Author Topic: H&R 38\55 Target Rifle (Read 1187 times)

Gordy · « **on:** August 14, 2005, 05:06:57 AM »

Hello all, I want to get the H&R Target rifle, but there seems to be some bad points about it. I am going to use it for target and deer hunting. I load shotgun ammo, and would like to load rifle ammo as well. I am in the dark about this rifle, but I have taken to this gun. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks - Gordy.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2005, 05:58:43 AM »

Welcome aboard!!

You can find all you need to know about the 38-55 using the Search Feature, there are about 200 threads on it if I remember correctly, pay close attention to those by JPH45 and you'll learn all you need to know to shoot one well. The out of spec chamber and bore can cause some headaches, but can be dealt with using tips that have been posted here frequently. Specify all terms and select the NEF/H&R Centerfire forum from the drop down to help narrow down the field of answers using 38-55 for the keyword.

Good luck and have fun!!!

JPH45 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2005, 07:46:21 AM »

As you read the threads from your search, make a note of other questions you have and post them. I am shooting the 38-55 because I like big heavy bullet but I don't like big heavy recoil.

Winchester makes 38-55 ammo, and from what I've read here it works well in these guns, but reloading is what will make your 38-55 shine, no matter if you are seeking standard velocity loads or high velocity loads

Gordy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2005, 08:45:17 AM »

Thank you for the fast replies, I am going to order the 38-55 tommorrow. I have found that there is something on every gun to find fault with. I like this gun, and it is not much money for what you get. Thanks again, I also would like to get into reloading and casting ammo. Have a good weekend for the remainder of it. - Gordy.

tommy_tsunami · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2005, 09:29:06 AM »

Does anyone actually hunt with their .38-55? If so, what loads are they using? What about for CAS? I suppose any standard CAS lead load will do.

It's a pretty new gun, but I wander if anyone's had success hunting with the .38-55.

JPH45 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2005, 06:07:04 PM »

Yes I wil be hunting with my 38-55 this year. I'm driving a 264 grian bullet between 1800 and 1900 fps. Load makes nearly 1500 foot pounds at 100 yards and is still above 1200 at 150 yards. This is right under 444 Marlin performance, equal in every respect to the 445 SM. the 38-55 was first chambered in single shot rifles in the 1880's. It was one of the few to make the transition from black to smokless, but in time came to be considered obsolete. CAS and BPCR Silhouette has brought a renewed interest in the cartridge by people seeking to compete but wanting less recoil than the 40-65, 45-70 and heavier cartridges. It has alwys been considered an good cartridge for deer and black bear at ranges out to 150 yards. In it's black powder loadings, it is equal to a 44 Mag handgun, driving 250 grain bullets to 1300 fps.

Edit: Forgot to add that the 38-55 is the parent case for the 30-30

tommy_tsunami · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2005, 12:29:18 PM »

Ok, I'm a dope, but I'm going to ask this dumb question anyway. Along with the cache of barrels I'm having fitted to my new Handi is going to be the .38-55 Target.

The H&R website says the barrel is, "Dovetailed for front sight and drilled and tapped for rear sight, sights not included". I want to buy standard open sights for this barrel. No peep sights, no fiber optic, just plain old adjustable, open sights.

Can anyone tell me what to get and from where??

:shock:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2005, 12:51:52 PM »

That's up to you, the only mount holes that come on the barrel are the scope mount holes, if you want a sight on the barrel ahead of the chamber area, you're gonna have to contact H&R and see if they'll put barrel sights on it, which in their case will be the Williams WGOS. Or have your gunsmith do the drilling and tapping for barrel sights.

http://www.williamsgunsight.com/catalog.htm

Another nice option is the $mith ladder sight which does mount in the existing holes.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,4191.htm

And there's the 473 trapdoor sight, too...

http://www.thunder-ridge-muzzleloading.com/p_sights.htm

tommy_tsunami · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2005, 01:54:50 PM »

Well, so much for that idea. I looked at all the sights. I've decided I'm not :roll: going to pay $103 for a barrel, then anywhere from $60 to $300 for a metal sight that I'll still have to pay someone to put on for me.

I guess it was a nice thought while it lasted.

JPH45 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2005, 02:23:48 PM »

I'm running the Simmons 3-9x50 Eight Point on mine. Yeah, it's cheap, but it is very clear and very repeatable, goes how many clicks you put in, all four ways. Can't ask for a lot better than that. Ain't very traditional, but I figure the deer won't mind.

tommy_tsunami · « **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2005, 02:45:02 PM »

Well, I was going to use it for long range matches in CAS. However, according to the SASS rules, even the Williams receiver sight is technically illegal (page 19 of their guidebook). Plus, ordering just the barrel has no sights anyway, so I needed to buy some.

I'd rather just use a .30-30 barrel with open sights, as it is totally SASS legal and the ammo is more readily available. I just thought the .38-55 would be cool.