38-50 Boolit Question

[brasshog]

Hi guys. I'm sorta new to BPCR shooting but an avid reloader and would like some advise. The actual caliber may be 38-2.5 since it's a barrel (1 in 14" twist) that was reamed with a Dan Theodore reamer (30/40 Krag brass). I would like a mid 300gr boolit for long range accuracy and perhaps some hunting. Paper patching is definately out due to my arthritis. I am thinking that perhaps I would like a 375gr boolit that I can get in a 2C mold and have one side made a hollowpoint. I would like your info on boolit types/weights for general long range shooting, BPCR matches, and the occasional hunting. The hunting is at 400yds and under on whitetail (125lbs) and hogs (300lbs+). A new 1000yd range was just built near by and I want to test it out :) . Please include a picture if possible.

[kokomokid]

You need to find someone who shoots a 300 plus grain to the ram line with a 14" twist and see what bullet they are shooting. I shoot a 35/40 with 330 gr jones postell but it has a 10"-1 twist. LB

[skeettx]

Question, what size diameter bullet?
375?, 379?, 382?
Try this as it is easy to get :)
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/bullet-casting/mould-details-rifles.php?entryID=61

[brasshog]

The rifle doesn't arrive until tomorrow and I'll need to get a slug kit for it and my 7mm rile before I can get a true bore size.

[MikeT]

brasshog,

Save yourself some frustration and forget the 1K shooting with a 38-50. That is a mid-range cartridge.
If you are really interested in long range shooting [my favorite sport] you should be looking at a 45-70 and a 500 grain bullet.
Keep onhav'n fun!
MikeT

[Gunlaker]

I expect that a 375gr bullet will be too long for a 1:14 twist. I think most with that twist are using bullets in the 330 to 340gr range. You could go to the bpcr.net site and send Dan a p.m. To get his advice.

Chris.

[RwBeV]

I shoot an original 38-50 on a Hepburn. I was lucky enough to get Ron Long to build me a mold for the gun since it slugs .382 . Its a spritzer type mold that throws a 330gr bullet at 1:25 alloy. When I first started shooting Silhouette with it back in the 80's I was told over and over that it would be to small for Ram's, boy where they wrong. Now I see its getting pretty popular in that game. I use a Lee 375 flat nose that I opened to .382 to hunt with, it casts about 250gr or so.

Oh ya its a 16 twist.

Bob

[Boz330]

I have had good luck with the Lyman 335gr Postel copy in my 38-55 out to 600yd but it wouldn't be my choice for hunting. There are guys shooting the 38-50 out to 1000yd but the 45-70 or up would probably be easier to work a load up for.

Bob

[brasshog]

I mention the 1000 yd range because all of the ranges near here with the exception of one (200yd on one lane) ranges are no more than 100yds. From what i've read this cartridge should hold it's own out to about 600yds depending on the use. I simply want more than 100yds lol. Insofar as hunting goes our deer here are very small and if given a good shot I wouldn't hesitate on a short range shot on one with this.

[Gunlaker]

I don't know how well they work at long range but I know they'll certainly do the trick at 500m.

Chris.

[brasshog]

Next question I guess is where can I buy some to try out before I go and buy a few molds ? Does anyone on here cast these or do I need to look elsewhere ? 375166, Saeco, or postel boolits ? Btw thanks for all of the replies guys. It's a big help.

[John Boy]

You need to find someone who shoots a 300 plus grain to the ram line with a 14" twist and see what bullet they are shooting. A 1:14 plus the normal 1:18 shoots the olde Ideal 375166 (now a mold remake) to the Ram line with accuracy.

Last May I loaded 50 with 42gr KIK 1.5Fg and FFg for the 38-55. 10 over the chronograph and the remaining 40 from the Rams back to the Chickens ... with no patching or tubing - held accuracy with every shot. No I didn't clean the banks but the majority toppled