Paper Patch for 38-55 Question

[riverjackal]

This is a question for the experienced paper patchers on this forum. Can a  remington 200 grain .358 rifle bullet be patched up to .379 to use in a 38-55 H&R single shot rifle ? It sure would save money compared to Barnes bullets.

Fire away and fall back

[Castaway]

Seems to me a little large to patch.  A possibility is to use a VERY soft 0.358 bullet and see if it bumps up enough to fit the gooves.  Another possibility is a custom mould but I understand that defeats the purpose of trying to use what you've got as opposed to any more money invested.  If you've got the time, try it and let us know what you get.

[Lead pot]

river j
Reading your post it sounds to me like your trying to patch a small jacketed bullet for the larger diameter .38. I never have heard good results patching a jacketed bullet, and I never tried it my self, so I cant say.
If you get the patch to thick and you use smokeless powder,you are flirting with high pressures.
A .38-55 takes a .3775 diameter bullet, or a 9.58 mm.
I would go with a proper cast bullet if you don't want to shoot the high priced Jacketed bullet and be safe.
I think you would be better off using a .375 (9.53 mm) grooved cast bullet and using a PP jacket patched 1 or .002 over bore diameter, and work up a safe load.

[powderburner]

I patched up some gas checked 35s and shot them through a NEF 38 55 used heavy paper and black 50 gn 2F worked ok til I got a mould for it
......................Dean