375 vs 38-55...

[rdlange]

In the data I've read the 375 is a higher pressure round and so more powerful factory loads.  In a handi, though I should be able to load the 38-55 just as hot because the action is stronger than a lever gun.  Or, is 38-55 brass too weak for 375 level loads?

Haven't found alot on comparing reloading these in single shot rifles where the action strength is less a factor.  Most info is on lever guns as noted that the 'old' 38-55 is a lower powered cartridge.

Since it's gotta be handloading anyway... any significant reasons to choose one over the other please?  (links-threads I haven't found maybe?)

Be Well...

[quickdtoo]

I load Starline long brass to 375Win pressure with RL7 in both of my H&R 38-55s, Paco Kelly prefers 38-55 brass in his 375 Wins. 

Tim

http://fiveshot.org/backissues/paco/375win.htm

[gendoc]

thats bout all i put thru my 375 win in my #1 ruger.... ya mean there is others ??
been do'n it fer many years

[cwlongshot]

The brass is merely a vessel to contain the powder. it really offers no strength improvement in the big picture.

Now having said that, there is brass that will handle IN THE the higher pressure environment of these hot loads better then others. Cases like the 22Hornet, 25-20 and 32-20 are LO pressure calibers and their brass in thin and light. Where calibers like the 500 S&W, 454 Casull and about any magnum rifle is thicker and heavier. Again its NOT to contain or retain the higher pressures, its simply to survive longer working within them.

CW

[Slufoot]

The brass is merely a vessel to contain the powder. it really offers no strength improvement in the big picture.

Now having said that, there is brass that will handle IN THE the higher pressure environment of these hot loads better then others. Cases like the 22Hornet, 25-20 and 32-20 are LO pressure calibers and their brass in thin and light. Where calibers like the 500 S&W, 454 Casull and about any magnum rifle is thicker and heavier. Again its NOT to contain or retain the higher pressures, its simply to survive longer working within them.

CW

Very well put CW!

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

[quickdtoo]

I got into my bookmarks on the 38-55 and found this reply by Marshall Stanton of Beartooth Bullets on 38-55(30-30 too) and 375 Win brass in a thread from Shooter's Forum.

Tim

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=2137&highlight=.375+win

You are right! *The case walls on either the .38-55 or .30-30 are thinner, hence the increased case capacity! *However, there isn't the slightest hazard using this brass in your .375 Winchester. * Keep in mind that the .375 Winchester is a straight walled case, and most of it's stress during the firing cycle is outward, against the case walls... not back against the bolt face! *(P.O. Ackley did exhaustive studies on this phenomonon and conclusively proved the point) *Where you might get into trouble with the thinner case is if there was a significant amount of back-thrust against the breech-bolt, and then the thinner web of the case head could possibly cause a rupture if there was enough rearward movement of the case from perhaps excessive head-space.  However since this is a straight-walled case, not a tapered bottle-neck design, we don't have that back-thrust against the bolt-face.   Consequently the forces of physics are working in our favor when utilizing a brass case of thinner construction, especially when we look at the following contributing factors entered into the equation.

I'm not alone in the practice of using this brass, and others such as Paco Kelley will advise the same. *You can get one of two results:

The same velocity load as with standard .375 Win brass, but with lower pressures.

Or, a higher velocity load as compared to standard .375 Win brass, but with equal pressures.

I might also interject that todays brass is far higher quality due to advances in metallurgy than it was in 1894-96 when the .30-30 and .32 Special were conceived, thus necessary brass thickness then and now are somewhat different to contain equal pressures. * All this being said, the .30-30 case of the 1990's will withstand more pressure, more reliably than the same case made even 70 years ago, due to our more refined and perfected metalurgical sciences.

The truth is that the .375 Win Brass case is over-engineered for its intended purpose. * Keep in mind that it was conceived in a litigation oriented product development climate... in other words; * make that sucker lawyer proof! * Forget ballistic engineering and balancing case capacity, necessary strength and cartridge design.... first make it litigatiion proof, then worry about making it shoot!

Well, I better stop before I step up on a real-life soap-box!

Hope this helps!

God Bless,

Marshall

[gcrank1]

I believe the 38-55 is, in a strong action, a very underated and little appreciated caliber.
Works great for me.