Marlin Cowboy / .38-55 reamer question

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Please forgive me if I'm rehashing something recent (a search didn't turn it up).

I have a Marlin Cowboy in .38-55 that has the common Marlin .38-55 problem... the bore is larger than the chamber.

Does anyone know where I can send this rifle to have the chamber reamed?

[Lefty Dude]

Have you tried Starline 38-55 thinned neck brass ? Starline produces this brass for such, as many 38-55 Handi's have this problem also. Check out the Starline site. They also make it in two lengths, 2.080" and 2.125". (Marlin made the Handi barrels also)

My handi 38-55 target Classis's bore groove is .379". With Winchester brass and a .380" bullet, the round will not chamber fully. I bought the Starline 2.125" thinned neck brass and now they just drop in the chamber.

The Winchester brass has a neck thickness of .010"-.011", the Starline is .007". The difference with a tight chamber is very telling indeed.

BTW; I will be selling my 100 New Winchester 38-55 cases in the Classifieds soon.

[1886]

Your rifle is fine. Marlin knew what they were doing. There is not a chamber dimension problem with the Marlin CB .38-55. As previously stated, get the Starline 2.125" brass and load projectiles sized .380 and all will be well. Do not make the same mistake other have made and open up the chamber. Good Luck, 1886.

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Forgive me for not returning sooner.

I have lots (LOTS) of .30-30 brass that I fire form, so I have no interest in starting over with new brass.

Mr. 1886, why would it be a mistake to correct the chamber to make it .001 over the bore size? What advantage is there (to me) to having an undersized chamber?

[1886]

As stated, the brass you are using is in question. It is incorrect. Use the Starline brass. The chamber in your rifle is not undersized. Opening up the chamber serves zero purpose other than needing to be right. Sorry to be so blunt. If it is simple economics, it seems to me that buying a supply of the correct brass is cheaper than opening up and ruining the chamber on that very fine rifle. I may very well be mistaken, I do believe the .38-55 was Marlin's cartridge. Best Wishes, 1886.

[Chuck 100 yd]

What Lefty Dude and 1886 said +1.
The Winchester brass is too thick to fit a proper bullet in your chamber. I have a box of 500 new unfired Winchester cases that I need to get rid of. ( it was given to me a couple years ago)
I just purchased a like new used Marlin Cowboy in .38-55 today and will be ordering some Starline brass soon.

What cast bullet works the best for those who shoot the .38-55 Marlin? I prefer Lyman and RCBS molds but will and do buy others.

[1886]

I Chuck, I shot the Saeco 373 gas checked and sized .380 from Mt.Baldy on top of a case full of H-4895 ignited by CCI-200 primers. I used an expander that was .375. I crimped with a Lee custom FCD to accommodate the Starline 2.125" brass. I did not chrony the load and I would guess velocity was around 1650 FPS. This load was super in two Marlin .38-55 Cowboys. If I was looking for top velocity, I would have tried RL-7. Here is a link http://www.mtbaldybullets.com/asp/products.asp Good Luck, 1886.

[Chuck 100 yd]

1886 , Thanks for the info pard!!

[Lefty Dude]

Buffalo Arms has the 255 gr. .380" bullet that shoots very nice.

I have some old stock Meister's that are 245 gr. .380" that I will use up, have 400 left.

I tried RL 7, SR-4759 & AA5744. 5744 give me the tightest groups of the powder I tried, next was RL 7 and last SR-4759. It was close between 5744 & RL 7.

I am shooting a H&R 1871 Classic Target.