Knarley
02-16-2016, 07:58 PM
I recently obtained a Marlin 1893 manual. I don't know what year it was published, but it's a cool read.
The 38-55 Rifle uses the 38-55 Ballard & Marlin cartridge as herewith illustrated (I can't do pictures, sorry)
This cartridge is loaded with 48 g of FG. black powder and a 255 grain bullet. one part tin and 40 of lead.
The cartridge is extremely accurate, and with it's companion, the .32-40, can be excelled by none up to 500 yards.
The cartridge as first made contained nearly 55 grains of powder, hence the name; but these were thin folded head shells. When the solid head shells were made the walls of the shells were thickened and more stock left in the head, but the outside dimensions had to remain the same. Although the powder space was reduced, nevertheless the name could not be changed without causing confusion.
The velocity of this bullet is 1316 feet per second; the penetration, as measured by dry pine boards 7/8 inch in thickness, placed 20 feet from the muzzle of the rifle, is 91/2 boards.
The 38-55 Short range cartridge is loaded with 20 gr of black powder and a bullet 155 grains in weight, one part tin to 20 parts lead.
They go on to state that the new smokeless loads give a velocity of 1700 fps. With a "metal cased" bullet the got 36 7/8 pine boards, and with a soft nosed got 12.
Like I said, don't know when this was printed, but to give an idea :
Model 1893 rifle with 32" round barrel 38-55, 12 shots.......................$19.50 An octagon barrel would set you back $1.00 more........
Knarley
The 38-55 Rifle uses the 38-55 Ballard & Marlin cartridge as herewith illustrated (I can't do pictures, sorry)
This cartridge is loaded with 48 g of FG. black powder and a 255 grain bullet. one part tin and 40 of lead.
The cartridge is extremely accurate, and with it's companion, the .32-40, can be excelled by none up to 500 yards.
The cartridge as first made contained nearly 55 grains of powder, hence the name; but these were thin folded head shells. When the solid head shells were made the walls of the shells were thickened and more stock left in the head, but the outside dimensions had to remain the same. Although the powder space was reduced, nevertheless the name could not be changed without causing confusion.
The velocity of this bullet is 1316 feet per second; the penetration, as measured by dry pine boards 7/8 inch in thickness, placed 20 feet from the muzzle of the rifle, is 91/2 boards.
The 38-55 Short range cartridge is loaded with 20 gr of black powder and a bullet 155 grains in weight, one part tin to 20 parts lead.
They go on to state that the new smokeless loads give a velocity of 1700 fps. With a "metal cased" bullet the got 36 7/8 pine boards, and with a soft nosed got 12.
Like I said, don't know when this was printed, but to give an idea :
Model 1893 rifle with 32" round barrel 38-55, 12 shots.......................$19.50 An octagon barrel would set you back $1.00 more........
Knarley