Some interesting data on 38-55

[Dick Dastardly]

Ho the fire, hold yer fire.  I'm comin' in peaceable like.

I just got some interesting data from my 38-55 Legendary Frontiersman Winchester rifle.  I've been having good luck with fire formed 30-30 brass.  So, I went and shot some over the bullet speedometer.  It turns out that my Standard Deviation is SMALLER with the fire formed 30-30 brass.  My rifle chambers both equally well, but shoots the re-formed 30-30 ammo more accurately.

The bullet I'm shooting is the Big Lube DD-38-55 RNFP 255 grain lube sized with PL-II over a card wad.  The powder is Swiss FFFg.

SD for 38-55 brass loads (same as the other) = 34.91.  SD for 30-30 brass loads (same loads) = 29.42.  Those are the facts from the machine.

DD-MDA

[fourfingersofdeath]

Interesting. I had heard that the 38/55 and 375Win brass were the same nowadays, with that in min, maybe the 30/30 brass is a touch more flexible and giving better grip on the cylinder, etc.

I don't have a 38/55, but have a 94 XTR Big Bore in 375Win. It is a lovely rifle.

[Coffinmaker]

Unfortunately, ........... I don't have any interesting data for my 38-55.   Unfortunately, ............ I don't own a Chrono.   However I do have
"some" information on the 38-55.
H&R Handi-rifle, 28 inch barrel "Target" with Smith Enterprises Ladder Rear sight and a really tall Skinner front sight.  Starline cases,
Winchester primers, 2f APP (a lot) and topped off with AN EPP UG - 36 Bullet, no lube.
At 50 Meters you can cover the group with a folded dollar bill.  After that, no clue.
Standard deviant (me)
Have no idea the velocity (remember .. no chrono) but that li'l bitty sucker is HAULING BUTT!!

Coffinmaker 

[wildman1]

Unfortunately, ........... I don't have any interesting data for my 38-55.   Unfortunately, ............ I don't own a Chrono.   However I do have
"some" information on the 38-55.
H&R Handi-rifle, 28 inch barrel "Target" with Smith Enterprises Ladder Rear sight and a really tall Skinner front sight.  Starline cases,
Winchester primers, 2f APP (a lot) and topped off with AN EPP UG - 36 Bullet, no lube.
At 50 Meters you can cover the group with a folded dollar bill.  After that, no clue.
Standard deviant (me)
Have no idea the velocity (remember .. no chrono) but that li'l bitty sucker is HAULING BUTT!!

Coffinmaker 

As long as you think your Model "T" can compete at the Indy go for it.  wM1

[Coffinmaker]

wM1,
Humpff.  Snort.  Chuckle, I only play at Plainsman Side Matches with my Handi.  Ergo, I only need to "reach out" to 50 meters max.  I
wanted to be able to shoot "cheap" with what I have on hand.  Gotz a ruddy great pile of "as cast" EPP UG 36.  Tried em inna 38-55
on a lark.  Darned if they didn't work just fine.

One of these days, I'll haul everything out to the range and see if I can get it onna pizza box at a hunnert or so yards.  With a case full
of 2F APP, there is a Cloud of Smoke and a hearty Hy Yo Silver Away, but no, and I mean NO recoil.  FUN!!

Coffinmaker 

[Blair]

The 38-55 is a great cartridge caliber. The single shot variation should not be underestimated out to at least 300 yards with BP.
This depends greatly on two factors,
1. is the bullet weight.
2. is the rate of twist of the rifling.

Lever guns depend on OAL of the cartridge and the rate of twist to preform at its best.
Just my opinion based on my experience shooting the 38-55.
My best,
Blair

[Dick Dastardly]

Update on the Win. 38-55.  I've been shooting some Old Einsford 1½Fg with the DD 38-55 255 grain bullet and the accuracy looks like it will equal or better Swiss FFFg with the same load.  More shooting is needed and I'll wring it out some more tomorrow.  This is a rifle and caliber I really enjoy shooting.  I'd be very pleased if it could deliver the same groups as my Rem. rolling block 45-70.

DD-MDA