Starting Gunpowder load for 38-55

[August]

I've tried 41 grains of FFG and it took a lot of compression to get a 320 grain lyman boolit on top of it.  Then, I tried 44 grains of FFFG and got a lot of fouling for my attempt.

Can you advise me of a good starting point for weight (and grade) of gunpowder to use in this cartridge?  I'm using the Lyman postel 320 grain bullet in my (modern) Winchester High Wall.

Thanks for any help with this.  It's been a steep learning curve to get this cartridge running in both a high wall and lever gun. 

[Dick Dastardly]

Howdy August,

When you chamber your round, does it touch the rifling?  If not, try setting it out till it does and the action closes with a slight resistance.  That may get you some more room under the bullet for powder.  Also, are you using a drop tube?  If not, you can get more powder in than just dumping in.  Last, are you compressing the powder before seating the bullet.  I like to put a 1/16" Circle Fly wad on top of the powder and compress the wad along with the powder.

All that may get the job done for  you.  If not, try a shorter bullet.

DD-DLoS

[john boy]

August:  Give this a try ...
* Case with 0.002 neck tension
* CCI Br2 primer
* 40gr FFFg (I frequently 'sock' my powder and did for this recipe)
* Lyman 378674 (332gr) 1:16
* Seated to bottom of driving band
* Light crimp to remove the bell

200yds ... The holes marked with a 'D' in the 10 ring are after sighter adjustments


And here is the 100yd target ...

I shot these targets with my El Cheapo H&R - vintage 2003

If not, try a shorter bullet.

... And for those that profess a 38-55 will not shoot long heavy bullets ... I say; The proof is the target!

I've got 50 loaded to shoot 200-300-400-500m on the silhouettes.  Only difference with the recipe is a 10 thousands paper wad over the primer hole to decrease the brisance of the primer flash and Starline 2.125 cases