38-55 bullet choice?

[jimdvan]

I have an 1894 Winchester 38-55 made in 1895. I just had the barrel relined. I want to have the flexibility to shoot smokeless or blackpowder and was wondering if one cast bullet design would work for both. Or, will I need to have a bullet for each powder? Gascheck or no gascheck?

[charger 1]

While I'm waiting on my mold from ranch dog on here I just picked up a lee bevel base. I'm putting that on 28.5 grs of H335 buffered with 6 grs of PSB. its a nicely compressed charge that yields 1700fps and one hole groups

[Le Loup Solitaire]

Hi, I have been using Lyman #375248 for a long time in 2 94's (a SRC and a regular rifle plus an 1885 hi-wall). I chose it at the time which was long enough ago, because it, at least at that time was casting larger than the 375449. Its a one cav mold and with WW drops them at .380-.381 which works fine in all three guns. I've had good groups with IMR 3031 although there is a wide variety of powder brands in many different charges that work as well and/or better. LLS

[Jon K]

Slug the barrel, and see what your bore/groove diameters are before you shop for a mould. There is a lot available, but make sure size and design is going to meet your needs. Also let me say, if you're going to need a .379 or larger, beware of the Lyman 375248, I've had 3 of them in the last 2-3 years, new and used, ad still didn't find one to cast over .3775.

Jon

[jimdvan]

I should have said that the liner measures .375".

[MtGun44]

Well, having a .375 groove diam will help a lot. I have an old 94 and the
barrel slugs .3795, IIRC. Only the Lee bb boolit has shot even remotely
well. I have bought several of the Lyman molds and also have no luck
finding one big enough for my 94.

You should be able to use any of the Lyman designs.

Bill