38-55 reloading components

Longfin · Post by **Longfin** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 5:19 am

Will send one of my 336Ts to Jesse Ocumpaugh today to convert to 38-55. Those of you that have had this done, what components have you found to be the most successful? I have read that some folks had to get the RCBS Cowboy die set due to the expander issue with bullets larger than .375. I would think I would use a cast bullet of .378 in Jesse's conversion. I normally use Lee reloading dies, but I'm not sure in this case that Lee would work well. What bullet/boolit and powder combination have you found to work for you. 20cows, what method are you using to convert 30-30 brass to 38-55? I appreciate any info I can get.

20cows · Post by **20cows** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 5:54 am

I have used both fireformed .30-30 brass and the latest version of Winchester factory brass. Since I didn't change cartridge guides, I have found that can use either with my Lyman cast bullets, but if I use the Hornady 220 gr jacketed, I have to use the shorter fireformed brass or I have cartridge OAL issues.

BenT · Post by **BenT** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:39 am

I haven't tried cast bullets yet. The hornady 220 grain works well with 30 grains of Reloader 7. I use winchester 38-55 brass which is available again. I don't seem to have a AOL problem with Win brass and the 220 hornady. In fact I took off the 20" barrel and am installing a 26" octagon barrel. I plan on getting a cast load for it.

Post by **Hobie** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:51 am

My .38-55 is a Contender 21" which was done by Bullberry and uses about the same bore dimension as Jesse's barrels. My dies are the RCBS I bought a way back when in 197something BEFORE they shortened the brass. IOW the dies are intended for the bigger bullets. I have no problems loading bullets from .375" to .380" diameter. I have used old CIL/Dominion and Winchester brass, new Winchester brass, converted .30-30s, and the new Starline brass.

Of course, I've written this all up before.

Buffboy · Post by **Buffboy** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:00 am

I've loaded bullets to .380 cast with my Lee dies with no problems and have no doubt they would load a larger cast bullet. Lee's 38-55 dies are a 3 die set like a pistol set and include an expander die. I added the FCD to make 4. The only brass I've ever used with my Marlin is the Winchester 38-55. I stocked up a few months back when they made a run because it got pretty hard find at times. Now that Starline is making the stuff it shouldn't be as much of a problem.

Irascible · Post by **Irascible** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:42 am

Having a few 38-55s I would advise using a .375 barrel as in the 375 Winchester.
Most moulds and jacketed bullets are for the 375 bore. I have Lyman, LBT and Redding and Saeco moulds. My absolute favorite and very accurate bullet is the RCBS 250gr GC. My most accurate non GC bullet is the LBT LFN. The Lyman moulds, useable in a levergun, will only work well in the smaller diameter barrels
The only jacketed bullets available for a bore larger than .375 is Barnes Original. It is .377 diameter but still shoots extremly well in my M94 with a .379 bore.

Irascible · Post by **Irascible** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:52 am

Something else to consider, talk to the fellow making the conversion. You need to specify, or at least know what chamber length he is chambering for. There has only been one factory length chamber of 2.120 (plus or minus). The W-W brass is 2.080 which is short for factory chambers. Starline now makes both the Winchester length and the original length.
Also, if you have an older gun with a large bore, Dave Scoville reported that the necks are thin enough to load a .380 diameter bullet where needed. I ran into this problem with my Ruger #1 in 38-55; the bore was .3805 but with a bullet that diameter the seating die had to be opened up and the bullet would not chamber until I opened the chamber neck area up with a custom reamer.

Bis · Post by **Bis** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 12:18 pm

I also use the Lee 3 die set and Factory Crimp die and have had no problems. I am using Oregon Trails Laser Cast bullets (.380 dia. ) since my H&R meassures about .379. Tried some 30-30 fire formed brass but they seem to be about .07" shorter than the Win. brass, so I am sticking with the Win. 38-55 brass.