Model 1893 Marlin in 38-55

[Bruce C]

Looking for a mold for a 1893 in 38-55. Does anyone have a 93 Marlin they have a favorite mold that shoots good in it?

[Mk42gunner]

Bruce, Welcome aboard.

I have a Model 336CB in .38-55 that I have recently started loading for, unfortunately the recent cold snap got in the way.

With all the current shortages, it will be hard to find a mold in stock that will fit your barrel, (the .38-55 was ssome of the widest tolerances I have ever heard of). With that said, I am liking the Lee 379-250. It is a bevel based mold, I removed the bevel on mine and it seems to work fine.

I size my boolits to .379" and use the long Starline brass. I haven't settled on a particular load yet, maybe I'll get it worked out this spring.

Robert

[Bruce C]

Thanks Robert I have 2 93's in 38-55 but have only shot some Winchester factory JHP's through them. I need slug the bores on them so I know where they're at.

[Shawlerbrook]

Once you find the correct bullet( I use the Missouri.379 bullet in my 1901 model 1893) try 9-10 grs. of Unique.

[beltfed]

My deer load for my 1893 is WLR primer, 28 gr Reloader 7 / LYman 358449 , 265 grain gas check
of 9+1 COWW/Lino . About a 1750fps load.
Shoots very well in my 1893 and in my Marlin 336 CB
beltfed/arnie

[quail4jake]

You might want to pound slug the throat and archive slug and data. My Marlin 1893 in .30 W.C.F. has a groove diameter of .307 and .300 bore so I size cast boolits to .308 and it works like a charm. After finding that surprising data I hear from other old Marlin owners that alot of Marlins that age were tight. That's a .30 W.C.F. , .38-55 may differ. Anyway, pound slug!

[barkerwc4362]

I shoot the RCBS 255 grain bullet in my 1893 with a light round barrel in 38-55. My barrel slugs at .376, so I size to .377. I have killed two good sized mature boars with it. One at 125 yards. Texas heart shot. I use winchester primers and IMR 4895. Load is in the 1300 to 1400 fps range.

Bill

[Bruce C]

Thanks everybody for all the great information. I am going to slug the bore and try some different bullets.I have all the different powders you have been using so will load some up and go from there.

[cowboy4evr]

In my 1894 Winchester in 38-55 ( left factory in April 1897 ) I use the LEE mold that's about 255 grs . Mine drops bullets measuring .380 . I size .379 and use ACC 5744 powder . It's a very accurate bullet in my Winchester . That .379 sized bullet just does chamber easily . I tried a .380 and it wouldn't chamber . Regards Paul

[quail4jake]

Please post some photos of rifle, ammo and some targets. I'm very interested in old Marlins and results of handloading. thanks!

[Bruce C]

When I get home I will post a pic. It's a 93 takedown with a flip up tang site. The story when I bought it was it was carried by a doctor for the King Ranch at the turn of the century but I haven't been able to get documentation for it. It will be next week before I'm home but will post then.

[Mk42gunner]

After you slug your bore, or do a pound cast of the chamber is the time to look for molds. I bought a new Lyman 375449 (IIRC) their GC design a couple of years ago. It casts beautiful boolits, the problem is they measure .377" and I need at least .379" for my rifle. My Lee runs .380+ as cast, so it is my first to try.

You may have better luck getting a mold with suitable dimensions from one of the custom makers.

Robert