Winchester 1885 Repro 38-55 - 22" or 28" barrel??

[wsjones]

Got the itch for something new and can't decide between the two.  Both have curved but and tang sight and are the same $$$.  I'll maybe hunt a deer with it, plink some, but no serious target shooting.  I reload and will buy dies, etc., but don't cast.

Suggestions?  Thanks.  -WSJ

[Lurker]

I have several of the Browning/Winchester/Miroku iterations of the 1885 Winchester. I have a .38-55 along with the others.

I find that I like the 28" barrel length, rather than one of the shorter versions.

If you could get into bullet casting, in addition to reloading, I think you will find the .38-55 a real joy to shoot, and hunt with.

Bill

[wsjones]

Thanks.  I sat down last night in the blessed post-Christmas peace and quiet and thought about it a bit and believe the 28" is the way to go.

The overall length of the 1885 with 28" barrel is only an eigth of an inch longer than an M-70 with 24", almost 2 inches shorter than a 26" barrel magnum, and exactly the same as a Remington M-700 with 24".  The upshot is that it's not going to be some overly long, unwieldy rifle.  And it looks more natural with the langer barrel.

-WSJ

[wsjones]

OK,  so the tide turned again.  CDNN was out of everything in the traditional hunter style except 32-40.  Off to gunbroker and a 'short hunter' Davidson's limited at auction got bought today!  Turns out the 22-inch barrel was what I REALLY needed all along.

Now for a load to shoot in it.  I like RL-7 and read good things about it for this rifle but since I don't cast my own bullets and have really never shot many cast bullets in rifles, I'm going to have to find a source of commercially available bullets.  And I'm not a bit averse to jacketed bullets either if they work well.  I just want a hunting load with 255 or so bullets at 1650-1750 fps.  Ideas?   Suggestions?  I'll re-post this inquiry elsewhere, but any advice now is appreciated.  -WSJ

[Prairiewolf]

I have that exact same rifle, from Davidson's also, and I love it.  I bought mine about the same time you got yours.  I'm thrilled with the accuracy.  Before I could get some hand loads ready, I took it out with some Winchester factory loads, 255 gr.  Those give super nice accuracy in my rifle, but the velocity is only around 1250, so you're probably looking for something a little hotter for hunting.  I've also done a lot of shooting with it using 240 gr LaserCast bullets but those are also about the same velocity, since I'm only shooting steel gongs so far.  The trigger isn't bad, 4 lb. 7 oz. average and it'll probably lighten up slightly with use.  I would guess you'll really like the shorter barrel for carrying in the field.  BTW if you reload flat nose bullets, get the RCBS Cowboy dies or another brand that has the seater for flat nose bullets.  I made the mistake of first buying the RCBS Legacy die set, which only includes a seater for round nose bullets, which doesn't work at all for flat nose bullets.   

[LONGTOM]

Never was able to find a 38-55 with the 28" at a reasonable price but I do have them in 45-70, 405, and a 270wsm all with 28" barrels.
The 405 has a little kick to it!
The 270wsm is a dream for longer shots, topped with a 6.5x20x44 scope.
The 45-70 does what a 45-70 is made for, dropping deer!
Hope it does good for you.




LONGTOM