Author Topic: Bullet/mold recommendations - .38-55 (Read 918 times)

bikered · « **on:** September 28, 2003, 08:32:31 AM »

Gentlemen:
I'm looking for bullet/mold recommendations for use in an 1885, .38-55. One can go totally nuts looking at inexpensive, mass produced molds vs custom molds. Any help and suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks, ED

First Shirt · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2003, 03:25:08 AM »

Ed, the first thing you need to do is slug your barrel. The reason is, the groove/bore diameter varies a lot between different manufacturers, especially in the old original rifles (depending on who/when it was made, the groove dia. could be anywhere from .375 to .380). Proper bullet fit is essential to accuracy in cast bullets, and if you know the bore/groove measurements, and rate of rifling twist, your choices will be a lot more clear.

That said, I have a good shooting bullet that I use in my .38-55 that was bored for me by Dan at Mountain Molds. http://mountainmolds.com/

Good luck, those .38's shoot great, and are a lot of fun when you get the right bullet sorted out.

Greg

Bob/FLA · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2003, 06:24:59 AM »

You might also want to give western a call. They have a wide selection of bullets and may ultimately save you some cash. I am trying 2 types of .375 bullets myself rather than buying moulds and going throught the time and trouble of experimenting.

Just a thought.
http://missoula.bigsky.net/western/cbip/cbip.html

marlinman93 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2003, 02:07:31 PM »

I use an old Ideal mold #375-272. It casts a stepped bullet of about 275 grains. It is .375 at the front 3 steps, with the last two steps being .382" I size these bullets to .380 for my Ballard, and lube with SPG.

The Cast Bullet Kid · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2003, 12:35:52 PM »

http://www.users.bigpond.com/JIM.CBE.htm
This is Cat Bullet Engineering in Australia who have a huge range and will custom tune for you.

jeff · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2003, 03:31:02 PM »

Check out NEI at http://www.neihandtools.com/

I had Walt re-cut an old RCBS 32 cal pistol double mold for me for my 38-55 and it turned out great. Two different bullets/one mold. 277 gr tapered spitzer and a 300 gr flat base shown as the 375-310-GC (mine is w/o the GC cut)

lots of options & reasonable prices.

jeff

EDG · « **Reply #6 on:** November 28, 2003, 01:21:53 PM »

Has anyone here bought and used an NEI mould since Walt Melander died?
Would like to know if current production quality is meeting the quality level of the original maker.
Thanks,
Ed

jeff · « **Reply #7 on:** November 28, 2003, 02:42:11 PM »

Walt's daughter (Patty) first had the business up for sale.

Later, I received and eMail in March advising that she was moving the business to Texas.

I haven't needed(wanted) any molds lately but might next year.