.38/55 cases in the .375 Winchester

Ridgerunner · Post by **Ridgerunner** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:18 am

Now is it the short version or the long version of the .38/55 case that will work in the .375 Winchester? Thanks in advance....

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:29 am

I have used them I just trimmed them to OAL for the 375 win.I used these for my cast loads and no problems.
pete

Don-T · Post by **Don-T** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:50 am

Reality is that either will work but the short version is closer to 375 length. I can use them interchangeably in my Marlin.

CBinNH · Post by **CBinNH** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:08 am

I can say that Imperial factory loads with long brass (2.129) were too long for my BB94. Case mouths were tapered inward after firing, looking almost as if crimped without bullet in place making me think they protruded into the throat. Shells on the left & right are BB94 fired cases. Middle round was fired through 1905 Win 1894 38-55.
Chris

Ridgerunner · Post by **Ridgerunner** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:23 am

thankee kindly for your responses, hermanos....

omgb · Post by **omgb** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 12:36 pm

I must have the Uber-throat model of BB94. I can shoot all three lengths of 38-55 cases without a hitch. I once posted photos of my chamber slug along with dimentions. I swear, the guys at the factory must have been smoking swomthing funny when they made my gun. The bore slugs at .379 and any bullet (cast that is) under .380 shoots wild.

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 1:09 pm

I shoot the Winchester factory 38-55s in my Marlin. They are among the most accurate loads for it.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 1:24 pm

The shorter length .38-55 cases(2.080") work fine in my Marlin .375 and my B.B. 94 .375. Use the correct length 2.125" cases in the Marlin Cowboy .38-55. Good Luck. 1886.

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:14 pm

I guess I don't know much about the reasoning behind this. Why use
38-55 case instead of 375 Win cases in the 375 Winchester? Does it work better for cast bullets or something?

Why is there two different lengths of 38-55 cases? Just trying to learn something, since I have never messed with the 38-55 or the 375 Win. although I have been tempted, espacally if I found a nice old Winchester with an octagon barrel.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 11:17 pm

It is always better to use cases that more closely fit the chamber. Marlin and Win. both chambered their .375 rifles so 2.080" brass would fit. .375 Win case drawings show a max. length of 2.060". The .38-55 cases that measure 2.080" fit the chamber of these rifles so many guys use them. To the best of my knowledge there are two lengths of currently manufactured .38-55 cases, 2.080" and 2.125". Marlin Cowboy .38-55 rifles can utilize the longer cases. The longer cases made by Starline are a superior choice for the Marlin Cowboys for many reasons not the least of which allows one to utilize the proper diameter bullets for these rifles. Hope this clears things up a little. 1886.