Anyone shoot 38-55 from a 14 inch Contender?

[Blackhawker]

I've been considering buying a 14 inch 38-55 barrel for my Contender and I was wondering if anyone has ever shot 38-55's from a 14 inch pistol.  If so, does it shoot as accurately as the typical rifles?  Is it better to use jacketed bullets or cast bullets with a Thompson barrel?  Does one have to alter loads or powder to get good results with the shorter barrel or do standard rifle loads work well?  Lastly, what kind of velocities can be expected by comparison to the longer barreled rifles?

[spinafish]

I do not have a 38-55 in a Contender,but do have one in a Target Classic H&R..the problem with the Target Classic is that it has a bore that measures .377 and most jacketed bullets for the .38-55 and .375 (its stouter cousin) run .375.  Only two or three bullet manufactuers make .377 diameter jacketed bullets..cast or not a problem as there are plenty of moulds and custom casters who cast .377 bullets.  I would think that T/C and most custom barrel makers would use a .375 diameter barrel and that would solve the key-holeling problem.  Most "experts" claim one loses 75 fps per inch of barrel reduction.  If you load data stated it was developed in a 20"barrel for instance..you could just work your  way backward.  The only way to actually tell is use of a chrono. As far as powders go, expect a fairly large muzzle flash with any rifle powders fired through a 14" barrel.   I am thinking of getting a .375 Winchester barrel using light 38-55 loads through it as reduced loads.

[wmurrell]

I have a 375 win super 14 and with factory ammo it shoots 2" at 100 yds (scoped and off bench) If I load with the bullets out to touch the rifling it puts 5 in a nickel ( if I do my part). That is with jacketed bullets. I am thinking of trying some cast loads in it but  as I just acquired a 375 JDJ....

[Lone Star]

The T/C barrel will most likely be .375" so expect decent accuracy with jacketed bullets.  As for cast bullets, size them to fit the throat, not the bore.  Oversize cast bullets do no harm and won't lead like undersized ones do.  The typical .38-55 chamber reamer will make a large diameter throat.  The twist rate will matter too, the .38-55 usually has a slower twist rate, but you'll have to ask.  Frankly I think that unless your barrel was cut with a special custom reamer I'd get the .375WCF chambering.



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