Loads for 'new' .38-55 Win highwall

[Buzz64]

OK, thanks to those who provided info in my quest for the .38-55 Traditional hunter - have one on the way! Now on to the loads for it. I've looked here (cast pics load data) and all over the net. I've settled (for now) on the Ranch Dog 380-250 GC for the boolit but the hunt is on for a couple different powders to 'work up'. Anybody have preferences? I'm thinking RL-7 and the Alliant 5744 are the ones but still open for other 'proven' loads. Again, this is for a modern .38-55, looking to punch paper and maybe chase a deer or two. Velocity between 1100 and 1500. Bottom line is consistency (accuracy) trumps all. Thanks in advance.
Buzz

[ph4570]

Good to hear you found one. For your low end velocity 9 grains of Unique is the bee's knees with a 250 gr boolit. I highly recommend the Lee 250gr two hole mold at $20. No GCs required for the low end velocity.

[Clay M]

If you can get the Rel 7 try 28 grains with a 250 gr bullet.That shoots the best in my Traditional Hunter.I use Fed 210BR primers.

[NickSS]

I ahoot a lot of 38-55 ammo mostly loaded with 250 gr bullets and my very favorite load is 18 gr of AA 5744. This is not a hot load but is extremely accurate in all 4 of my rifles of that caliber.

[Dusty Wheeler]

I'm with NickSS, 18 grains of AA5744 is a real bell ringer! I've loaded heavier but this is very accurate with Lee 250 gr, cast soft and sized to .380 as well as a Seaco 300 gr cast soft and sized to .380.

[Buzz64]

Got the gun on the way, have a set of Lee molds, Ranch Dog mold on order (group buy), G, H and I dies (.379) brand new Winchester brass, CCI bench rest large rifle primers and now I CAN'T FIND ANY POWDER! RL-7 and 5744 are non-existent in and around Kansas City!

[ph4570]

If you can find some unique powder try that for low velocity loads -- 9 gr and 250gr boolit should get you around 1100 fps with good accuracy.

[Dusty Wheeler]

I've used 8 gr Unique and the Lee bullet for plinking and just getting used to a new gun... Can't go wrong with Unique!

[Buzz64]

Anybody tried any of the shotgun powders in their rifles? Clays, Longshot, Reddot, Greendot are available around here...I sent an email to hogden to see if they would answer for their powders but haven't heard back - nothing on their web site about the above. If I find unique I'll sure pick some up.

[Buzz64]

OK, found some 2400. An old reloading book lists 16gr min and 18gr max behind a 255gr cast. Anybody out there used 2400 with the Lee 250gr?

[Buzz64]

Bump - anyone use 2400 behind a 250gr Lee boolit?

[pbcaster45]

I tried 2400 with the Oregon Trail 240 gr. FN (almost a dead ringer for the Lee) and showed pressure signs right away (reamer marks). Really didn't expect that so I quit using it. Maybe I should have used a Large Pistol Primer or a softer boolit...

Bullet: Oregon Trail 240 gr. FN (.380)
Powder: 15.5 grs. Alliant 2400
Primer: Winchester Large Rifle
Case: Starline 2.125

[rbertalotto]

UNIQUE...Nuff said! You can try them all, but you're gonna love 9g of Unique under a 250g boolit.

[pbcaster45]

My favorite 38-55 powder is still IMR 4198

Bullet: Oregon Trail 240 gr. FN (.380)
Powder: 20.0 grs. IMR 4198
Primer: CCI-BR2
Case: Starline 2.125 (.378 inside neck diameter)
LOAL: 2.700



Five shots at 100 yards.