Toymaker
01-15-2016, 06:23 PM
I picked up on a Pedersoli High Wall Target rifle in 38-55. The barrel is 30 inches long and the bore slugged 0.379 inch. The twist is 1:12 and I have not made a casting of the chamber yet. I got some Starline long brass (2.125 inches) and ordered a Ron Heilman sight set-up. A friend has a set of dies he'll sell me so I'm in pretty good shape except for a projectile.
From what I've read the 1:12 twist does best with heavier bullets, i.e. 335 to 365 grains. I've also read where the bullet length should be kept under 1.425 inches according to Dan Theodore. I'm thinking a .380 inch diameter mold would be the way to go but that appears to be a custom requirement. So I'm thinking .379 inch and "Beagling" it then sizing to .380 I've done that with another bullet which was very successful.
Several bullets have attracted my attention including the Paul Jones #2 Elliptical Nose (can't find); the Dan Theodore NASA (can't find); and the Buffalo Arms Money designed with the Pedersoli in mind (currently out of stock). I particularly like the Money bullet with the long nose that will fit well up in the bore and just engage the rifling. I'd like to cast with an alloy between 30:1 and 20:1.
While I've found several BP loads with these heavier bullets that will give me a reference for working up my own loads, I have not found information for the heavier bullets and smokeless powder. Lighter bullets, yes; but not in the 335=365 grain class. The Lyman 49th Reloading manual doesn't cover these heavier bullets either. On hand I have 4759, 5744, 3031, 4198 and 4895 (Lyman suggested powders). It will probably wind up hunting white tail deer but primarily it will be an alternative to my 45-70 for smacking ram silhouettes at 200 yards.
In advance, thank you for your ideas and suggestions. They are appreciated.
From what I've read the 1:12 twist does best with heavier bullets, i.e. 335 to 365 grains. I've also read where the bullet length should be kept under 1.425 inches according to Dan Theodore. I'm thinking a .380 inch diameter mold would be the way to go but that appears to be a custom requirement. So I'm thinking .379 inch and "Beagling" it then sizing to .380 I've done that with another bullet which was very successful.
Several bullets have attracted my attention including the Paul Jones #2 Elliptical Nose (can't find); the Dan Theodore NASA (can't find); and the Buffalo Arms Money designed with the Pedersoli in mind (currently out of stock). I particularly like the Money bullet with the long nose that will fit well up in the bore and just engage the rifling. I'd like to cast with an alloy between 30:1 and 20:1.
While I've found several BP loads with these heavier bullets that will give me a reference for working up my own loads, I have not found information for the heavier bullets and smokeless powder. Lighter bullets, yes; but not in the 335=365 grain class. The Lyman 49th Reloading manual doesn't cover these heavier bullets either. On hand I have 4759, 5744, 3031, 4198 and 4895 (Lyman suggested powders). It will probably wind up hunting white tail deer but primarily it will be an alternative to my 45-70 for smacking ram silhouettes at 200 yards.
In advance, thank you for your ideas and suggestions. They are appreciated.