Rechambering cowboy .38-55 for .38 Krag imp

[bufflernickl]

I've been looking into the M1895 in .45-70, and some of you have given me good info. However, I'm getting really interested in the cowboy .38-55, but it just doesn't quite have the ballistics I'd like for some of my hunting.

Does anyone know if anyone has rechambered and modified the M1895 for the wildcat .38 Krag Improved? If that cart. would work through the action, it would give me everything I need ballistically, and still leave me with the *need* for a .45-70 later  :lol:

TIA
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[EDG]

You don't need to modify your rifle. Just find some 38-55 High Velocity loading data. The factories once sold 38-55 HV loaded ammo. It was intended for M94 Winchesters and strong single shots.  As I remember it was NOT to be used in Ballards.

ED

[bufflernickl]

Ed,

I wasn't basing "not enough poop" on the factory load, but rather on an assumed maximum load for the 1895 or 2600 fps w/200 gr Sierra FP. I doubt that such a velocity is possible, but I used it to give the cart the best possible opportunity.

I'm looking for flat trajectory for antelope. The .38-55 has plenty of punch for E.TN deeer, bears, and hogs, even with 200gr bullets, and is a relative powerhouse at close range with heavier cast bullets. But we are planning a WY antelope hunt for 2005 and I don't want to be limited to 200 yd shots. With the ballistics mentioned above, it is down 7.5" at 225 yds, and I set my  range limit to be where a spine holdover drops it in the lower chest. I might increase that to "a little bit of light", but that doesn't really get me to 250 yds, as the drop there is 12.5".

I'd be interested to know what others have found the highest possible velocity for the .38-55 and 200 gr. I realize that best accuracy might not coincide with highest possible velocity, but it gives me an upper reference for trajectory calculations. Any actual high velocity information is appreciated.

BTW, looking at case length, I am thinking that the Krag case won't be squeezed into the '95 action. I looked up the case lengths and the Krag was much longer than I'd remembered, but I still would like to hear from someone who knows this rifle inside and out.

I'm excited about getting a lever action... the only one I've ever owned was a Marlin 39A back about '73.

Cheers/buffler

[140orbetter]

read Paco Kelly's article on 38-55 loads on sixgunner.com
 I used cast with gas checks and pumped my 336 Cowboy 38-55 way up there. If Marlin's cowboy 38-55 has a draw back it isn't it looks! It is it's lack of jacketed bullets. .375 won't cut it and .379 jacketed bullets are few and far between.
 I sold my 38-55 out of frustration of finding a bullet that grouped well other than low velocity factory winchester ammo @
$20 a box.
 Marlin's barrels sluged anywhere from .376-.381. 140OR

[bufflernickl]

140,

thanks for that good info. I hadn't realized that this rifle didn't have a .375 bore until someone posted about it last night.

I'd love to read paco's article, but couldn't find it. I searched on the mane and the cartridge. No luck. Can you tell me where it's hidden???  :wink:

Cheers/buffler
who is leaning toward the .45-70 again

[140orbetter]

last I knew it was at sixgunner.com under Paco's colum.
 I own a 1895SS and loaded with 300 gr bullets it will shoot off bags with very good results. loaded with 52 gr of IMR3031 /405 gr JSP / Fed. 215 primers it not only is very accurate it can stop anything in the world! There just isn't anything in the US or Canada bigger than a bull bison over 5 yrs old...one of those 405s behind the shoulder and it is time for the skinner. I've killed somewhere around 75 whitetails with my 45-70s over the past years from 25 yds to 300 yds it has proved itself well! 140OB

[John Traveler]

The .38 Krag Improved apparently is based on the .30-40 Krag case, blown out to minimum taper, and necked to take a .38-55 sized bullet.

It was a pet caliber of pioneer ballistician Dr. Mann decades of ago.