330gr .33-55 load data

[warren5421]

I have come into a Browning Highwall with a badger barrel in .38-55. It had a RCBS custom mold that drops 330 gr lead. Has 50 bullets lubed with back powder lube. I am looking for load data for the 330 gr bullet as I can't find any info in my load books. I have both length brass. Short brass is Winchester and the long is Star Line, total of 250 of each. Don't know the twist but would say the 330 gr s what it shot best. I have Smokeless, Black Powder FFFg, and 777 FFg and FFFg.

[Nobade]

I'd check the twist first, if it's a normal 1:18 it probably won't shoot that bullet very well. As for loads, just push a bullet into the throat and measure where it is. That is your seating depth, then add enough gun powder to touch the bullet base. Make up a series of loads with that amount, then a few grains more, and so forth keeping the bullet in the same place. You'll quickly see what the best charge is for your particular combination. Just standard black powder load workup technique.

[warren5421]

Any smokeless load data as I know the steps with black as I worked up a load for my trapdoor Model 1884. The short case will not hold 55 gr by volume of black. Was told the twist is set for heavy bullets as the gun was a .40-60 from the factory. The man that had gun built is dead so can not talk to him. Was also told Lee Shaver (?sp) worked on the action.

[country gent]

I believe ( from memory here) in starline brass 2.085 length Im getting around 47 grns of 2 f old ensforde under the 335 lyman or the 360 grn nasa from old west. I run 20-1 alloy with these and accuracy is good to 500 yds ( farthest Ive shot them).

Work up your load from no air space no compression Increase in 2 grn increments adding powder and compression. Shoot for velocity in the 1150-1200 fps range.

[warren5421]

I also get 47 gr FFFg with a .060 wad and a330 gr 20:1 bullet. I really want smokeless load for that bullet.

[Chill Wills]

17gr SR-4759 or 19gr AA-5744
CCI 200
330grn Hoch bullet
Start two grains low and work up.

I use either one of the above or 50.5grs of FFg Swiss uncompressed in a 2.30" chamber/case for 200yd offhand targets. The BP load is the most accurate. The smokeless loads are close.

[warren5421]

Chill Wills thanks will give me a starting point to work with. Have about 1/2 pound of 4759 so will see how it works. The gun shop just called me and said they have the reloading dies they forgot to give me. Learned that it was the guy's wife that put the gun on consignment. Had a set of dies that I got in a trade at some point so didn't even think about a set coming with the gun.

Do you use the same OAL that you use with black?

[Chill Wills]

Do you use the same OAL that you use with black?

Yes. The logic is, as you likely know, is finding the accurate launch point of the bullet, which for that Hoch bullet of mine, is seated light into the rifling. I have not done exhaustive tests on this seating depth issue, seating depth Black powder v smokeless, but with in reason it seems to be the same. .... it never hurt to try different depths if you have the chance.

[John Boy]

ASSRA post ... I shoot the 335 grain Lyman Snover bullet (#378674) over 31 grains of 3031 in my 14" twist C. Sharps High Wall for about 1300 fps.