38-55 Smokeless loads

[Toymaker]

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.

[stubbicatt]

I have nothing for you on your specific needs. I did call BACo a few weeks ago, and the representative told me that they make the moulds as ordered. I asked because every time I went to the website, they were out of stock. So if you want one, give them a call. I feel certain they will make one for you if you do.

[Toymaker]

Good information, Stubbicatt. Thank you. I'd like to see if I get some ideas and opinions from the forum members before I commit to a mold, but I'll definitely remember your input.

[Kraschenbirn]

My 'J.H. Taylor' (Uberti) Highwall is a 1-18 twist and doesn't like anything much heavier than 310-320 grains. That said, my 'best' smokeless load for the rifle is 20.5 gr. of H4198 under a plain-base 304 grainer from an old NEI mould. At 1365 fps, muzzle velocity approximates BP with 1 1/2-2 moa accuracy out to 300M.

Bill

[rockrat]

I use Varget and the BRP 310gr boolit. Never checked the twist in the gun(converted P-14 ), but the boolits were showing instability(oblong holes) and as I added powder, the holes were growing less and less oblong. Finally got to where I was compressing the powder a bit and holes were nice and round. I can hit one of our gongs (7" square) @500yds all day with that load if the wind is calm. Don't know if this helps you or not.

[Bad Ass Wallace]

I have the same Pedersoli fast twist 38/55 and a 370gn Paul Jones mould. I can't give you a load because the powders "down under" are different to those available in USA. Suffice to say a velocity of 1350 to 1500fps will stabalise in the 1:12" twist.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v152/BAWallace/3855375Creedmoor_zpsfa2fa597.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BAWallace/media/3855375Creedmoor_zpsfa2fa597.jpg.html)

[skeettx]

Through my Ruger #1 and Marlin Cowboy guns in 38-55 I use an LBT .382 275 LFN bullet
with gas checks and 3031, sweet
Mike

[Toymaker]

Thanks, Kraschenbrin. I take your velocity as validation of my estimates. I think it'll be right around there where I find stability too.
Interesting, Rockrat. Makes me curious about your twist and accuracy. But with your results ... who cares!!! Hope I can do the same.
Bad *** Wallace - I miss Australia; grew up in the CNMI in the 50's. GOOD LOOKING bullets. What's the OAL and how hard do you engage the rifling? Again, thanks for including velocity data because I take it as a validation of the estimates I did.
Appreciate the info, Skeettx.

[country gent]

I shoot a 400 grn 40 call Nasa bullet in my 40-67 out to 500yds accuratly. Im looking at a 2 cavity brass mould from Old West moulds for a 350 grn Nasa ,377-.379 dia 36 call for a 38-55 Im building up on a roller. You do realize the Nasa desighn is only one or two big grease groove and shortened driving section to allow for more Black Powder to be used? Bernies moulds are brass and very fine moulds thaey cast great bullets for me and I can normally pan lube them with out sizing. The nose dia on the Nasa is as important also as its a bore riding nose so it needs to fit bore.

[Toymaker]

Country Gent, I ran across that NASA bullet in my research and thought "Holy Shokes!!!" Then I read about its performance at Raton and "WOWZERS!!!!"

[.22-10-45]

I have an original Winchester #4 barreled 30" High-Wall. My groove dia. is also .379". The first thing you will need to do is find out if you can chamber a .379 or .380 dia. bullet seated in case. Winchester chambered their rifles to use a slightly undersized lead bullet of .377 or so and depended on the kick of the black powder charge to obturate up into grooves. The problem comes when trying to shoot smokeless using a bullet .380 or so for good seal as smokeless doesn't have that quick expanding black powder blow. In the past, I have had to ream and or polish inside neck I.D. for .380 bullet smokeless loads..but Starline brass seems to be a bit thinner and you might not need polishing. Another thing is your chamber length? Buffalo Arms sells the original 2 1/8" Starline cases. My rifle has the original 1-16" twist so I have only used bullets such as Lyman 375248 @ 250grs.