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Thread: Marlin 1893 38-55

  1. 10-24-2018, 09:27 AM #1
    bigted
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    Marlin 1893 38-55

    Decided to pull my old 93 out and dust it off. This rifle was made in 1897 and is a little raggedy with a period stock repair and looks like a replaced for stock.

    When i got her the sewer pipe barrel was impossible to bring back so had it lined with the correct .380 liner and now she shoots very well. Nice smooth action with a strong lock up. It wears an original Lyman receiver sight and a bead front. She is a joy to hold and wonder what kinda history she has behind her.

    So I'd like feedback on loads you use in the 38-55. She has a " special smokeless steel " barrel and the " Marlin Safety " receiver. Great old rifle but would like to hear what others load in their 38-55's.
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  2. 10-24-2018, 10:06 AM #2
    northmn
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    O boy. The most popular load for an older rifle like that is Unique or an equivalent at 9-10 grains with a 250 grain bullet. I have used the Lee bullet and have had good results but with a 380 bore it might be a very close fit. A coated lube might help. Same bullet loaded with IMR 4198 at about 21-22 grains gave me a little more oomph than the BP equivalent load you get from Unique. It is very accurate and gives velocity over 1400 fps. (chronographed) I do use the Lyman mold now, and it drops a bullet at 287 grains or so with the gas check. It is a heavy bullet but I like it for more serious loads, but I have a 336 Marlin cowboy. My Lyman manual has loading data that is in the range of 28000 or so. Some of those loads are impressive which is what I gather you are looking at. I doubt if the 93 has the same strength as a 336 so I would be careful about going up to some of the loads I have seen in literature.


    DEP
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  3. 10-24-2018, 05:00 PM #3
    bigted
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    Oh no, do not desire to strain her and that is not my style anyway. Between 1100 and 1400 FPS is where i am headed.
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  4. 10-24-2018, 06:20 PM #4
    Triggerfinger
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    Same here. I don't push these old guns too hard, keep the speed about 1150-1250.
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  5. 10-24-2018, 06:28 PM #5
    Prodigal Son
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    They worked then, still do the job today! Nice old gun!
    Semper Fidelis, to God, Country and Corps!
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  6. 10-30-2018, 05:11 AM #6
    kjorgy
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    I shoot a old 1893 Marlin the same vintage as yours & my load is 30 grs IMR3031 & a 265 gr cast bullet with gas check. very accurate
    load & mild enough for older marlins
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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check