Author Topic: winchester 38-55 (Read 509 times)

Tim Smith · « **on:** September 12, 2004, 08:56:54 AM »

Hi, Im new to this forum but love it, my question is , I just got a Win. 94 in 38-55. It is a used gun in great shape.The rifle is a legendary frontiersman with nickel reciver and buetifull wood. Can anyone tell me what the bore diamiter should be. I know I can slug it but any info would help. Also, do you have any favorite hunting loads? I have seen some loads useing 32 gns. of RL7 with Barnes 255 grn original bullets. I have heard that you can load this cartridge hotter than Win. factory loads which are very mild. Any help would be great . Thanks Tim

oso45-70 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2004, 12:40:38 PM »

Tim Smith,
Welcome to GBO. I think you will find the Bore Dia. of the 38-55 will be
376 But on some of the older ones there was some variations. On one i used to have it slugged 375. Its been so long since i had one i can't remember what loads i used. The one you posted sounds pretty good but i would sure check to be sure. Good luck, Hope all works out for you................Joe..........

Oldtimer · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2004, 03:50:33 PM »

Tim, Welcome to the forum. I reviewed my reloading notes and my last load was 29.0 grains of RL-7 , a Barnes bullet, and a CCI 200 large rifle primer. Also, I used 16.0 grains of 2400 under a 255 grain lead bullet and my notes indicate that the load shot a lot harder and higher than the factory load. I would tackle game with either load and am planning on using the gun this season.

IntrepidWizard · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2004, 03:55:41 PM »

I traded a 92 in 38-56 ,it is one of those trades you want to forget ,but can't.

leverfan · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2004, 07:21:56 PM »

Tim-

Welcome to GBO. You'll get lots of good answers here, and we'll welcome anything that you have to share with us.

I don't have my loading manuals handy, but I hope that you've got one around to help you load for that .38-55. There's no need to turn it into a .375 Winchester, although you very nearly can in a strong, modern rifle.