38-55.. how much barrel does it need?

[Haywire Haywood]

Just wondering if a 24" barrel will enough to get all the performance a 38-55 is capable of, using smokeless powder and cast boolits.

Ian

[JPH45]

For practical purposes, yes. The Lyman manual lists 25.5 grians of 4198 and the 379449 (264 grains GC) at 1775 fps (375 Winchester data) from a 24" tube. Same load does 1700 from my gun. Same bullet over 28 grains of 1680 does 1900 fps (not a listed load anywhere) Accurate arms shows compressed loads of 2495 pushing 250 grainers at 2000 fps from 24" tubesI imagine you would give up 150 fps or so going to a 20" tube. If you are comfortable crowning the barrel yourself, (a good time to learn it :wink: ) cut it off an inch at a time and see how it shoots at each length. A brass round headed screw/bolt and some valve grinding compound and a drill moter will do the trick. Be sure to use a rolling motion as you lap to keep the crown even. I've thought of cutting mine off, but love the accuracy I'm getting and don't want to mess that up even when a shoter rifle would be easier to carry through the woods.

[Haywire Haywood]

Thanks.. I'm considering having a 24" bull barreled 223 fitted to my frame and then sending it off to Quick's smith for a rechamber/rebore to 38-55 but with a 375 groove diameter and nice tall 004 rifling for cast.   The idea's been running around my head since the custom reamer topic a few weeks ago.

Ian

[Mac11700]

:agree:

That would be very nice indeed.....don't know about the velocity...but I'm sure you'll find a good load for it..

Mac

[Lone Star]

Just wondering if a 24" barrel will enough to get all the performance a 38-55 is capable of, using smokeless powder and cast boolits.

Absolutely.  A 24" barrel is about optimum for cartridges like the .308 winchester for maximum practical velocity.  In a cartridge with such a different expansion ratio like the .38-55, you won't see much difference at all with a longer or shorter barrel.  The bore dimensions and rifling type will make more of a difference.

I have a 27" barrel on my schuetzen .38-55, but the extra length is there for weight, not velocity.  It groups very well with LBT bullets and IMR4227.