[Strick]

I am sure this has been posted before but I just joined this particular forum. I have a Model 94 Win in 38-55WCF built in 1898 but in good condition.  I tried .375 bullets and of course they keyholed atleast some did.  Would the .377 or .378s bullets work best in this rifle?  Any fovorite powders greatly apreciated also.

Thanks

 

[Marshall Stanton]

Strick,

I'm not surprised that your .375" bullets keyholed in the .38-55.  Even the new guns Marlin is putting out prefer a .378" diameter bullet!

Try these loads below with our .378"-250g LFNGC bullet.

.378"-250g LFNGC/38.2g AA#2495/WLRP/Win Brass/2050 fps.

.378"-250g LFNGC/32.6g AA#2015/WLRP/Win brass/2030 fps.

.378"-250g LFNGC/34.0g H322/WLRP/Win Brass/1980 fps.

.378"-250g LFNGC/3805g H335/WLRP/Win Brass/1945 fps.

Slug your gun to know what the true groove diameter of your gun is.   Go to our FAQ section to reveiw instructions if you need help on this.  It is imperative to know what bullets your gun needs to acheive top accuracy/performance from your gun.  

The information above should give you a great start on some outstanding loads.

God Bless,

Marshall

 

[Strick]

Thank you Marshall for the info.   I was told on another forum that you could help and sure enough you have plus I have found a place to order from.   I have read the section on slugging and will do that also.  Again thanks for the info and I will be sending an order in a couple of days.

God bless,
Strick

 

[Charlie Z]

How far do you think we can push the 38-55 in a 'modern' gun (though, 250gr @ 2050fps ain't bad)?

Is anyone powering up the 38-55 as is being done with the 45-70?

 

[Charlie Z]

Yikes.  Ansered my own question.  Did some research (reloading manual) and found Marshall's loads are hotter than the .375 Winchester (a 50k CUP potential) with the same slug.

The .375 Win looks like it's related to the 38-55 the same way the new .450 Marlin relates to the 45-70 (modern loads for an old cartridge).

I'd estimate the M's loads are pretty close to peak.  Still sounds like a neat round -- supposed to be very accurate...

 - Charlie

 

[Marshall Stanton]

Charlie Z.

In looking at that data you mention, considering the loads listed here as being hotter than those of the .375 Winchester, you need to look at something that many people miss.

First is the difference in brass length, and second, most importantly, the thinner case walls on the .38-55 brass when compared to those of the .375 Winchester!  

In the .375 Winchester I can gain almost 8% case capacity just by switching from factory .375 Win Cases to fire-formed .30-30 brass!  The same concept apples to the .38-55 when comparing it to the .375 Winchester, the .38-55 has more available volume than that of the .375 Winchester, hence more powder, and comparable or lower pressures in some situations.

None-the-less the .38-55 is a potent customer when loaded to its potential.  It is a very inherently accurate cartridge as well!

Hopes this helps to clear things for you!

God Bless,

Marshall

 

[MississippiBoy]

Can you give us the top end on the 38-55 with jacket bullets and where to get them?

 

[Lynn]

My 336CB in 38-55 seems to shoot the 220 grain FP Hornady .375 quite well with 32 gr. of 2015. Which surprised me some what as it likes cast bullets sized to 379.