 poly wad and CCI BR2 primers. Seat he bullet out to just touch. I had to size the loaded rounds to make them chamber easily.

I sold the gun because I wanted a heavier rifle that matched my other BPCRs, NOT because it didn't shoot, it did!!
 
#8 · (Edited)
I wouldn't be concerned about the twist and heavy bullets, John Boy at GBO shoots an H&R Target 38-55(1:18" twist) at 400yds regularly, even out to 1000yds occasionally using 330gr bullets. Slug the bore and size your bullets .001-.002" larger than the groove diameter and it should be a shooter.;)

http://62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinSlug.htm
 
#5 ·
Hi 38
I have both short and long brass from starline and a hundred short brass Winchester I have two lyman molds one is 250 gr. the other throws 272 gr bullets it has a gas check but at the speeds I am shooting no need and a seaco 250 gr. tapered bullet mold it does not like thease bullets much. So far only the lightest loads shoot well and all brass is fire formed no crimp all I do is neck expand the brass so the cast bullet will go in I have tried mag primers and standard large rifle no difference noticed I am thinking of changing wads next. So far 35 gr of pyrodex p has outshot all black powder go figure Imr 4227 at 18 grains will make 2.5 in groups at 100 yds. All the bullets I am shooting are at least 2 thousands oversize the grooves are .376 as soon as I speed the bullets up get lots of leading in the barrel I wipe between shots I am using peep sights on a rest my shooting is not the problem I can take my mossberg 46 with peep sights from the same rest and shoot 1/2 groups at fifty yards with a .22
Regards
Bob
 
#6 ·
bob, shoot me an email and i can send you something to try.The lyman 46 th edition only shows cast bullets flying under the 1200 fps mark, with max loads. you might have to slow your loads down with the softer lead.also remember you should be getting more speed from the 28 inch barrel over what the manuel tested with.have you tried ditching the veggie wad and using poly or cardboard instead?
As far as 1 in 18 twist I cant see that as a problem since the model 94 has 1in 26 on the 20 inch round barrels.But I am not an expert.also I would use the short brass, the longer will chamber but might not open properly when you shoot the gun.
 
#7 ·
Hi 38
I have all the current and the past two Lyman loading manuals I am loading below there recomendations already I went to the range today shot the 250 gr. lyman bullets cast from wheel weights with some linotype added they shot well used 40Gr. swiss 2f with a .60 veg wad did a ten shot group 2.5 in i could not beat it with my remington 700 .308 Iam thinking that the difference is me not the rifle I am going to try sandbag on the back so it is mounted for each shot then I can see if it's me or the load
sure are having fun finding out about this rifle though it for sure likes light loads for target shooting
Regards Bob
 
#9 ·
Thanks to all

Just wanted to say thanks to all who replied
going to a black powder match this weekend going to try some new powder and also have been checking my seating depth in order to touch the grooves i must have the last lube groove showing going to try with the bullets about .40 from the grooves see if that makes a difference got a couple of pounds of 1.5 swiss it weighs very well and is heavier by volume than 2f also got 2 lbs of xmp 5744 got ten each of some light loads of that can't wait for saturday
Thanks again
Bob
 
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