Well.. working harder on load development on 38-55 than i have on any other rifle i load for, even getting cast to shoot in a micro groove marlin 45-70.
After loading and shooting perhaps 250 rounds in the short brass, and about 125 rounds in the long brass, i can say that BOTH brass lengths can be loaded to an OAL that cycles in my lever rifle, and both shoot decent. The accuracy is not quite where id like to see it, as i often get two rounds close together, sometimes touching depending on how much i wiggle, with a third flyer that opens to group to 3-4", sometimes more. I'd like a single hole at 50 yards of course.
This may be me, as im shooting sitting, sometimes off sticks. The front sight is NOT real easy for me to shoot, and i'm looking for a beaded sight.
As far as i can tell, bullet fit and powder charge make more of a difference in accuracy than does that .045" of brass.
Ive ordered a lee bullet sizer, and im hoping that will take out some of the variation by making bullets more consistent.