Reloading the 38-55

[Robin]

Well, I got the dies RCBS, I got the brass, Starline, I got the bullets, 255 gr. lead RNFP, I got the gun, a Winchester High Wall, what I don't have is, the powder recommended in the reloading manual, H4895, H322, H4198!!!!!! Gun shops do not have it, no one on the internet has any of them. One gun shop guy said he hasn't been able to get any of them for some time and speculates the military is buying up stuff, I speculate that the billions spent in Ukraine is somehow sucking them into that corrupt vacuum. Either way I am not against using another powder but cannot find a forum that would have information on this specific caliber using alternate powders and believe me, I have spent hours combing the internet searching for anything that will get me on the road to making up a decent load for target shooting and hunting deer. Any, any information anyone might have would be appreciated, whether it is loading this caliber, powder sources, or even web sights that specialize in this type of shooting.
Robin

 

[kev74]

If you're not picky, sign up for the emails from these guys. Home Page - American Reloading

They have been getting a lot of powder in lately. It sells out quickly though.

 

[JRtraderny]

Well, I got the dies RCBS, I got the brass, Starline, I got the bullets, 255 gr. lead RNFP, I got the gun, a Winchester High Wall, what I don't have is, the powder recommended in the reloading manual, H4895, H322, H4198!!!!!! Gun shops do not have it, no one on the internet has any of them. One gun shop guy said he hasn't been able to get any of them for some time and speculates the military is buying up stuff, I speculate that the billions spent in Ukraine is somehow sucking them into that corrupt vacuum. Either way I am not against using another powder but cannot find a forum that would have information on this specific caliber using alternate powders and believe me, I have spent hours combing the internet searching for anything that will get me on the road to making up a decent load for target shooting and hunting deer. Any, any information anyone might have would be appreciated, whether it is loading this caliber, powder sources, or even web sights that specialize in this type of shooting.
Robin

Powder Valley has IMR 3031 in stock that is listed to use with the 255 gr. bullets. Reloading Data Center – Hodgdon Reloading Data Center

 

[S&W Fan]

What about reloading it as a Black powder round ?

 

[S&W Fan]

I know that you said that you’ve searched the internet but have you looked at any of the cowboy action shooting sites . Often times there is a section devoted to favorite load data and 38-55 is a popular round in those circles.

 

[repete]

I hate stick powder like IMR 3031.
My real point for being here, have you asked around on Cast Boolits .com? Been awhile since I've been there but lot of old timers with TONS of first hand knowledge, if you don't see it, register and ask.

 

[Robin]

Man! You guys are awesome!!!!! JR, that just may be the ticket!!!! Not a big fan of the stick powders but I am adaptable, Hah!
I have tried Cast Boolits and the folks there seem to get easily distracted in their strings, kinda like here, Hah, I will give it another go though.
S&W, I probably will get around to reloading with black powder, its in my blood, but right now I want to concentrate on a good accurate hunting load with no fowling. the Cowboy guys tend to concentrate on very low power loads which Is fine and I will probably get there eventually too.
Thanks Fellows!
Robin

 

[fresch]

.38-55 Winchester

Reloading Data .38-55 Winchester / .38-55 WCF Metallic

.38-55 Winchester / .38-55 WCF reloading data with 27 loads. Using bullets from Hornady, Barnes, Jacketed, RCBS 37-250. Powders include Alliant, Accurate, IMR, Hodgdon

loaddata.com

Try this

 

[kev74]

@Robin Lots of powder available.

Shop - American Reloading

americanreloading.com

 

[kev74]

@Robin Lots of powder available.

Shop - American Reloading

americanreloading.com

And... It's gone!

That was quick!

 

[Acer-m14]

don't know if this will be any help ...

bump

Hodgdon's new November 2023 updated Burn Rate Chart

www.shotgunworld.com

 

[Robin]

@Robin Lots of powder available.

Shop - American Reloading

americanreloading.com

Kev, I found three or four different sites that were all different but formatted pretty much the same way, especially at the check out, requiring a couple different payment methods that I do not use. They all claim to have the powder that I wanted, also a $200.00 min. order required. Those sites reminded me of one a couple years ago that claimed to have Winchester 180, 350 legend bullets in stock when absolutely no one else had them, they also required $200.00 min order and payment methods I don't use. I called them to see if they would take a credit card, the fellow said sure they would, he was chinese, very hard to understand chinese. I hung up, I believe they were a scam site, like some of the ones I found offering the powder no one else has.
Robin

 

[kev74]

Kev, I found three or four different sites that were all different but formatted pretty much the same way, especially at the check out, requiring a couple different payment methods that I do not use. They all claim to have the powder that I wanted, also a $200.00 min. order required. Those sites reminded me of one a couple years ago that claimed to have Winchester 180, 350 legend bullets in stock when absolutely no one else had them, they also required $200.00 min order and payment methods I don't use. I called them to see if they would take a credit card, the fellow said sure they would, he was chinese, very hard to understand chinese. I hung up, I believe they were a scam site, like some of the ones I found offering the powder no one else has.
Robin

I've bought lost of powder and bullets from that site. They're reputable.

The downside with the powder is that it's their 'house Brand' and is supposed to be equivalent to the big name stuff. They recommend starting 10% below published loads. I've used many pounds of it without issue.

Any port in a storm, as they say.

 

[fresch]

2400 (17-19g) and unique(~10g), red dot (~10g).

 

[Robin]

don't know if this will be any help ...

bump

Hodgdon's new November 2023 updated Burn Rate Chart

www.shotgunworld.com

Thanks Acer. I printed it out cuz it is interesting to me but will probably never use it. I'm not very experimental when it comes to this stuff and try to always stay within published data. Not looking to make magnum's out of mole hills.
Rbin

 

[JRtraderny]

Here's info on Shooters World powders Robin the Buffalo Rifle powder shows a load like you're looking for . https://shootersworldpowder.com/wp-content/uploads/shooters-world-manual.pdf

 

[Robin]

That is very interesting JR, I had never heard of that outfit and will delve into their offerings. Thanks!!
Robin

 

[Robin]

Well, the chrono didn't work, but the cases of my last test rounds loaded just under the Max. in the chart provided show absolutely no signs of over pressure and recoil is about what one should expect. the hardest part when shooting is to remember to slice the scope back into position after each round. What the guy spent on that scope and mount is about equal to buyin aan AR, yikes!!!! The chronograph verifications will have to wait.

I never would have thought I would be testing rounds this weekend, and it is due to all the help I received right here. So once more, Thank you all!!!!
Robin

 

[FP1201]

Here's info on Shooters World powders Robin the Buffalo Rifle powder shows a load like you're looking for . https://shootersworldpowder.com/wp-content/uploads/shooters-world-manual.pdf

This would have been my suggestion as well.
Cast Bullets seem to like fast burning powders.
Buffalo Rifle is a lot like AA5744, which is close to Lil'Gun, H4227, AA1680, AA2015, Powders recommended for 45/70 should work well in the 38-55
Having burned through several different pounds of Shooters World Powder, there is nothing I do not like about it!

Talking to a friend who's a very avid reloader and shooter, he uses 700X (shotgun powder) for his 405gr. cast 45/70 rounds and they shoot fantastic....Lyman has published thee Book on shooting cast bullets; might be worth a read.