Author Topic: 38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee  (Read 703 times)

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Offline JPH45

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee
« on: November 19, 2005, 02:06:51 PM »
More like a Sidewinder. Shot a doe this morning, used the Lyman 379449 and 24.5 grains of WC680 (AA1680, velocity 1700 fps+/-) She was 35 yards or so standing quartering away, shot broke three ribs on entering and exited her throat, she dropped like she'd been hit by the proverbial poleax. Bullet was made from a 1 to 1 mix of WW and a lead tin alloy and is 10 BHN. Performance was nothing less than outstanding. Those who have not yet got a 38-55 are missing out on the best short range NEF chambering available. Those who think it is the 45-70 are confused. :)
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Offline hellacatcher

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2005, 03:07:03 PM »
Good deal now do it again.
from Tennessee---Paul

Offline Ditchdigger

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2005, 03:08:00 PM »
Way to go J.P.,now go for another one.We shot 4 bucks on my place today. We'll be trailing into the night on 2 of them. :D  :D Digger
Rest in Peace Old Friend July 2017

Offline Fred M

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2005, 03:43:51 PM »
JP.
That is my idea of bullet performance. That tracking deer in the bush at night does not turn me on. Even with a big powerful light you stumble all over the place. After about 200 yards I had to quit. That is not a job for an old timer with sore knees.

Sounds like that 38-55 is quite the combination.
Fred M.
From Alberta Canada.

Offline De41mag

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2005, 06:17:22 PM »
John;

Congrats on the deer and the 38-55.
I seen you shoot that thing at the range and those groups were no less than amazeing.
All I can say is that those PD's out in Oklahoma better watch out cause if the ranchers and farmers get word of your shooting, you and Bonnie may have to move out there for a full time job.  :shock:  :-D  :)
Again, good work.

Dennis  :D

Offline missed_shot

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Re: 38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2005, 11:27:11 PM »
"Those who think it is the 45-70 are confused."  Now you"ll have to change your name from 45 to 38/55. :wink:
DONUTS - IS THERE ANYTHING THEY CAN'T DO ??- HOMER SIMPSON

Offline JPH45

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Re: 38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2005, 05:11:28 AM »
Quote from: missed_shot
"Those who think it is the 45-70 are confused."  Now you"ll have to change your name from 45 to 38/55. :wink:


That was actually a reference to the 45 ACP, even though I don't shoot handguns to amount to anything these days, I still believe that is where pistol cartridges begin and end. Perhaps 38-55  would be  more appropriate, it has definately become a favorite.
Boycott Natchez Shooters Supplies, Inc

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2005, 02:49:06 PM »
Quote from: JPH45
..... it has definately become a favorite.


Do ya think!!!  :grin:


Congrats John, on a fine kill!!  :wink:
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Mainer

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2005, 03:54:07 PM »
JPH45:  Congrats on the deer! :D

Could you tell us more about the bullet you used, i.e., weight, diameter, profile?  Thanks.  Mainer
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Offline JPH45

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #9 on: November 20, 2005, 04:20:07 PM »
Mainer, the Lyman 379449 is a .379 diameter gas check bullet that is 1.060" with check, has a meplat of .220-.230 ahs three lube grooves and a crimp groove. Book says it weighs 264 grains as cast, I'll have to take their word for it, my Lee scale only goes to 110 grains. It is not a bore ride design although the nose is a smaller diameter than the shank, this is most likely to allow for easy feeding through lever action designs. I have the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook copyright 1972, it shows the Lyman offerings to that date, and includes this bullet. I am using FWFL (Felix's World Famous Lube) a homemade lube that is every bit the equivilent of any of LBT's offerings. The only times it has allowed a leaded barrel is when the bullet has not fit the bore. It is good to at least 2400 fps, so long as the bullet is up to the task. I have driven this bullet at 10 BHN to 1900 fps without leading, but find the 1700 fps loadings to be more accurate. That would probably change with a harder alloy, but then I would lose it's softness which I like for a hunting bullet.
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Offline MtJerry

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #10 on: November 21, 2005, 05:59:28 AM »
Congrats JHP45!!
:D

Offline .308

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2005, 06:03:44 AM »
Excellent, Congratulations. :grin:

Offline jeff223

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38-55 Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a
« Reply #12 on: November 21, 2005, 11:59:43 AM »
:toast: good going bro