Author Topic: 38/55 bullet size ?? (Read 941 times)

missed_shot · « **on:** April 28, 2005, 01:44:41 AM »

I just purchased a 38/55 target model. It's a beautiful thing to admire-but I need help choosing a bullet. After reading many articles, I'm confused as to which bullet can be shot accurately in the H&R 38/55. I do reload. There are 2 or 3 different size bullets for the 38/55. CAN ANYONE HELP WITH WITH THE CORRECT BULLET SIZE, WEIGHT AND POWDER TYPE TO USE. I have the Buffalo Classic and have found excellent loads from this forum. Thanks

:lol: :-) [/b]

cheatermk3 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2005, 05:19:58 AM »

You need to slug your bore to find your lands/groove dimensions.

My Target's barrel slugged at .376/.379" Lands/grooves. I'm shooting .380" diameter cast bullets I bought at Sportsman's warehouse.

My rifle's chamber measured .401" at the case mouth using a snap mike so it's an inferred dimension. My handloads need to be ran into the sizing die after the bullet is seated in order to chamber freely when using the .380" bullets.

I'm still having trouble getting jacketed bullets to perform in my barrel due to the mismatch dimensions. (.375 bullet in a .379 bore). Factory jacketed ammo stabilizes, probably due to the stout crimp; I think the bullet is obturating in the case at the moment of ignition due to the crimp. I measured a pulled bullet from a Winchester factory round, it is .375".

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=62110

Do a search on 38-55 and you'll find lots of info.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2005, 09:08:09 AM »

.380 dia works best in mine, I'm working on a small chamering problem but the rifle shoot very well.

JPH45 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2005, 01:59:01 PM »

I'm shooting two different bullets I cast, the Lee 379-250-RF, an plain bevel base design and the Lyman 379449, a 264 grain gas check design. Both these bullets drop at 379 from my mold and shoot great.

missed_shot · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2005, 03:54:45 PM »

JHP - do you mind telling me the type powder you use and the amount- thank you MS

JPH45 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2005, 05:30:40 PM »

I'm using several military surplus powders, so I can only give you approximations Blue Dot (7.3), AA 1680 (24.5g. w/Lyman 375449) and BL-C2 (33.6g. magnum rifle primer Lyman 375449)

There are lots of good loads out there, I suspect that something on the order of 7/9.5 grains of Unique will work good for you, or try 6.5/9 grains of Green Dot or 6/8.5 of Red Dot (start/maximum) use with 250 grain bullets

I had really nice results from 25.5 grains of 4198 and the Lyman bullet. A powder I've to try but want to is AA2495. They list speeds of 2000 fps with 250 grian bullets, should make a good hunting load

IMR 3031 and Alliant Reloder 7 are both good powders for the 38-55 too. A rule of thumb here is that if the powder works in the 45-70, it will likely work in the 38-55 as well.

The black powder velocity duplicte load would be 40% of the black powder load in 4198, or 55 x .4 = 22 grains of 4198. should give 1350 fps with 250 grain bullets

missed_shot · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2005, 01:27:14 AM »

JHP -thanks alot - that should keep me busy for awhile.

JPH45 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2005, 10:57:49 AM »

Ooops, forgot, the 24.5 grains AA1680 and the 25.5 grains of 4198 come from 375 Winchester loads. The data is fine in the Handi, just be sure to use 375 Winchester brass for them. I believe they woud be fine in 38-55 brass (the 1680 load only generates 33,000psi) but may shorten brass life. As always, use with caution.