38-55 loads

[Tredeb]

A buddy of mine was recently looking for some load data for his 38-55. In particular, with a 300gr bullet. Most literature he has only goes up to 265gr.

Anyone have any experience with this round?

Thanks

[Pioneer2]

Not sure if there ever was a 300gr load? Maybe cast but most rifling twists may not stabilize it.I think the twist is either 1-18 or 1-20" for the 255gr factory load.I'll check my Ken Water's Pet Loads when I get off work for you.I have my grand dad's 1894 long barrel 38-55.Deer get sick quick hit with this under 150 yards.Moose as well...................Harold *grand old cartridge

[Win94]

I have experience with this round but its with a 245 grain hard cast from the bullet barn and 26 grain of XMR 2015 which netted me 1650 fps.

[Tredeb]

I am not sure where he got the bullets, but I know they are 300gr. What would be the effects of not stabilizing? Just poor accuracy?

Trev

[Pioneer2]

I suspect they are .375 bore not .377 or .378 needed for the 38.55 The Pope + Ballard [Scheutzen] target guns [pardon the spelling]had a different rifling twist specifically for heavy bullets.I'll see what I can find out.......Harold

[Pioneer2]

Heaviest cast bullet loads I came across were 280gr..............Harold

[Tredeb]

Originally Posted by Pioneer2

Heaviest cast bullet loads I came across were 280gr..............Harold

Thanks for the legwork. I think that is where his data ended as well.