I'm 57 and lost my dear old dad at age 92 last year. He was not as eloquent a teacher as you, but he was a well of experience and wisdom I sorely miss. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with us. It may seem like a thankless endeavor, but there is more appreciation out here than you could possibly know.
I shoot a new production Winchester model 94 sporter in 38-55 and it’s an absolute beauty. I’ve also a old 94 manufactured in 1899 with the 26” octogon barrel solid rifles.
Great Caliber I've Loaded It For Years My 94 Likes Lead and IMR 3031 Powder CCI 200 Primers. What's Cool Is It's Smokeless Powder But It Puts Out Smoke !!!
I find the old straight wall cases natural for cast bullets. I shot a doe with my Winchester 1886 (old) and a light load in 45/70 and it dumped her good. I'd like a 38/55 hard to find though. The new Winchester rifles from Japan are superbly made, the Japanese are fanatic with attention to detail and very patient with building these old designs. Much better quality than when built here, especially the last few years at the end. It's was like no one cared about quality. It was disappointing and disheartening to watch bean counters destroy a great brand. I love the same things you do and live similarly as you. I like listening too you sit in the woods and ramble on, like listening too an old friend. Like to watch you cast up some bullets start to finish, for some of these old guns. Thanks :-)
I am trying to date an octagonal 38-55 barrel i was given recently. It does not have the nickel smokeless powder designation, caliber is marked top and bottom, VP in an oval, the letter F by itself near it, and either the letter W or M closest to the threads. 26" in length.
Hi, I'm a collector shooter and vintage ammo and reloading tool collector. I shoot cast and load for my own and others. A simple thing like the crimp is critical with 38 55 . At first I used original win and ideal tong tools and molds (often still do) to get it right. I would enjoy a chat on the subject.
Marlin made a 336 in 38-55 with octagonal barrel around 1998-2001 but discontinued it due to sales. I had one in perfect condition and foolishly sold it. If memory serves, I loaded a 260 gr lead bullet bought from Midway because I could not find a mold. My particular rifle needed a .381 bullet and I also had to use the shorter brass from Starline (apparently the newer Marlin rifles had a slightly shorter chamber). So, I’d say if you plan to look for a Marlin, hold off on getting brass or bullets until you can cast the chamber and slug the bore.
I have a sxs cape gun chambered in 12 gauge left barrel right barrel is 38-55. I can honestly say I love the 38-55 and with the 12 gauge it's just a nice gun. It's in my top favorites.
The only complaint that I have with a Henry is parts availability. A few years back I bought a used Henry golden boy that needed a carrier assembly. At that point in time I thought it would be easy to just go online and find the parts that I needed and order them. What I ended up having to do was find an authorized Henry gunsmith and have them make the repair for me. No one would sell me the parts that I needed. I'm not saying that parts are not widely available now, because I have not, nor have I had a reason to check for them. I will say that it was a darn good rifle. But for the above mentioned reason I have never owned another Henry Rifle. Just my two cents worth. I enjoy watching all of your videos. Thanks !!!
I have a marlin that's rebored to 38-55. It shoots the lee 379 bullet sized to .378 plenty accurate. I also bought a new cimarron 1894 rifle in 38-55. The cimarron has a 26" octagon barrel and prefers cast sized .381". I took a gamble on the cimarron, glad I did, it's a sweet shooter. Neither of them have ever seen a jacketed bullet and will work on anything we have here in northern Michigan. Great channel.
Sgt Gary - I was in basic training at Fort Ord from March to June 1975. My brother and I joined together. Our first range day we both zeroed with our first 3 rounds. Instructors made us do it again, we did so. So we sat on the bleaches the rest of the morning. One of our drill instructors was named Gary. They supervised us on the range.
I didn't have a problem finding a Marlin 1893 38-55. It was relatively cheap. Starline brass is available everywhere. Lee has a great inexpensive mold. Inexpensive dies. Unique, Trailboss, 3031, 4895......800fps-1600fps whatever you prefer. Easy on the shoulder. You won't regret it!
I had a Ruger 96 in 44mag . Had a 3 shot rotor mag 1 in the pipe . Looked like a 10/22 . Shot great with whatever I fed it . Even wheel weights made good bullet for it . If I git them hot and they leaded up the bore , I'd just run a couple factory rounds out of it and it would clean rite up . Slick little carbine . Accurate as all get out . Real shooter !
I love the knowledge of this video. I actually have 1 of the last years production 38-55 Winchester 94. Mid 1970s promotional model. I only shoot lead with it. 1 of my favorite lever action rifles I own. Thank you for your knowledge sir.
Hi,I’m very sorry Dakotamax for your loss. My thoughts are with you. But you are right this gentleman’s words are so valuable. People just have to listen to him, there is some great wisdom here but only if you listen. Thanks to both of you guys.
Brian, it's unlikely that Dakotamax will see your comment because you didn't directly reply to his comment. If you reply to their comment it will be much more likely he will see it.
A Marlin 336 CB with octagonal barrel and chambered in 38-55 new old stock with box sold on gunbroker for $1499 with the auction closing yesterday. darnit.
I appreciate your video, very informative. When the model 1894 was introduced the cartridge it was introduced in was the Ballard 38-55 (later known as the Winchester 38-55) as well as the Ballard 32-40.. The 30=30 I believe was not introduced until the following year. I have all three calibres in the model 94 rifle. I love the 38-55 as well as the 30-30 and the 32-40. When it comes to loading I always load a hunting bullet and always a jacketed bullet. Cast are nostalgic but not as good, in my opinion as a jacketrf bullet. My thoughts
The small M16/ar15. Rounds were not designed to wound. The objective was the ability to carry more rounds ( Sgt. Gary, rifle instructor Fort Ord., California 1970-76 ).
I've sent 3 rifles to Jesse Ocumpaugh at JES Reboring (2 Marlins and 1 Winchester 30-30) and had them re-chambered in 38-55. I would recommend sending the Marlin as it seems to chamber better. I"m satisfied with the service and the end product.
I've had Dennis Olson of Plains Montana rebarrel two lever guns to calibers I couldn't find..one a 336 to 25-35 and the other a 95 winchester to 35 Whelen. Immaculate work, looked like factory issue.
I think your idea of barrel your 336A and 3855 is an excellent idea. I like the 336A the look of it feel of it everything and the 3855 is an excellent cartridge so I think it'd be a great combo. I know one problem guys with 3855 have told me is that from one manufacturer to another and also even within the same manufacturer from one generation to another The bore diameters are all over the place and you have to slug the pores and match your bullet. If you were doing your own barrel you could choose that diameter. I want to get a 3855 myself and I want to get into casting my own bullets and shooting it black powder. I also want a 73 and 4440 and I want to shoot it black powder. Those are my next two that I'm looking for. Thank you enjoyed the video 👍
I have 94 rifle 26 inch barrel, in 38/55 made in 1917, a great shooter, very accurate. I shop out of the way old pawn shops, you will be surprised what ammo you can find and make an offer with cash.
I actually saw a .32 Winchester Special M94 that had previously been a .32-40 Winchester. The barrel had been restamped. Without looking at chamber and cartridge drawings I don't know if they had to set the barrel back or just run a reamer in it.
@@larryalexander4833 I never understood the henry hype either. They just arent as good of quality as everyone seems to think. The actions are so cheesy and rough.
Look for a Big Bore 94 in .375 Winchester...essentially the same critter as 38-55. Winchester marketed an octagon barreled Buffalo Bill 94 rifle in 38-55 about 30 or so years ago...might be tough to find....and expensive. I prefer older Marlins...and they sold a 375 Marlin...but they are very difficult to come by.
Uberti has made a 1894 reproduction with the 38-55. It has the slow twist for lead and black powder like the originals, with the .380 projectile in mind. capandball has a video on his and he loves it in black powder.
Buds has a 26" octagonal barrel Cimarron right now for around $1,000 that looks very similar to the Marlin 45-70. Case-hardened finish too with full tube.
Since I first read about the .38-55 way back in the 1960s I've wanted one. I even purchased a U.S.A. manufactured pre "safety" Model 94 in .30-30 in 2013 with the idea of having it converted (by a professional Gunsmith...NOT Bubba) to .38-55. As a huge fan of the .35 Remington, and "big bore" lever actions in general, I think the .38-55 deserves a rebirth. When I can afford it I fully intend to have a Gunsmith here in South Carolina do the conversion I have dreamed of for over fifty years.
@@briansearles4473 I'll have to do that! Sadly the only ones that I have seen over the last twenty years or so were WAY more expensive than I could afford. But I will take your suggestion to heart and keep an eye out for a such a rifle.
I’m a young buck compared to most people watching. I had a major interest in 38-55 and reload a lot. The availability of jacketed bullets is slim. If you are going to shoot hard cast there are plenty out there. Brass is pretty available from starline. Decided to go with 45-70 instead. Mostly because we already had the bullets and dies. Also got an old 94 in 30-30. Cimarron has a nice rifle in .38-55
The paper patched cast lead bullet works very in the 30 WCF/30-30. This includes Winchester and Marlin lever action rifles. Read “THE PAPER JACKET” by Paul Matthews.
I had to come back to this video because I'm finally in the middle of collecting everything I need to convert, load for, and hunt with, a U.S.A. manufactured Winchester 94 .30-30 (post '64) to .38-55. I'm a huge fan of the .35 Remington and "big bores" in general and will be handing over my like new .30-30 to a professional, old-school gunsmith before too long for conversion to .38-55. I'm also considering having the gunsmith remove all traces of the current blue finish and replace it with a "plum blue" finish.
I'm looking for a 30 30 was thinking Henry but now that I found out ruger took over marlin I'm gonna wait until the new Marlins come out curious to see what ruger does
Evening Mr looms. You have got my interest up now at looking into a 38/55 . I too love marlin lever actions. Tried to trade for a. 1961 39 a takedown with factory scope option, few days ago . ( Almost had a deal but the fellow decided to keep it) I too prefer my lyman reloading items over other brands tho they work well.
I've set myself to reload for the Winchester 348 for the Model 71 I don't own Yet! Glad to check in to make sure I am on the right track and not loosing my marbles!
CHUCK HAWKS wrote an article several years ago stating that you could shoot 38-55 out of the Winchester Big Bore Model 94 chambered in 375. That might give you another option. Keep up the good work on your channels.
Winchester Miroku makes a 1894 sporter. It has a 24 inch half octagon/round barrel with full length mag tube in 38-55. I just picked up the 1894 Take down in 38-55. Fine rifles. I’d go with a new Winchester or the older Marlin cowboy. There’s a couple good articles about 38-55 brass on Starline and Buffalo Bore ammos website.
Don't laugh but you might look at some of the older model 1894 commeratives from the late 60's to 80's. Winchester made 3-4 that were chambered in 38-55 and usually had an octagonal barrel with long magazine. The Olive Winchester and Chief Crazy horse are a bit flashy but there was one made to commemorate one of the states and it was 38-55. Those commemoratives were made to be collected which actually makes them not as collectable, so some times you can find them for a good deal. You could always pine tar the stock and sandblast any fancy finish off the metal.
Thank you sir, for your honest opinions, and sharing of your experiences. I own a Winchester 94 in .30-30. ANd it has become very diffiult to find bullets to reload for it here in Norway. I do however have around 850lb of ready made lead cast in ingots that I recently aquired from an older gentleman who had become to old to "play with guns" as he called it. Is there a cast bullet that you think would work okay in my bog standard 1973 Winchester 94 .30-30?
I found an old original Winchester 1886 in .38-55 out in the woods in Valdez. It was an army issue, and back in the day, they were issued up north for big dangerous game. Me, I'm happy with my .444 Marlin 1895, using Buffalo Bore hard cast, works great on bears. Have fun👍
Henry does offer a 20” barrel. I guess technically it a carbine but I think it will work FOR ME. I have been craving a rifle in this caliber for about a year now. Midway USA has the Italian reproduction of a Winchester 1894!imported by Cimarron in inventory right now. $1,100 bucks. Winchester put out a 24” a couple of years ago and Cimarron did a 26” version with color case hardened receiver.
Modern cartridges are absolutely meant to kill, but lose effectiveness at long range. This is why the Army is currently seeking a slightly more potent cartridge for standard infantry use. Also, please look up the story of Sgt. Timothy Gramins , who shot a man in a firefight 14 times with .45 ACP rounds, six of which were fatal wounds on their own. The man kept going until Gramins shot him three times in the head. .45 is a fine round, but not significantly more likely to incapacitate than 9mm or .40 S&W.
Don't have a 38-55. I never really considered it. I went from 30-06 to 45-70 in one step. My brother, however, "stopped off" at 38-55. I have been VERY pleasantly surprised with his results. As a short-range, blunt nose cartridge, it's looking to be hard to beat.
The .38-55 Ballard which eventually morphed into .38-55 Winchester really was a target cartridge of some reputation. In its standard loading it was an adequate deer cartridge. It later became the basis of the modern .375 Winchester Big Bore 94 cartridge that didn't really take off like It should have. .38-55 kind of mimics what we would expect from a large bore magnum handgun round. One report I read years ago claimed .38-55 had a fair following in Canada as a moose killer. I know I have seen CIL ammo in .38-55, and they may have loaded it later than Winchester did before the big cowboy action revival. Winchester did offer a WHV high speed load for a time that jumped velocity up to about 1800 FPS. Pretty warm for all things considered. I would guess that a .38-55 with a perfectly sized cast bullet of proper hardness in a decent barrel could easily be pushed to 1800 FPS with reasonable accuracy. Especially a gas check design. No doubt that would be entirely adequate for elk or moose or bear at iron sight ranges. Likely get a complete pass through most of the time at 100 yards and possibly further. Doesn't take a whole lot of speed really to punch a good cast bullet through 30" of game animal. Another reason they work so well.
Watch "Leverguns 50", he loves the 38-55. I've been reloading my modern Winchester 94 in 38-55 since the mid 80's. Mine shoots jacketed .375 dia bullets with no problem. Getting close to 2000 FPS with a 200 grn Sierra, 235 grn Speer's shoot well too. I have never shot lead bullets through mine though. If you are thinking of buying a 38-55 you really need to handload for it. Store bought ammo is very expensive and hard to find.
i enjoy your video's i have 2- 38-55 's a marlin and a nice 1899 sav. if you ever find one buy it. resently found a ideal loader with a bullet mold. hoping to try it soon.
I have heard of .30-30 cast shooting ok in micro groove, but it was more difficult to get it to do so than usual. I have also heard of pushing cast with a gas check to around 2000 fps or so from .30-30, but the alloy, lube, bullet sizing, barrel quality and charge weight had to really come together to be accurate and not lead. As for 125 grain jacketed HP Sierra, that little pill will shoot pretty decent and do so at speeds well out of what we generally consider .30-30 territory. Federal has offered It as a factory load now for 30 or so years. It is a good varmint buster for .30-30 at the upper speeds. If you are planning on saving the hides It's likely gonna require needle and thread work. It's also reportedly a bit too fragile for deer (bones) except at longer ranges or in a reduced loading at close range. Other reports say it works really well at factory load velocity on a classic broadside lung shot where no bone is encountered, or in head shots where anything would have worked about the same.
I shoot lead out of everything, no matter the rifling. However, it takes a lot of messing around, tuning the lead mix and powder charge for the correct velocity so the lead will work. 38-55 would be a snap to reload. I've loaded it for a friend from 30-30 brass. I've loaded the 38-55 and the more powerful update 375 winchester.
@Mr. Cool yes, that is correct. There also the straight walled case of the 444 in a 24 inch barrel and of course you can load it all day long with 240-310 grain lead bullets.
I have some older Marlin pamphlets showing the guns offered for each year. I checked them for 2000 thru 2002 and they made a model 336 cowboy in 38/55 with a 24 inch tapered octagonal barrel and deep cut Ballard-type rifling (6 groves ). I know you said you hadn’t ever seen one but some guys must’ve bought them if they made them for at least 3 years. I don’t have Marlen advertising
Just got a text from a local gun shop. He just took in 5 boxes of 255gr jacketed bullets and 6 boxes of unprimed Winchester cases. Those old boxes of cases are marked $5.55. I don't have a 38-55 but I'm thinking I should get that stuff, never know when a rifle will turn up.
I am pretty sure there is at least one company that would rebore your current barrel to .38-55 for a reasonable price. Less than reasonable cost of a new rifle. Check NOE or Arsenal for molds. Super quality molds.
I just looked into the Marlin Firearms book by Brophy and it doesn't look like they made the 336 in 38-55. But it was cambered in the 1893 and the 36 sorry for the bad news. Love your channel I know where a 1893 take-down in 38-55 is but I so far have not had any luck get the guy to part with it.
You can find some great deals on the commemorative Winchesters. I have seen nice prices for items like the Winchester Model 94 Legendary Frontiersmen Commemorative Lever Action Rifle from Rock Island Auction. Not much collector value but you just want to shoot it anyway. Bonus they are CFL
It belongs to my brother, but oddly enough I have it here now. I am loading some 125 grain hollow points today to try in my 336, and plan to run some through the 94 to compare.
I have rebarreled the 336 from 30-30 to 38-55 and it wasn't to bad. I used a Green Mountain barrel and machined it half octagon to round with a button magazine. Those guns have square threads and I hate square threads but hey it is just machine work. Please don't rebarrel that gun. It has too much patina. Find you another one and do it. I also had a 94 Win. in 32 that had a sewer pipe barrel so I sent it off and had the barrel rebored to 38-55 with three groove rifling. With 255 grain stuff it was an accurate gun. Cost wasn't too bad either.
Chief Crazy Horse Winchester Commemorative. Although they’ve been going up in price. Winchester did make quite a few commemorative rifles in 38-55 though
I would like to see an update on your savage 99. Im up in Alberta and they are a pretty common rifle here. I picked one up after watching your video and its in 300 savage and it seems to be really picky on which type of powder and bullet it likes
I bought a 99 in 300 savage last year with an old scope on it. I have only shot reloads. The gun has seen a lot of use but its very accurate . Off a sturdy bench with no wind the bullet holes touch. That's shooting at 100 yards. I looked up the serial number I think it was made between 1950 and 1951.
One of my favorite videos of yours is when you are using the lee classic loader on the bench outside. You load 5, shoot 5, load 5 shoot 5. It would be great to see another video like that.
@@logcabinlooms I have a very old Winchester 1894 rifle in 38-55 that might be what you are looking for. It is in great mechanical shape and has an octagon barrel. I know you like Marlins, but If you are interested, let me know. I love Marlin 1894's and 1893's that I would never sell. I love your video on 32 Special vs. 30-30.
Don't fear henry, they make excellent rifles. I've been a life long marlin guy and find the Henry every bit as good, but the blueing isn't what it could be
@@BG-ww5lg Right. That's what my Henry .410 shotgun looks like. But in looking at their website they claim their guns are blued. It must be a really dark blue. Some are brass,stainless,and color case hardened.
Henry needs to polish their steel more before they are blued. Excellent blueing requires a good polish. I still want one though, have been looking for a Big Boy in 44 Mag for about a year now?
@@briansearles4473 yep. All that prep costs money and I'm happy I can get a solid rifle for a fair price. Anyone that wants a super high finish can send their Henry off and spend the $$. Hunters generally don't care as long as there is some amount of corrosion prevention . I've been very happy with the fit on my 45-70 Henry , wish the bluing was glossy but I understand that costs more and can have it done if it's important , heck you can do it yourself if you don't mind tinkering around. Some Henry's do have glossy blue finish , they cost more.
Interesting project. Please keep us posted if you move further on it. Nothing beats walnut and blued steel, especially Marlin. Winchesters too expensive and finicky and Henry has that dumb tube magazine (and now synthetic stocks, etc.).
My 38-55 is in a Henry 20 in bbl very accurate, .376 groove and I shoot Lee mould .379 bullet, with hunting lead 20-1 mix, it drops from the mould at 258 grains. At 1800fps it has shot through and through boiler room on a very large mule deer and large bear, I know with that weight bullet and it's sectional density it would pass through and elk as well. I have shot 45-70 more often at game but the 38-55 is no slouch and recoil is very manageable. Jacketed bullets are few and far between but that's ok with me. My next 38-55 will be a cheap old 30-30, take the barrel of and send it away for barrel bore and re chamber to 38-55, total cost should be $700 range with either 94 Winchester or 336 marlin.
This may be a stupid question, I live in South Africa and lever actions not overly popular here. My question is whether neck sizing only in bottleneck cases cause feeding problems in lever actions ? Apparently attitudes are changing, guys I spoke to in gunshops over here say a lever action nowadays does not stay on the shelf very long over here.
Not a problem if it goes back into the gun it was first fired in. The most important thing is to get a good crimp on the bullet for a tubular magazine.
@@logcabinlooms thank you for the answer. I was in a gunshop last Saturday and a young fellow asked me for advice on reloading, he had just bought a .30-30 lever action, apparently a Henry. He battled to get hold of a die set, that particular shop was only one here in Pretoria that had a 30-30 die set in stock, it was the Lee one with 4 dies in the box, including a full-length sizer AND a collet neck sizing die. I was a bit perplexed about the neck sizer in the box, I thought that a lever action may not have the same camming action to chamber a neck sized round. This guy was very impressed with the caliber, he uses it to hunt warthog on his farm and said the 150 grain factory ammo performs excellently. With ammo shortage that ammo is now very expensive here, hence his quest to reload for it. We scrounged around in the shop and the only bullets for it we could find were 170 grain flat point Sierras, of which there was quite a good supply of.
@@logcabinlooms thank you for the answer. I was in a gunshop last Saturday and a young fellow asked me for advice on reloading, he had just bought a .30-30 lever action, apparently a Henry. He battled to get hold of a die set, that particular shop was only one here in Pretoria that had a 30-30 die set in stock, it was the Lee one with 4 dies in the box, including a full-length sizer AND a collet neck sizing die. I was a bit perplexed about the neck sizer in the box, I thought that a lever action may not have the same camming action to chamber a neck sized round. This guy was very impressed with the caliber, he uses it to hunt warthog on his farm and said the 150 grain factory ammo performs excellently. With ammo shortage that ammo is now very expensive here, hence his quest to reload for it. We scrounged around in the shop and the only bullets for it we could find were 170 grain flat point Sierras, of which there was quite a good supply of.
I forgot to add , the original 38-55 had a 255 gr bullet at a velocity of approx. 1250 to 1300 FPS . I can duplicate that easily with the .45 Colt in my 24 in barrel. I did have a 38-55 about 30 years ago , and sold it in a moment of weakness. The cartridge has a wonderful innate accuracy potential. With cast bullets , I managed a 1 and 11/16ths 10 shot group at 200 yards.
Getting a old Marlin 1893 in 38-55 might be an option to consider. I actually like it better than my 336 38-55 Cowboy. One of the least expensive ways to get into the 38-55 game is to find a Marlin 336 in a configuration you like, send it to JES to rebore to 38-55. 38-55 is mighty finnicky when it comes bullet diameter. Bores slug .375"-381". If your bore is in the .379" the Lee 250 RF bullet is excellent. As cast mine Lee mold drops them .3805" with my 20/1 alloy. Both of my Marlins' bores slug .380"+ so I had Accurate molds make me a mold that drops .382" to achieve the best accuracy. ruclips.net/video/bOxD-6jndB8/видео.html
What a coincidence. I just recently learned about this caliber. I sold off my 3030. It shot lead ok but it wasn’t my favorite caliber. Been looking into the 38-55
I'm 57 and lost my dear old dad at age 92 last year. He was not as eloquent a teacher as you, but he was a well of experience and wisdom I sorely miss. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with us. It may seem like a thankless endeavor, but there is more appreciation out here than you could possibly know.
Nailed it. Great comment.
Agreed.
Agree
I am a huge fan of the .38-55 and the .32 Special. I love cast projectiles.
I shoot a new production Winchester model 94 sporter in 38-55 and it’s an absolute beauty. I’ve also a old 94 manufactured in 1899 with the 26” octogon barrel solid rifles.
Great Caliber I've Loaded It For Years My 94 Likes Lead and IMR 3031 Powder CCI 200 Primers. What's Cool Is It's Smokeless Powder But It Puts Out Smoke !!!
I find the old straight wall cases natural for cast bullets. I shot a doe with my Winchester 1886 (old) and a light load in 45/70 and it dumped her good. I'd like a 38/55 hard to find though. The new Winchester rifles from Japan are superbly made, the Japanese are fanatic with attention to detail and very patient with building these old designs. Much better quality than when built here, especially the last few years at the end. It's was like no one cared about quality. It was disappointing and disheartening to watch bean counters destroy a great brand.
I love the same things you do and live similarly as you. I like listening too you sit in the woods and ramble on, like listening too an old friend. Like to watch you cast up some bullets start to finish, for some of these old guns. Thanks :-)
Henry currently makes a 35 55
I have a 1905 model 94 .38-55 I would be interested in trading for a pre 64 3030
I am trying to date an octagonal 38-55 barrel i was given recently. It does not have the nickel smokeless powder designation, caliber is marked top and bottom, VP in an oval, the letter F by itself near it, and either the letter W or M closest to the threads. 26" in length.
Hi, I'm a collector shooter and vintage ammo and reloading tool collector. I shoot cast and load for my own and others. A simple thing like the crimp is critical with 38 55 . At first I used original win and ideal tong tools and molds (often still do) to get it right. I would enjoy a chat on the subject.
Marlin made a 336 in 38-55 with octagonal barrel around 1998-2001 but discontinued it due to sales. I had one in perfect condition and foolishly sold it. If memory serves, I loaded a 260 gr lead bullet bought from Midway because I could not find a mold. My particular rifle needed a .381 bullet and I also had to use the shorter brass from Starline (apparently the newer Marlin rifles had a slightly shorter chamber). So, I’d say if you plan to look for a Marlin, hold off on getting brass or bullets until you can cast the chamber and slug the bore.
I need one too, or a 375. Need straight walled cartridge for IA, and I sold my 45-70CB.
I have a sxs cape gun chambered in 12 gauge left barrel right barrel is 38-55. I can honestly say I love the 38-55 and with the 12 gauge it's just a nice gun. It's in my top favorites.
The only complaint that I have with a Henry is parts availability. A few years back I bought a used Henry golden boy that needed a carrier assembly. At that point in time I thought it would be easy to just go online and find the parts that I needed and order them. What I ended up having to do was find an authorized Henry gunsmith and have them make the repair for me. No one would sell me the parts that I needed. I'm not saying that parts are not widely available now, because I have not, nor have I had a reason to check for them. I will say that it was a darn good rifle. But for the above mentioned reason I have never owned another Henry Rifle. Just my two cents worth. I enjoy watching all of your videos. Thanks !!!
I have a marlin that's rebored to 38-55. It shoots the lee 379 bullet sized to .378 plenty accurate. I also bought a new cimarron 1894 rifle in 38-55. The cimarron has a 26" octagon barrel and prefers cast sized .381". I took a gamble on the cimarron, glad I did, it's a sweet shooter. Neither of them have ever seen a jacketed bullet and will work on anything we have here in northern Michigan. Great channel.
Another awesome video as usual thanks for sharing your knowledge
Sgt Gary - I was in basic training at Fort Ord from March to June 1975. My brother and I joined together. Our first range day we both zeroed with our first 3 rounds. Instructors made us do it again, we did so. So we sat on the bleaches the rest of the morning. One of our drill instructors was named Gary. They supervised us on the range.
I didn't have a problem finding a Marlin 1893 38-55. It was relatively cheap. Starline brass is available everywhere. Lee has a great inexpensive mold. Inexpensive dies. Unique, Trailboss, 3031, 4895......800fps-1600fps whatever you prefer. Easy on the shoulder. You won't regret it!
I had a Ruger 96 in 44mag . Had a 3 shot rotor mag 1 in the pipe . Looked like a 10/22 . Shot great with whatever I fed it . Even wheel weights made good bullet for it . If I git them hot and they leaded up the bore , I'd just run a couple factory rounds out of it and it would clean rite up . Slick little carbine . Accurate as all get out . Real shooter !
I love the knowledge of this video. I actually have 1 of the last years production 38-55 Winchester 94. Mid 1970s promotional model. I only shoot lead with it. 1 of my favorite lever action rifles I own. Thank you for your knowledge sir.
I'd like to see a Logcabinlooms, special edition lever gun. Maybe send Ruger an email?
Haha maybe an m37 carved into one side of the stock and the road grader on the other!😅
Hi,I’m very sorry Dakotamax for your loss. My thoughts are with you. But you are right this gentleman’s words are so valuable. People just have to listen to him, there is some great wisdom here but only if you listen. Thanks to both of you guys.
Brian, it's unlikely that Dakotamax will see your comment because you didn't directly reply to his comment. If you reply to their comment it will be much more likely he will see it.
A Marlin 336 CB with octagonal barrel and chambered in 38-55 new old stock with box sold on gunbroker for $1499 with the auction closing yesterday. darnit.
I appreciate your video, very informative. When the model 1894 was introduced the cartridge it was introduced in was the Ballard 38-55 (later known as the Winchester 38-55) as well as the Ballard 32-40.. The 30=30 I believe was not introduced until the following year. I have all three calibres in the model 94 rifle. I love the 38-55 as well as the 30-30 and the 32-40. When it comes to loading I always load a hunting bullet and always a jacketed bullet. Cast are nostalgic but not as good, in my opinion as a jacketrf bullet. My thoughts
I'm commenting one this one because the stove pipe one is closed. Great idea, as long as it draws.
Take care.
I sold my 45-70CB to get a 38-55 in the CB. Still looking for the right one!
I love my Marlin 45/70 cowboy with the octagon barrel and my Marlin 35rem there work great. Id like to see one in a 38/55. That would be very nice.
I inherited my dad 38-55 ballard . need fine the bullets mould for it, large rifle primers. Already got same brass for it and the powder for it
JES Reboring in Corvallis, OR did my Marlin 336 from 30-30 to 38-55. Awesome work and dead accurate. Very affordable.
The small M16/ar15. Rounds were not designed to wound. The objective was the ability to carry more rounds ( Sgt. Gary, rifle instructor Fort Ord., California 1970-76 ).
I've sent 3 rifles to Jesse Ocumpaugh at JES Reboring (2 Marlins and 1 Winchester 30-30) and had them re-chambered in 38-55. I would recommend sending the Marlin as it seems to chamber better. I"m satisfied with the service and the end product.
Good to know, that may be the way to go,thanks. This is the sort of information that leaving comments on is perfect for.
I've had Dennis Olson of Plains Montana rebarrel two lever guns to calibers I couldn't find..one a 336 to 25-35 and the other a 95 winchester to 35 Whelen. Immaculate work, looked like factory issue.
I have a 94 Win he rebored tto 38-55.
I think your idea of barrel your 336A and 3855 is an excellent idea. I like the 336A the look of it feel of it everything and the 3855 is an excellent cartridge so I think it'd be a great combo. I know one problem guys with 3855 have told me is that from one manufacturer to another and also even within the same manufacturer from one generation to another The bore diameters are all over the place and you have to slug the pores and match your bullet. If you were doing your own barrel you could choose that diameter. I want to get a 3855 myself and I want to get into casting my own bullets and shooting it black powder. I also want a 73 and 4440 and I want to shoot it black powder. Those are my next two that I'm looking for. Thank you enjoyed the video 👍
38-55 is a good round, I love my 32 special, I also love the 1911 45.
I’ve got a belly button.🎉
I have 94 rifle 26 inch barrel, in 38/55 made in 1917, a great shooter, very accurate. I shop out of the way old pawn shops, you will be surprised what ammo you can find and make an offer with cash.
I love this channel!
I actually saw a .32 Winchester Special M94 that had previously been a .32-40 Winchester. The barrel had been restamped. Without looking at chamber and cartridge drawings I don't know if they had to set the barrel back or just run a reamer in it.
Does anybody know when the Ruger made Marlins are going to hit the market? I know times are crazy, but it would be nice to have a guesstimate.
Henry makes a current model rifle in .38-55...
He doesn't like henry I recall.
@@larryalexander4833 I never understood the henry hype either. They just arent as good of quality as everyone seems to think. The actions are so cheesy and rough.
@@G19Jeeper the finish on most of them seams cheap for what they cost
Look for a Big Bore 94 in .375 Winchester...essentially the same critter as 38-55. Winchester marketed an octagon barreled Buffalo Bill 94 rifle in 38-55 about 30 or so years ago...might be tough to find....and expensive. I prefer older Marlins...and they sold a 375 Marlin...but they are very difficult to come by.
I bought one but it’s not an octagon barrel. Buffalo Bore makes ammo
Uberti has made a 1894 reproduction with the 38-55. It has the slow twist for lead and black powder like the originals, with the .380 projectile in mind. capandball has a video on his and he loves it in black powder.
I have a model 94 Winchester. I don't have the hand strength for a lot of the automatic hand guns. Appreciate your channel.
Buds has a 26" octagonal barrel Cimarron right now for around $1,000 that looks very similar to the Marlin 45-70. Case-hardened finish too with full tube.
Since I first read about the .38-55 way back in the 1960s I've wanted one. I even purchased a U.S.A. manufactured pre "safety" Model 94 in .30-30 in 2013 with the idea of having it converted (by a professional Gunsmith...NOT Bubba) to .38-55. As a huge fan of the .35 Remington, and "big bore" lever actions in general, I think the .38-55 deserves a rebirth. When I can afford it I fully intend to have a Gunsmith here in South Carolina do the conversion I have dreamed of for over fifty years.
Keep your eyes open for an old Winchester Commerative. They made many different versions over the years, some in 38-55.
@@briansearles4473 I'll have to do that! Sadly the only ones that I have seen over the last twenty years or so were WAY more expensive than I could afford. But I will take your suggestion to heart and keep an eye out for a such a rifle.
I’m a young buck compared to most people watching. I had a major interest in 38-55 and reload a lot. The availability of jacketed bullets is slim. If you are going to shoot hard cast there are plenty out there. Brass is pretty available from starline. Decided to go with 45-70 instead. Mostly because we already had the bullets and dies. Also got an old 94 in 30-30. Cimarron has a nice rifle in .38-55
The paper patched cast lead bullet works very in the 30 WCF/30-30. This includes Winchester and Marlin lever action rifles. Read “THE PAPER JACKET” by Paul Matthews.
I had to come back to this video because I'm finally in the middle of collecting everything I need to convert, load for, and hunt with, a U.S.A. manufactured Winchester 94 .30-30 (post '64) to .38-55. I'm a huge fan of the .35 Remington and "big bores" in general and will be handing over my like new .30-30 to a professional, old-school gunsmith before too long for conversion to .38-55. I'm also considering having the gunsmith remove all traces of the current blue finish and replace it with a "plum blue" finish.
I'm looking for a 30 30 was thinking Henry but now that I found out ruger took over marlin I'm gonna wait until the new Marlins come out curious to see what ruger does
Evening Mr looms. You have got my interest up now at looking into a 38/55 . I too love marlin lever actions. Tried to trade for a. 1961 39 a takedown with factory scope option, few days ago . ( Almost had a deal but the fellow decided to keep it) I too prefer my lyman reloading items over other brands tho they work well.
I've set myself to reload for the Winchester 348 for the Model 71 I don't own Yet! Glad to check in to make sure I am on the right track and not loosing my marbles!
CHUCK HAWKS wrote an article several years ago stating that you could shoot 38-55 out of the Winchester Big Bore Model 94 chambered in 375. That might give you another option. Keep up the good work on your channels.
Check-out Buffalo Bore, they love the 38-55/375 Win.
Winchester Miroku makes a 1894 sporter. It has a 24 inch half octagon/round barrel with full length mag tube in 38-55. I just picked up the 1894 Take down in 38-55. Fine rifles. I’d go with a new Winchester or the older Marlin cowboy. There’s a couple good articles about 38-55 brass on Starline and Buffalo Bore ammos website.
What do you think of the updated version of the 38-55 the 375 winchester?
That came out in the big bore 1894 and some marlins?
Don't laugh but you might look at some of the older model 1894 commeratives from the late 60's to 80's. Winchester made 3-4 that were chambered in 38-55 and usually had an octagonal barrel with long magazine. The Olive Winchester and Chief Crazy horse are a bit flashy but there was one made to commemorate one of the states and it was 38-55. Those commemoratives were made to be collected which actually makes them not as collectable, so some times you can find them for a good deal. You could always pine tar the stock and sandblast any fancy finish off the metal.
Love my 32-40 Winchester!👍🏾😀❤️🇺🇸
Yea, Jeff! Good of you to mention this old time but wonderful chambering. Thanks n❤
Thank you sir, for your honest opinions, and sharing of your experiences.
I own a Winchester 94 in .30-30. ANd it has become very diffiult to find bullets to reload for it here in Norway.
I do however have around 850lb of ready made lead cast in ingots that I recently aquired from an older gentleman who had become to old to "play with guns" as he called it.
Is there a cast bullet that you think would work okay in my bog standard 1973 Winchester 94 .30-30?
I found an old original Winchester 1886 in .38-55 out in the woods in Valdez. It was an army issue, and back in the day, they were issued up north for big dangerous game. Me, I'm happy with my .444 Marlin 1895, using Buffalo Bore hard cast, works great on bears. Have fun👍
That's incredible, can you please tell the story?
Henry does offer a 20” barrel. I guess technically it a carbine but I think it will work FOR ME. I have been craving a rifle in this caliber for about a year now. Midway USA has the Italian reproduction of a Winchester 1894!imported by Cimarron in inventory right now. $1,100 bucks. Winchester put out a 24” a couple of years ago and Cimarron did a 26” version with color case hardened receiver.
Modern cartridges are absolutely meant to kill, but lose effectiveness at long range. This is why the Army is currently seeking a slightly more potent cartridge for standard infantry use. Also, please look up the story of Sgt. Timothy Gramins
, who shot a man in a firefight 14 times with .45 ACP rounds, six of which were fatal wounds on their own. The man kept going until Gramins shot him three times in the head. .45 is a fine round, but not significantly more likely to incapacitate than 9mm or .40 S&W.
Don't have a 38-55. I never really considered it. I went from 30-06 to 45-70 in one step. My brother, however, "stopped off" at 38-55. I have been VERY pleasantly surprised with his results. As a short-range, blunt nose cartridge, it's looking to be hard to beat.
Great video as always
I just bought a 1903 Marlin 93 in 38-55, from a pawn shop.
Do you have any load data for 38-55
The .38-55 Ballard which eventually morphed into .38-55 Winchester really was a target cartridge of some reputation. In its standard loading it was an adequate deer cartridge. It later became the basis of the modern .375 Winchester Big Bore 94 cartridge that didn't really take off like It should have. .38-55 kind of mimics what we would expect from a large bore magnum handgun round. One report I read years ago claimed .38-55 had a fair following in Canada as a moose killer. I know I have seen CIL ammo in .38-55, and they may have loaded it later than Winchester did before the big cowboy action revival. Winchester did offer a WHV high speed load for a time that jumped velocity up to about 1800 FPS. Pretty warm for all things considered. I would guess that a .38-55 with a perfectly sized cast bullet of proper hardness in a decent barrel could easily be pushed to 1800 FPS with reasonable accuracy. Especially a gas check design. No doubt that would be entirely adequate for elk or moose or bear at iron sight ranges. Likely get a complete pass through most of the time at 100 yards and possibly further. Doesn't take a whole lot of speed really to punch a good cast bullet through 30" of game animal. Another reason they work so well.
Watch "Leverguns 50", he loves the 38-55. I've been reloading my modern Winchester 94 in 38-55 since the mid 80's. Mine shoots jacketed .375 dia bullets with no problem. Getting close to 2000 FPS with a 200 grn Sierra, 235 grn Speer's shoot well too. I have never shot lead bullets through mine though. If you are thinking of buying a 38-55 you really need to handload for it. Store bought ammo is very expensive and hard to find.
That 125 grain Sierra bullet has an excellent reputation as a deer bullet. Very accurate in a 1 in 12 twist Handi Rifle, via the Federal loading.
i enjoy your video's i have 2- 38-55 's a marlin and a nice 1899 sav. if you ever find one buy it.
resently found a ideal loader with a bullet mold. hoping to try it soon.
I have heard of .30-30 cast shooting ok in micro groove, but it was more difficult to get it to do so than usual. I have also heard of pushing cast with a gas check to around 2000 fps or so from .30-30, but the alloy, lube, bullet sizing, barrel quality and charge weight had to really come together to be accurate and not lead. As for 125 grain jacketed HP Sierra, that little pill will shoot pretty decent and do so at speeds well out of what we generally consider .30-30 territory. Federal has offered It as a factory load now for 30 or so years. It is a good varmint buster for .30-30 at the upper speeds. If you are planning on saving the hides It's likely gonna require needle and thread work. It's also reportedly a bit too fragile for deer (bones) except at longer ranges or in a reduced loading at close range. Other reports say it works really well at factory load velocity on a classic broadside lung shot where no bone is encountered, or in head shots where anything would have worked about the same.
I shoot lead out of everything, no matter the rifling. However, it takes a lot of messing around, tuning the lead mix and powder charge for the correct velocity so the lead will work. 38-55 would be a snap to reload. I've loaded it for a friend from 30-30 brass. I've loaded the 38-55 and the more powerful update 375 winchester.
@Mr. Cool yes, that is correct. There also the straight walled case of the 444 in a 24 inch barrel and of course you can load it all day long with 240-310 grain lead bullets.
Just picked up an old 94 in 38-55 at auction now sourcing brass bullets and dies from all over canada I cant wait for it to get here
I have some older Marlin pamphlets showing the guns offered for each year. I checked them for 2000 thru 2002 and they made a model 336 cowboy in 38/55 with a 24 inch tapered octagonal barrel and deep cut Ballard-type rifling (6 groves ). I know you said you hadn’t ever seen one but some guys must’ve bought them if they made them for at least 3 years. I don’t have Marlen advertising
Henry makes a Sid epate lodging .38-55 that would fill the bill, I too like the .38-55 chambering.
Just got a text from a local gun shop. He just took in 5 boxes of 255gr jacketed bullets and 6 boxes of unprimed Winchester cases. Those old boxes of cases are marked $5.55. I don't have a 38-55 but I'm thinking I should get that stuff, never know when a rifle will turn up.
Cimarron makes a 94 long rifle in the original chambering of 38 55, I bought one, shoots lead great. Lee has a 379 mold and dies.
Aside from my favourite Marlin cowboy in 45-70, my 2nd favourite is my lever action .45 Colt
I am pretty sure there is at least one company that would rebore your current barrel to .38-55 for a reasonable price. Less than reasonable cost of a new rifle. Check NOE or Arsenal for molds. Super quality molds.
I just looked into the Marlin Firearms book by Brophy and it doesn't look like they made the 336 in 38-55. But it was cambered in the 1893 and the 36 sorry for the bad news. Love your channel I know where a 1893 take-down in 38-55 is but I so far have not had any luck get the guy to part with it.
I just bought an 1894 Winchester, 38-55, 1/2 octagonal barrel, I am sure it is made by Miroku.
Nice I did as well! Must be the sporter model 24”?
Imagine a future:
A Marlin with a cold hammer forged Ruger barrel......
M L McPherson wrote some interesting stuff on the 38 55 in precision shooting magazine
Nice video.
You can find some great deals on the commemorative Winchesters. I have seen nice prices for items like the Winchester Model 94 Legendary Frontiersmen Commemorative Lever Action Rifle from Rock Island Auction. Not much collector value but you just want to shoot it anyway. Bonus they are CFL
I've killed a lot of deer with a Marlin 30-30 in the Carolina brush.
North or South?
whatever happened to the model 94 test subject?
It belongs to my brother, but oddly enough I have it here now. I am loading some 125 grain hollow points today to try in my 336, and plan to run some through the 94 to compare.
@@logcabinlooms cool ....hope you do a video on those 125s i have never tried them
I have rebarreled the 336 from 30-30 to 38-55 and it wasn't to bad. I used a Green Mountain barrel and machined it half octagon to round with a button magazine. Those guns have square threads and I hate square threads but hey it is just machine work. Please don't rebarrel that gun. It has too much patina. Find you another one and do it. I also had a 94 Win. in 32 that had a sewer pipe barrel so I sent it off and had the barrel rebored to 38-55 with three groove rifling. With 255 grain stuff it was an accurate gun. Cost wasn't too bad either.
I'd look harder at Henry - fine rifles made in the U.S.A.
Chief Crazy Horse Winchester Commemorative. Although they’ve been going up in price. Winchester did make quite a few commemorative rifles in 38-55 though
Keep a journal on what you try for later reference. Yes big slow bullets drop about anything in its tracks.
Both Calibers i am currently looking at obtaining rifles in are .38-55 and .45-70. Winchester 94 26 inch barrel, and 1886 26 inch barrel.
Cool video, thanks, always enjoy your firearm vids. Ready for another grub cooking video, I'm hungry!(:
Please upload that vid, once you've worked up the dope on those 125 grainer's. ThankGod for Your channel LCL. Regular cable has Nothing on you sir.
I would like to see an update on your savage 99. Im up in Alberta and they are a pretty common rifle here. I picked one up after watching your video and its in 300 savage and it seems to be really picky on which type of powder and bullet it likes
I bought a 99 in 300 savage last year with an old scope on it. I have only shot reloads. The gun has seen a lot of use but its very accurate . Off a sturdy bench with no wind the bullet holes touch. That's shooting at 100 yards. I looked up the serial number I think it was made between 1950 and 1951.
took my first Muley with a Win 94 in 38-55...it'll get the job done!
GREAT VIDEO !!! EVER TRY ( HERTER'S UNIVERSAL DIES ) ?
One of my favorite videos of yours is when you are using the lee classic loader on the bench outside. You load 5, shoot 5, load 5 shoot 5. It would be great to see another video like that.
RUclips currently frowns on what they refer to as manufacturing ammunition, I have had a few videos removed for just that offence.
@@logcabinlooms I have a very old Winchester 1894 rifle in 38-55 that might be what you are looking for. It is in great mechanical shape and has an octagon barrel. I know you like Marlins, but If you are interested, let me know. I love Marlin 1894's and 1893's that I would never sell. I love your video on 32 Special vs. 30-30.
Don't fear henry, they make excellent rifles. I've been a life long marlin guy and find the Henry every bit as good, but the blueing isn't what it could be
@ B G I don't think Henry blues their guns do they?
@@thespiritof76. I think you're right. But I don't know. Kind of a matte black.
@@BG-ww5lg Right. That's what my Henry .410 shotgun looks like. But in looking at their website they claim their guns are blued. It must be a really dark blue. Some are brass,stainless,and color case hardened.
Henry needs to polish their steel more before they are blued. Excellent blueing requires a good polish. I still want one though, have been looking for a Big Boy in 44 Mag for about a year now?
@@briansearles4473 yep. All that prep costs money and I'm happy I can get a solid rifle for a fair price. Anyone that wants a super high finish can send their Henry off and spend the $$. Hunters generally don't care as long as there is some amount of corrosion prevention . I've been very happy with the fit on my 45-70 Henry , wish the bluing was glossy but I understand that costs more and can have it done if it's important , heck you can do it yourself if you don't mind tinkering around. Some Henry's do have glossy blue finish , they cost more.
Interesting project. Please keep us posted if you move further on it. Nothing beats walnut and blued steel, especially Marlin. Winchesters too expensive and finicky and Henry has that dumb tube magazine (and now synthetic stocks, etc.).
Henry makes a beauty of a side-loading rifle.
absolutely agree with you about Henry, there's something about these rifles that I don't like
My 38-55 is in a Henry 20 in bbl very accurate, .376 groove and I shoot Lee mould .379 bullet, with hunting lead 20-1 mix, it drops from the mould at 258 grains. At 1800fps it has shot through and through boiler room on a very large mule deer and large bear, I know with that weight bullet and it's sectional density it would pass through and elk as well. I have shot 45-70 more often at game but the 38-55 is no slouch and recoil is very manageable. Jacketed bullets are few and far between but that's ok with me.
My next 38-55 will be a cheap old 30-30, take the barrel of and send it away for barrel bore and re chamber to 38-55, total cost should be $700 range with either 94 Winchester or 336 marlin.
This may be a stupid question, I live in South Africa and lever actions not overly popular here. My question is whether neck sizing only in bottleneck cases cause feeding problems in lever actions ? Apparently attitudes are changing, guys I spoke to in gunshops over here say a lever action nowadays does not stay on the shelf very long over here.
Not a problem if it goes back into the gun it was first fired in. The most important thing is to get a good crimp on the bullet for a tubular magazine.
@@logcabinlooms thank you for the answer. I was in a gunshop last Saturday and a young fellow asked me for advice on reloading, he had just bought a .30-30 lever action, apparently a Henry. He battled to get hold of a die set, that particular shop was only one here in Pretoria that had a 30-30 die set in stock, it was the Lee one with 4 dies in the box, including a full-length sizer AND a collet neck sizing die. I was a bit perplexed about the neck sizer in the box, I thought that a lever action may not have the same camming action to chamber a neck sized round.
This guy was very impressed with the caliber, he uses it to hunt warthog on his farm and said the 150 grain factory ammo performs excellently. With ammo shortage that ammo is now very expensive here, hence his quest to reload for it. We scrounged around in the shop and the only bullets for it we could find were 170 grain flat point Sierras, of which there was quite a good supply of.
@@logcabinlooms thank you for the answer. I was in a gunshop last Saturday and a young fellow asked me for advice on reloading, he had just bought a .30-30 lever action, apparently a Henry. He battled to get hold of a die set, that particular shop was only one here in Pretoria that had a 30-30 die set in stock, it was the Lee one with 4 dies in the box, including a full-length sizer AND a collet neck sizing die. I was a bit perplexed about the neck sizer in the box, I thought that a lever action may not have the same camming action to chamber a neck sized round.
This guy was very impressed with the caliber, he uses it to hunt warthog on his farm and said the 150 grain factory ammo performs excellently. With ammo shortage that ammo is now very expensive here, hence his quest to reload for it. We scrounged around in the shop and the only bullets for it we could find were 170 grain flat point Sierras, of which there was quite a good supply of.
That's A Great Caliber And I Load For It , A Bigger Entrance Hole !!! Got Plenty of Brass And Plenty of Lead Thanks To Rim Rock Bullets
Do you like the 45 colt for pistol or rifle shooting? And for a big chunk of lead how about the martini henry rifles do you like them? Great video.
I forgot to add , the original 38-55 had a 255 gr bullet at a velocity of approx. 1250 to 1300 FPS . I can duplicate that easily with the .45 Colt in my 24 in barrel. I did have a 38-55 about 30 years ago , and sold it in a moment of weakness. The cartridge has a wonderful innate accuracy potential. With cast bullets , I managed a 1 and 11/16ths 10 shot group at 200 yards.
38-55 has always been known for good accuracy the cartridge was developed for the Ballard competition rifles
A black plastic fantastic tacticool lever gun? Aaaarrrrrgggg! Don’t do it Ruger!
Getting a old Marlin 1893 in 38-55 might be an option to consider. I actually like it better than my 336 38-55 Cowboy.
One of the least expensive ways to get into the 38-55 game is to find a Marlin 336 in a configuration you like, send it to JES to rebore to 38-55.
38-55 is mighty finnicky when it comes bullet diameter. Bores slug .375"-381". If your bore is in the .379" the Lee 250 RF bullet is excellent. As cast mine Lee mold drops them .3805" with my 20/1 alloy. Both of my Marlins' bores slug .380"+ so I had Accurate molds make me a mold that drops .382" to achieve the best accuracy.
ruclips.net/video/bOxD-6jndB8/видео.html
I have a JES rebore 38 55 in a Winchester 94.
What a coincidence. I just recently learned about this caliber. I sold off my 3030. It shot lead ok but it wasn’t my favorite caliber. Been looking into the 38-55