Help with 38-55

[Mik1]

I recently acquired a 38-55 Hiwall and would like to cast/load for target application.  Has any one out there had any experience with a good cast bullet design/weight for this type of rifle.  The bore is .379 and has a 1:18 twist.  Thanks in advance for any and all input.

[John Traveler1]

All of the accurate .38-55 cast bullets I've used copy the format of the Ideal/Lyman .38-55 reloading tools of the early 1900's.  That is, a RN flat-tipped design with long bearing surface, several lube grooves, and total weight of 245-250 grains.

Go for a mold that has these features, size to 0.379"-0.380" and you should do just fine.

[Lone Star]

In my two .38-55s I had my best luck with the RCBS 250-grain bullet, usually with the gas check.  Powders which gave me the best accuracy in the 1000-1200 fps range were Unique, IMR4227, and RedDot.  Higher power loads used RL7.  According to current Lyman data, RL7 gives the highest velocities with the lowest pressures.  Check the bore diameter, many .38-55s have bores approaching 0.380"; choose/size your bullets accordingly.

[JPH45]

The Lee 379-250-RF and the Lyman 379449 both shoot great from my rifle, and my bore/groove matches yours. I use 11.5 grains of Blue Dot for a plinking load under the Lee bullet (a plain base design) and use either 24.5 grains of AA1680 or 25.5 grains of 4198 under the Lyman bulle for 1700 fps. I've taken two deer this year with the Lyman bullet and 24.5 grains of AA1680. The 38-55 is an exellent cartridge and ought to be really sweet in your Hiwall.