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Author Topic: 38-55 Quandry  (Read 712 times)

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Offline PigBoy Crabshaw

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38-55 Quandry
« on: March 17, 2009, 05:13:42 PM »
Was thinking about picking up a 45-70 and then I started reading some old posts about the 38-55. How many of you own one and how does it compare for accuracy, recoil, and reloading cost (brass/bullets) to the 45-70. I looking into my crystal ball here and wondering how many "get both" replies are coming!  ;D.
I only own one Handi 308 Win and was thinking about a357 mag next, but there gone quick as they come into stock. I'm holding my breath and maybe wait out a new SB-2 if there ever made again.

Thanks -g
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2009, 05:37:06 PM »
38-55 barrels made in 2007 have tighter bores that previous barrels, so if you can find one, grab it, but they don't make it any more, that was the last year it was made. Mine shoots .379" jacketed bullets great, 325gr .380" cast good, but not quite as good so far.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,148853.msg1098617662.html#msg1098617662

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,150245.msg1098628260.html#msg1098628260

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Offline Blackhawker

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #2 on: March 18, 2009, 04:57:00 AM »
I have a Wesson and Harrington BC with an additional 38-55 barrel.  I have had no problems with the chambering on the 38-55 barrel and the bore is .379.  I can't really give you any advice on the H&R barrels other than from the info I have read and that is that you might need some adjusting or reaming done to get it to work for you. 

As for accuracy, the 38-55 is VERY accurate....unbelievably so, as a matter of fact.  It seems to be a very forgiving cartridge as for loading and accuracy....the darn thing just shoots great with several different powders and charges!  By comparison, it has taken me some time to get a "perfect", or close to perfect load for my 45-70 barrel and I'm still working on it. 

Recoil:  HA HA!!  It is like night and day!  One shoots like a light loaded 30-30 and the other kicks you like the devil. 

Reloading cost:  38-55 brass is a little cheaper than the 45-70, not much.  38-55 brass is quite a bit more scarce than 45-70 brass, however, Cabela's sells it regularly.  You're certainly not likely to find once fired 38-55 brass at a range either.
Obviously you're going to use less powder in the 38-55 which leads to a little savings.  I only shoot cast bullets from mine for now and I can buy 100 38-55 bullets for roughly what I pay for 50 45-70 bullets.  I guess you can get your calculator out and try to add that all up.  :)

Recommendation:  Get both!  (that's what you were looking for, wasn't it?)  I tend to really like the 38-55 and even if I got a barrel that was a little overbored or under-chambered, I'd get it worked on and work with it anyway.  The results should be worth the trouble.  Of course, look at the links that Quick posted too.  Maybe if you ask someone who got a crappy barrel, they may tell you otherwise.
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Offline lonewolf5348

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2009, 08:02:29 AM »

I have a 08 model shoots outstanding,I load a sarco 255 lead bullet .379 using starline brass and 31 grains of IMR 3031
I gone as far as .3815 with the starline brass
I have to say the 38-55 to me is a fun gun to shoot NO RECOIL
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2009, 11:52:30 AM »
Like a couple guys here I too have both.

 My 38-55 was one with a tight chamber. 379 bullets drop down its bore, but would not chamber....  EASILY FIXED!!!  It took $29bucks and about a week to wait for the reamer, But not even 10 minutes to correct the problem!  ;D ;D

 I haven't gotten a chance to shoot it yet, but now .381 bullets can be loaded and even chamber!!!


 Like Black hawker said, its quite easy on the shoulder. You will like shooting it, mast are very accurate!!!

Good luck,
 CW
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Offline PigBoy Crabshaw

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2009, 12:10:12 PM »
One of the reasons I'm asking is that I want to go with a rimmed which seem to be the most accurate Handi's from what I've read here. How's the cost and availability of the brass for it? Can it be made/resized from any other brass donor? I'm looking for a 200-300 yard heavy bullet for hunting paper and four legged critters that's easy on the shoulder and won't detach a retina. I was unaware of the caliber being discontinued when I posted. I think Markin still makes it in a lever. -g
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #6 on: March 18, 2009, 12:49:17 PM »
Its available, although maybe not currently as most brass is scarce now...

It will do anything you ask of it on paper. long ranges are not a problem, but it does have a bit of a rainbow trajectory.

Hunting for large thin skinned game is also equally handled.

 Brass can be made from 30-30 but it will come up short, 375 brass is another possibility but it too will be short. BUT, if need be, you could make do.

 I have one of these Marlin Cowboys in 38-55 too. (I believe they too are discontinued for some time) Mine is incredibly accurate. I got it for side matches in cowboy shooting. I haven't shot it in years... been kicking around the idea of selling... Everytime I decide too, I take it out of the safe and wipe it down and look it over and replace it in the sock and put it back in the safe.. Just cannot seem to drop the hammer on that deal...

CW.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #7 on: March 18, 2009, 03:21:55 PM »
Starline long or standard brass is available direct from Starline if you want 250 or more.

http://www.starlinebrass.com/index.php?cPath=1

Cabelas has Winchester brass in stock.

Tim

Win Brass
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Offline Blackhawker

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #8 on: March 19, 2009, 04:08:31 AM »
PigBoy,
I'm tend to be a somewhat long distance paper and little critter hunter as well.  I know the 38-55 will do well on deer and even black bear out to 100 yards or so (from what I've read, not experienced personally) but I'll probably never shoot anything larger than a prairie dog or a 2 to 3 inch black dot on paper with mine.  In any case, I believe the 38-55 will do well, if not excellent, even at very long distances but as CW suggested, the bullet tends to "lumber around" in the air and has somewhat of a rainbow trajectory (much like the 45-70).  If you'd like to flatten that out a little bit and keep yourself in the rimmed cartridge category, perhaps you might look into a 30-30 accessory barrel for an SB2 frame.  I shoot the 30-30 via a Thompson Contender in both a pistol and rifle and it does very well on prairie dogs out to about 200 to maybe 250 yards. 

As for brass and bullets; you can find new and once fired brass on some of the auction sites but some of the sellers think they're selling gold....so be wary of that.  I managed to get 100 rounds of once fired brass for $30.00.  That's pretty cheap!  You can always buy new brass at Cabelas too.  The store near me always has it on the shelf for $26.99/50 rounds.  It's kind of expensive but if you don't plan on turning your 38-55 into a 375 Winchester and you're careful not to jam the case mouths into your dies while loading it, I'm sure the brass will last you quite a long time.
I buy bullets from Western Bullet Company and they sell 100 265g gas checked bullets for about $14.00.  That's pretty cheap too.  All in all, once you have the brass, the round isn't that expensive to load.

WBC:
http://westernbullet.com/

If you do find a 38-55 barrel, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
Good luck with your search and happy shooting! 
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #9 on: March 19, 2009, 04:40:39 PM »
I have one that I still need to work up loads in.  Hoping to get one that will work in the Marlin CB as well as the Handi.  DP
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Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline TopperT

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #10 on: March 20, 2009, 01:45:28 PM »
FWIW...........and in the hope of getting another TC shooter...... ;D

I simply LOVE the 38-55 Target Classic.  (TC).  I shoot a wonderful early model  28" Wesson & Harrington TC with Black Powder and ONLY black powder.....I actually have three 38-55's......don't ask it just made sence at one time or another...... ::) ::) ::)

I use Starline 2.125" o/a brass,  a .380 swagged lead 265 grain RNFP and 39.8 grains by volume of FFF Swiss.  It will flat amaze you with how smooth, reliable and accurate this rifle is.  I use a Lyman Globe front sight (factory) and a Smith Enterprises (Buffalo Classio) sight at the rear.  If you can fine a W&H version GET IT!!!!!!!
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Offline Kbis

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Re: 38-55 Quandry
« Reply #11 on: March 22, 2009, 09:14:20 AM »
 I also have the 38-55 with the tight chamber. I fixed mine by putting fine valve lapping compound on a fire formed 30-30 case and spining it in the chamber. Now takes .380 bullets just fine. The rifle is a joy to shoot and accurate. I did replace the rear sight with a Williams FP sight. I have several 45-70s (not H&R's) that are now just for hunting hogs.
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