The .38-55 & 9 grains of Unique at the range

[David LaPell]

I finally got around to handloading for my 1894 Winchester .38-55, using 9 grains of Unique. The gun, made in 1895, is well worn so I didn't want to push it too much. I am using some Lyman 375449 gas check bullets I got from Montana Bullet, I weighed them out they're a bit heavy, 280 grains. After getting it sighted it in, I was able to get a 3 shot group at 25 yards about the size of a quarter. Since all the hunting up here is about 100 yards or under, I probably will use this as a deer load for this fall.

https://i.imgur.com/rHcbWPr.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/aLGq2fG.jpg?1

[pworley1]

Nice, what velocity did that load give you?

[Geezer in NH]

Very good!

[David LaPell]

Nice, what velocity did that load give you?

To be honest I don't know. I need to get another chronograph eventually, but what I have been told is this is a pretty close match for the original blackpowder loads, which originally was something around 1,285 fps with a 255 grain bullet. I know it's a bit gentler than the factory 255 grain round when I shoot it.