Author Topic: .38-55 Barrel Question  (Read 474 times)

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Offline Swampman

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.38-55 Barrel Question
« on: September 18, 2008, 04:36:38 PM »
Wasn't there a problem with some of them having over sized bores?
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .38-55 Barrel Question
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2008, 04:50:53 PM »
The SAAMI bore spec is big in reality requiring .380" and mostly bigger cast bullets, but the problem with pre-Marlin made barrels(<2007) was the chamber necks weren't big enough to chamber a bullet big enough to shoot accurately. That can be readily fixed by reaming the chamber neck with a ~.400 neck reamer. Marlin solved the problem in 2007, but then promptly discontinued it for 2008! :-\ Several members here have 2007 barrels that shoot very well right out of the box, mine shoots 220gr .379" jacketed exceptionally and 325gr .380" cast bullets great. ;)

Tim
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Offline Natty Bumppo

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Re: .38-55 Barrel Question
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2008, 05:05:32 AM »
I'd really like to have a .38-55 barrel for my daughter to shoot.  I ordered one through the re-barrel program, but they stopped making them before my order got there.  :'(

Offline lonewolf5348

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Re: .38-55 Barrel Question
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2008, 05:30:10 AM »
Tim: is correct Marlin solved the problem in 2007
my 2007 and starline brass will chamber .381 lead cast with out any problems.
I tried a few reloads with Winchester and it stop at .379 bullet
I shoot the 38-55 with a Sacco mold 255 grain bullet and IMR 3031
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/lonewolf5347/38-55002.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/lonewolf5347/38-55004.jpg
I up my load to 31 grains using a soft cast BHN 12 and still no leading
flat base bullet no gas check
I change the front sight to a fiber optic .404 and my factory peep sight works with no problem
I have the rear peep on the ramp at the lowest setting for a 100 yard