Brass to build from

[jonscheuler]

I've read that 38-55 brass can be made from 303 or 30-30, and that the 38-65 can be resized from 45-70. Does anyone know what the 38-70 and 38-90 are made from ? I'm building up a 38-XXX rolling block and am considering options. Thanks for any info.

[Ray Newman]

From the "Handloader's manual of Cartridge Conversions", John J. Donnelly (1987):

.38-70 Winchester (p.487):

“Make from 45 basic. Form die required or use .40-65 form die. Anneal case and trim. Trim t length  and chamber. F/L size &  trim again.”

Case OAL: 2.34”
Rim Dia .600”
Neck Dia .403”

As an aside, the .2. 58” long 38-72 WCF case is formed from .405 brass.  According to Donnelly (p 488), you might need to turn the rim to proper dia. & back chamfer the rim.


.38-90 Winchester  Xpress (p.489):

“Make from 405 basic. F/L size the .405 case in the .38-90 die. Load with about 10 grains of Bullseye and corn meal to fill the case. Fireform in a .38-90 trim die to ‘blow out’ the body. F/ll size and trim case to length.”

Case OAL: 3.25”
Rim Dia .558”
Neck Dia .395”

Or, try here:

http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,217.htm
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,220.htm


If you are building on a Remington pattern Rolling Block action, watch the cartridge OAL. Some cartridges are just too long when loaded & you’ll need to alter the hammer to chamber the round.

Looking @ the specs of the .303 Brit & the 38-55 WCF, I wonder if you can form .38-55 brass from it .  The Brit is a much larger case--rim & base dia & all of the brass has to go somewhere. I know you can form .38-55 from a .375  or a .30-30 WCF, but I have doubts 'bout from a .303. Look up the specs.

The .38-56 WCF is formed from .45-2.1" (.45-70) brass. Is this what you refer to? I couldn't find a .38-65.

[jonscheuler]

Thanks, I did get the #'s confused on the 38-56. Used to cause me all kinds of problems with the tax people.  Thanks, again.