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.