Tough Choice

[waltp]

My two favorite cals are 30-40 Krag and 38-55. I found both calibers available in Winchester 1885 Limited Edition High Walls ( modern mfg in Japan). I am going to purchase one of them. Purpose, putting holes in paper. My question is, which would be most accurate at 100 yards and does anyone have any experience with this rifle in 30-40? I think the 30-40 is less common than the 38-55 in this rifle. Your comments and opinions most appreciated. I may have to get both.
Thanks
:castmine:

[Boz330]

Walt, I think you answered your own question. If you can afford it go for it. I think that both would be fun rifles to shoot.

Bob

[Mk42gunner]

Walt,
There are about 3 gazillion molds for thrity caliber boolits, not as many available for the 38-55.
That said, if you can afford it; get both, you will probably get a better return on your money in five years than if it sat in the bank.
While I don't have any experience with this rifle in 30-40, I have spent a lot of time with the Browning B-78's in 22-250, 243, and 25-06. Very accurate rifles that will shoot as good as or better than most bolt actions.

Robert

[cabezaverde]

I like your choice of calibers. I have an Uberti High Wall and a Ruger #3 in 30-40 and the NEF Target Rifle in 38-55.

In a strong action, you can load either pretty stiff. Both would be my first choice. If I had to do one, I would go 30-40.

[Black Prince]

All depends on what kind of targets you want to shoot. If you want to do NRA Silloute, you MUST use black powder so that rules out the 30-40 and it also PROBABLY rules out the 38-55 since it will not take down the rams at 600 yards with any certainty. If you are going to just futz around with it, get the 30-40 and be happy. It's a fine round for PAPER targets or hunting and easy to reload. Somebody already said there is a truck load of bullets and moulds for it and that is correct.

[Dale53]

Neither of these rifles would be suitable for BPCR-Silhouette. While you could use the 38-55, it is not a competitive rifle as issued (however, the 40/65 and 45/70 BPCR Silhouette rifles are absolutely competitive). Also, the Browning Creedmoor in 45/90 is suitable but a bit much of a good thing, IMO.

However, both of those rifles are really nice hunting rifles. They both would have a high "fun" quotient, also.

Dale53

[6pt-sika]

Between those two calibers for punching paper I would go with the 38-55 . However I think I saw or read somewhere that they are also making a limited run in the 32-40 caliber as well .[smilie=1:

Either the 38-55 or 32-40 would be great with me :drinks:

[Black Prince]

Dale 53

Texas Mac was doing research for a book about the Browning BPCR rifles about three years ago. I have been looking for it to come out, but have not seen it anywhere. Do you know if he has published the book or where I can get a copy? Where does he post now? I used to see him all over the place, but now I can't find him. His old e-mail address no longer works. What is going on with him?

[Frank46]

Since your singleshots are inherently more stronger than the beloved krag, you could slowley increase your powder charges and get better ballistics. I'd check with the manufacturer and see what they say. Won't hurt and you mite be pleasantly supprised. Be safe, Frank

[waltp]

Thanks for all of you input. Helped me make my tough choice.

I finally ordered a new in box (modern) Winchester 1885, 38-55 from Collectors in TX. Found out that I could have saved $100 by ordering thru Davidson's. Live and learn. Reason for my post..... The Davidson's web site states the bore diameter as .368 and groove at .376. That bore diameter seems tight. I have a Lyman 375248 and a Rapine 375250 and am sure one of them will work. I plan to due a chamber cast eventually. I know a number of you have this rifle. What is your best cast boolit?
Thanks!!

[Boz330]

Walt my 38-55 is .375 but do you know the twist on yours? That will determine the best boolit. Mine has a 15 twist and it really likes the Lyman 330gr ,not sure of the mold #. It also shoots the Lee 250gr ok for hunting which is the main reason that I got that mold.

Bob

[Dale53]

Black Prince;
I haven't heard from Texas Mac in years. I believe he is the gentleman that I gave full information on my Browning Creedmoor. We were all supposed to be notified when the book was out.

I hope that nothing has happened to him.

Dale53

[MLR]

Texas Mac is a regular poster over on the BPCR.net forums. I dont know if he's finished the book though.

Michael