Need load data for 1895 Marlin in 38-56

[koehn,jim]

I am getting a 1895 Marlin in 38-56 and would like to be able to shoot it. Does anyone have any load data for it. It is an original take down model. I don't want to shoot it a lot but would like to know it shoots. Thanks in advance.

[Chill Wills]

Do you have any data at all?
I shoot the 38-56 a lot but I do not have the data near me. One load I do know and shoot is 28gr imr 3031 and a 265gr bullet sized to at least .379" maybe larger is better for yours.
If you need more data I can look later for you.

[MT Chambers]

A full case of BP sounds about right for the old girl.

[Gunlaker]

I've got an 1886 chambered in that cartridge. I haven't shot it enough to develop a good load for it yet, but a case full of Goex Fg and a 260gr bullet is what I've used so far. Mine has bit of an ugly bore and the grooves are larger than what the case will hold, so black powder is likely the only option for mine.

Mike Venturino's book on shooting lever guns has a section on this cartridge, including load data.

Chris.

[mac266]

I checked the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook and it's not listed. I'm not familiar with that cartridge. Is it similar to a .38-55?

[clum553946]

Sent you a PM, hope it helps!

[koehn,jim]

Thank you all very much for the input. The 38-55 is based on a 30-30 case the 38-56 is based on the 45-70. I do not have the rifle yet, I am buying from my best friends widow. She wants to get rid of his guns as the family does not want them. I will be getting them soon and want to be able to at least shoot them. Last time it was fired was about 40 years ago.

[beagle]

Check castpics. As I recall, George Carlson wrote a nice article on cast bullets in the .38-56. I know he has several and has taken game with them./beagle

[beagle]

Here you go./beagle

http://www.castpics.net/subsite2/ByCaliber/Cast%20in%20the%20.38-56.pdf

[bigted]

I found that to be an interesting article well written and easy to understand about a cartridge I personally have been enamored with for a lot of years. thanks for the link and this just whets my longing for a 38-56 even more.