Just purchased a Winchester Legacy 38-55, NIB, never shot. We have shoot in Co I'd like to try but not sure if I'm going to be ready since I'm new to the game. I've purchased some lead bullets .379 and .380 both 275 grains to play with until I cast my own.

It sounds like people load different loads for the different distances, hotter for the rams milder for the chickens?

Anyone have some ballparks loads they want to share?

Much appreciated.

Rich

I am using 260 grain .381 lead bullets in my Marlin. 28 grains of IMR 4895. Shoots very well. Same bullet and load for all targets at this time.

Try 10gr of Hodgden Universal. Very mild load that I get good accuracy with in 3 different '94 Winchesters.
Knocks down rams no worries.

I hear a lot of people are having fun with this and Trail Boss powder.
Dennis

The load I use in my wifes 38/55 is 15.5g 4227 for all the targets. Works very well with any weight between 220- 280g. Very mild on recoil as well.


Dave

Dave, you are one of many that use 4227 for the .38-55. But I find that it is very position sensitive and I can make two distinct groups appear very easily by simply pointing the muzzle upward or downward before shooting. I switched to h4198

Dave, you are one of many that use 4227 for the .38-55. But I find that it is very position sensitive and I can make two distinct groups appear very easily by simply pointing the muzzle upward or downward before shooting. I switched to h4198

Yep, I shoot a 200 yard fun match and used IMR 4227 for a while until I figured this out. My load would group two distinct groups 16 inches (yes over a foot at 200 yards) apart depending on powder forward or to the rear of the case. I went to Re7 and am much happier when I can find it.
T

I agree with you Brent regarding the 2 groups. Trick is to do the same thing every time. Cycle the rifle with the muzzle pointed slightly upwards works for me, i never let the muzzle get below parallel to the ground.




Dave

Dave, that's too hard for my little brain to remember.

I'm shooting just black now. Easier to load and shoot.

All the advise is much appreciated. Now I have to just get some loads put together and head to the range. This 18" of snow we just got is hampering my practice time.

Had my 38-55 out yesterday shooting steel I love that thing rams at 200m no worries ...

Finally got out to the range to sight her in with some reloads ... Winchester 94

That's sure a pretty rifle how did it shoot for you?

The rifle shoots well but its the shooter I'm having problems with. Did my first silhouette. I had a few on each critter but was skunked on the turkeys. It was fun though. I have plenty of room for improvement.

Here is a link to some good 38-55 load info over on the Marlin Owners Forum:

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/32-40 ... range.html

Some interesting results using Les Vollmers jacketed bullets. I have some of his 255's and 220's loaded up, just haven't had the chance to try them.

Greg