38-55 bullet sizing

[Pioneer2]

I have some .381 GC bullets for another rifle that I'm wondering if they can be sized down to use in a .376 groove rifle or is that feasible?

[Hickory]

You can size them down, but you will loose some of the capacity in the lube grooves.

[Pioneer2]

What size ?

[Walks]

Just size them base first. Otherwise you could maybe strip off the gas check.

[Pioneer2]

I have a .379 die Lyman ?

[country gent]

.381 - .379 is doable (.002) but if these are commercial hard cast they may take some force to size. A push thru die used in a reloading press would be best for this, more leverage, pushes on bottom of bullet instead of nose. And allows bullet to center better.

[northmn]

If you are using a smokeless powder load you can size them and then use a coating lube like Lees Liquid Alox. I use it a lot. Don'e reall know what bullet it is. MY 38-55 GC bullet is the Lyman that weighs 264 gr with #2 alloy.

DEP