38/55 winchester

furbman · 10-11-2004, 05:52 PM

I just had ther opertunity to get a winchester " Crazy Horse" in 38/55 and would like to use it. I dont see a lot of reloading data on this cartridge, i know its an older one but was hoping some one has one and has some good data for reloads to use with this venerable old round, sure seems like it did its job back when, sort of like a lighter version of the 45/70. Any help would be apreciated..........Craig

HighDesertWolf · 10-13-2004, 02:18 AM

Hodgdons 2004 annual manual has two loads for that caliber one with a 250 gr lyman cast bullet the other for a 255 gr barnes jacketed flat point.

ktscontender · 10-13-2004, 06:23 AM

This is one of my favorite cartridges on the Contender. I have a 14" bbl and it is just plain fun to shoot. I've been using strictly cast bullets from 230gr to 255gr

Hodgdon, Accurate and Lyman all have a little load data for this cartridge and I believe if you look in the cowboy action shooting areas you can find loaded ammo.

The 38-55 was used for match shooting back in the days of old and later was the parent case for the 30-30. I have heard it said that in terms of popularity, for that time period, that the 38-55 was to the 45-70 what the 308 is to the 30-06

My most accurate load to date is with a 245gr LFP bullet from Leadheads using 21.0gr of IMR 4198 and a federal primer in a win. case. Another load I use is with 19.0gr of H4227 but this load is a bit anemic tho a pleasure to shoot in the Contender.

One thing to note. These bullets are sized around .379 I have used bullets sized at .377 but they were not as accurate as the larger.

Have Fun! You picked a great cartridge to play with.

eldeguello · 10-24-2004, 10:22 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: furbman

I just had ther opertunity to get a winchester " Crazy Horse" in 38/55 and would like to use it. I dont see a lot of reloading data on this cartridge, i know its an older one but was hoping some one has one and has some good data for reloads to use with this venerable old round, sure seems like it did its job back when, sort of like a lighter version of the 45/70. Any help would be apreciated..........Craig

Craig, look in the Lyman Handbooks. I know that No. 46 has some .38/55 loads, and I think the No. 47 does also, but they're probably the same loads as No. 46. In a strong relatively new M94, you should be able to come close to 1800 FPS with a cast 255-grain gascheck bullet. This makes the .38/55 at least the equal of the .35 Remington for deer and black bear shooting. Maybe even moose, out to 75 or 80 yards!