[ribbonstone2]

Good bet that the bore will mic. .378" (+/- .001") and a bullet that matches that size would be a good place to start.m Don't be too surprised if the rifle likes bullets .001" over groove diameter. The bullets you've described should work. If using smokless, can add 5744 to the list (the various charges are in the Accurate on-line manual).

Think of the 38-55 as the .308 of the late 1800's...a kind of middle of the road, do anything round. Find it one of the better cast bullet hunting rounds and an easy round to get good cast-accuracy (if the right sized bullet is used).

Think you'll like it...there is a reason it was a popular choice in the 1800's.

 

[ribbonstone2]

OH...I read this and thought "38-55" inplace of the .375 that it is. Know they look the same (more or less) but you will probably find that a .375W. does have a bore smaller than the 38-55 (closer to .376" than the 38/55's tendency to .379").

Best accuracy I've read of involved the use of slightly over-sized bullets (so thry them in the diameter that they are) and faster powders in small charges. Give any of your bullets a try over a simple charge of 10gr. of Unique.

Odd as it sounds, it seems to help a bit to use liquid alox as lube, and to set them on their NOSE to dry. this leaves a skin of lube on the base, which won't harm things so long as it's been allowed to dry for a day. Does smoke a good bit when fired, but seems to act as a soft-gas check.