Rifle for Cowboy Lever Action, Big Bore

[chucky52]

Currently shooting a 3030 and just competed in the Tx State Match. The wind was blowing so hard, my rifle was like a flag and so was I. Very difficult to stabilize on target and I'm certain the wind was blowing the bullets. Seems the guys doing well were shooting 300 gr. plus bullets. Seems to me that the 45-70 is too large, not sure about the 40-60 or 38-55. The 3030 and 44Mag just didn't seem to do well. Looking for guidance.

[Win 1917]

What bullets were guys using for 30-30? I use the Hornady LE's for hunting but when I put in another order maybe I'll get something suitable for these matches along with it.

[chucky52]

Because of the wind, I used the heaviest I had: 170gr. Couldn't keep up with those 300 gr. loads., in the wind.

[uncowboy]

I think the 38/55 is the best all around gun in the lever action . I still love shooting the 30/30 but the 3855 marlin has it beat! J.Michael

[chucky52]

I'd like to try a 38-55; but, not a Marlin. The 32Mag became the gun to have for pistol caliber until everybody realized they had all sent theirs back to the factory multiple times. Then they sold them. Exact same thing with 38-55; except, most didn't mess with the factory just took them to a gun show and traded. If you have a Marlin in 38-55 and it works, you're a lucky man.

[Sixgun]

I have shot the Cowboy Rifle Silhouette game for a few years now and have used four different guns. 

First I used a pre 64 model 94 30-30 with a 20 inch barrel.  It shot 3 inch groups at 200 yards with my load which was Rcbs 180gr fp w/gc and 34 gr of IMR 4831.  I won the Idaho State Match in 2005 with that one.   

Next was a Rossi Puma, one of the old origianals, in 357 mag.  Load was RCBS 180gr sil cast bullet w/gc.  I used a max load of Lil Gun and it worked better than the 30-30 but the max load cracked the reciever on the barrel band.

Next I went to a Rossi Puma with a 24in barrel in 44 mag.  I couldn't get it to shoot under 8 inches at 200 yards and after trying all summer, gave it up.

Last I went to a model 94 Legendary Frontiersman in 38-55.  The load is 10.6 gr Unique under a 240 gr Laser Cast.  This load gives very little recoil and will knock down the rams if they are not hard set.  It is very accurate out to the pig distance.  In fact at the Idaho State Match in 2008 I won the match and in 2009 I lost the match but set a National Long Run/Senior record on pigs with 46 in a row. 

I do need to get a better load for the rams and turkeys.  In most of the matches I shoot I can clean the chickens and pigs but turkeys and rams leave somethin to be desired.  I am thinking I will go with a slow powder that fills more of the case.  If you have any suggestions I am open to them.

Sixgun

[wganz]

The .32-40 has a reputation for accuracy. Never have had one personally so I cannot testify what I've done with one. Just that there is a good bit of documentation attesting to its accuracy potential.

Just a thought.

[pathfinder]

I'd like to try a 38-55; but, not a Marlin. The 32Mag became the gun to have for pistol caliber until everybody realized they had all sent theirs back to the factory multiple times. Then they sold them. Exact same thing with 38-55; except, most didn't mess with the factory just took them to a gun show and traded. If you have a Marlin in 38-55 and it works, you're a lucky man.

Wow!  I've so NOT heard this from those who shoot Marlin Cowboys in 38-55 or 32 Mag.  I didn't even know I needed a 38-55 until about a year ago.  It has become a favorite of mine and would gladly buy another or three if i could get the owners to let them go.

It is a great caliber and I like it for silhouette, targets and all around shooting.  I think it will work great as a hunting cartridge too but I have not yet had the opportunity to shoot a critter with it.  I am quite confident it will do the job though.


Recovered 250 grain bullets from dry sand backstop.

The 38-55 336 Marlin Cowboy is a finicky.  Much of that can be mitigated by using the long (and thin) Starline brass.  The chamber in my CB allows me to shoot bullets up to .381" using Winchester Brass.  A friend of mine's won't chamber a bullet sized above .379" in Winchester brass - luckily it shoots .379" sized bullets best.  With Starline brass he can shoot bullets up to .382", though the .379" have proven the most accurate.  Mine likes the .381" best and the Starline brass makes that easy though the thicker Winchester brass will work with bullets up to that size.  The Starline brass will chamber (in my gun) bullets up to .384".

The only real 38-55 dies out there are the RCBS Cowboy dies.  Others can be made to work but the RCBS Cowboy dies make it easy.

The 38-55 is a caliber for those with the fortitude to explore.  There are a lot of old guns and more than a few new guns.  Each of those probably has a very individual load preference.  Those with tight chambers and big bores will find it very challenging.