38-55...Lyman 375296 GC

[Pioneer2]

I have picked up a double cavity mold for this a lyman 375296 GC.Upon talking to Lyman about some published data in The Art of Bullet Casting they felt it was too stiff.Claiming that RE-7 back then is not the same powder today?Anyways it casts a 265gr bullet GC 32gr-RE #7 ,as well as 34gr of #3031[IMR?] at 1863fps and 31gr of #4198 [IMR?]for 1870fps.They were using a modern Marlin 336 and I have a 1894 Win long barrel.I also have a Lee 250gr. 379" New at this and unsure of how to proceed.My casting experiance is limited to BP muzzleloader fodder.Will 50/50 WW and pure lead be ok at these speeds.I'd like at least 1600fps.....................Harold

[Pepe Ray]

Hi and welcome Pioneer2.
My experience w/that rifle is, 1. don't make large batches of alloy or load a lot of cartridges until your satisfied. 2.Be sure to use as large a diameter boolet as you can safely chamber. 3. Those loads, on a hunting trip may be what you need for Moose but at the sighting in range they'll slap the snot out of you. Also, prolonged use of such charges will accelerate wear and sloppiness in your Winnie. Even the HV Dominion loads topped only in the 1600's. Plenty for most Canadians (and us Mainers too when we could get them.)
Loading successfully for the LA 38-55 can be invigorating or frustrating. It depends on how impatient you are to shoot. If you keep away from the current reloading rules and learn how it ustabe, you'll make out better.
Moose backstraps is right up there w/moose burger and sausage.
Pepe Ray