Author Topic: H@R 3855 Target Model or the 45-70? (Read 543 times)

lonewolf7396 · « **on:** April 17, 2005, 04:18:03 PM »

I was wondering does any own a H@R 3855 winchester Rifle ,would like to here some reviews on this gun.H@R also has the same rifle in 45-70 but I think the recoil is a little to much on the shoulder.
I was thinkg more on the 3855 but no noting about the cal. as far as how it wood be a deer rifle .

slayer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2005, 04:38:12 PM »

I asked the same question a little further down the page, but i was told both will do very well on Deer and Black Bear and Elk if shot correctly at short ranges. The 38/55 is a little flatter shooting and kicks less. That being said, I went for the BC .45/70 becuase there is so much ammo for it available and it just appeals to me. That being said, if I end up loving the gun, I will get the .38/55 H&R also!! I will have my new BC in about 1 week :-D Jack.

JPH45 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2005, 05:20:49 PM »

The question is.... Do you hand load? I got and prefer the 38-55 for exactly the reasons you mention, and enjoy it emmensly. Problem is that factory ammo is hard to come by, only Winchester of the big boys is offering it, and the stuff is enemic, but true to the original ballistics, a 255 grain bullet at 1300 fps.

If you handload the 38-55 is an absolute joy, but it will be at it's best with cast bullets, and there are only a few jacketed bullets available, again pricey.

If you don't handload the 45-70 is the only real choice, lots of loads are available, mild to wild, and lots of bullets and molds if you handload/cast/buy cast.

My hottest 38-55 load so far is pushing a 264 grain cast bullet at 1800-1900 fps. Perfect for deer in the woods. My play load is a 250 grainer at a sedate 950. The plinker can be shot all day, the juicy load lets you know but it don't beat up up.Not so with the 45-70.

Don't know if that will help, hope it does.

lonewolf7396 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2005, 03:19:52 AM »

JPH45: thanks for the update,yes I do handload been doing it for some time now 40 years plus,but never got into casting bullets,so I may lean more for the 45-70 .I heard there is a gun shop over in S.C. myrtle beach area that sells the H@R 45-70 would like to shoulder the gun and see how it feels.I think walmart has the best price on the gun ariund $289.00 if the gun shop comes close to the price I may just go ahead and purchase it from him.
I also have to look at the weight of the gun seem as you get older carrying around a heavy gun is no longer on my list ,I just sold a lyman gpr for that reason gun shot excellent but it was a little to heavy with the 32 inch barrel
Slayer I read your post on buying the H@R also seen your post with the QLA in the t/c barrel for round balls ,all my t/c guns are from the early 70's without the QLA,the only gun I have that has that QLA is my t/c 54 thunderhawk which shoots sabots,so that not a problem there.

slayer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2005, 12:42:08 PM »

I agree on the QLA, it`s great for everything but the Roundball. Well, the BC balances way better than the GPR and weighs less and much better quality. i feel you will be very happy with it. BC(8 pounds) and the Target(7 1/2 pounds). I should receive my BC in a few days!! Jack.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2005, 03:40:03 PM »

I really like my .38-55, It has been a little trying to learn how to load for, I'm a rookie but figuring it out is fun, Its a very pleasent rifle to shoot also.
Now I just need to spend more time with it.