38-55 Marlin looking for a load

[44wcf]

I am looking for a mild load for a 265-gr gas check lead bullet. I am shooting it in a 38-55 Marlin Cowboy.
I have several load manuals. I have tried Varget, 5477, 3031. and 4198. But am still not satisfied. I am shooting steel at 200,300 and 400 yards.
Has anyone tried Unique or 2400?
Thanks
44wcf

[Hipshot]

I have tried 16.7 gr. of 2400 ( that's what my Lyman Pistol Powder measure throws), shoots very well and is mild---vel. ? The same load of 2400 works very well in the .30-30, .30-06 and .358 Win.

Hipshot

[44wcf]

Thanks Hipshot. I am using 2400 in my 30-06 and Krag. I will try it in the 38-55.

[Dean D.]

My old Ideal manual #38 lists 17.0gr of 2400 behind a 255 PB boolit with a velocity of 1450 estimated. The 280gr GC FP shows 16.0gr of 2400 @ 1450fps estimated. Not sure if this helps but it might give you a starting point.

[870TC]

I use a 260 gr. gas check with 28 grains of RL-7 for a very accurate 1850fps in my Cowboy.

[August]

16.5 of 4759 or 17.5 of 5744. I prefer 4759. I don't remember, off hand, the amount of Unique I've used -- but it is very accurate and consistent in very light loads.

[northmn]

Have you slugged the barrel? The Marlin CB I played with and foolishly traded for a 45-70 had a 380 barrel. It would use the oversized jacketed Barnes original in 377 ok but would not shoot a 375 bullet. Some had their throat reamed as they would not chamber a bullet of suitable diameter. Depends on the accuracy level you want, but a bigger bullet may work better.

Northmn

[BABore]

9.0 to 9.5 grains of Unique.

I've been breaking in a 30-30 to 38-55 rebore with this load for the last couple of weeks. Either charge gives 1/2 to 5/8" 50 yard groups. I tried a few sets at 100 yards yesterday. Two 5-shot groups of 1 1/4" each. Shot the rest at 200 and 300 yards on swingers. It's a slow load and very mild.

[BlueSmoke]

My favorie load for my Win. 94 38-55 is 17gr. 5744 behind a 240 gr. PB RNFP at .380 dia.

About 1200 fps. One hole groups at 50 yds with open sights.:-D

Regards,

Blue Smoke

[Boomer Mikey]

Most of these rifles have the original 2.125" long chambers and bore groove sizes are usually between 0.377" - 0.380". Starline 2.125" long brass will typically allow 0.381" - 0.382" bullets to chamber reliably. RCBS Cowboy dies are a good choice for this cartridge and I prefer to use a Lyman "M" die to expand the cases necks or I re-work the RCBS expander to put a step in the case neck at the size I want to prevent shaving larger bullets. I adjust the sizing die to partial size fired cases to original, new case mouth diameter. Bullets should be seated so they will reliably release from the throat when the action is opened and crimp just enough to remove the step or bell in the case from the expander die while preventing bullet set-back from recoil and magazine spring tension without dragging case necks.

I use H4198 and WLR or Federal primers for most of my 38-55 loads, Federals for the light to medium loads and WLR's for full power loads. No fillers were used with these loads.

Loads:

18 grains H4227 1300 fps
20 - 22 grains WW296 1550 - 1675 fps (do not reduce below 20 grains)
16 - 19 grains 2400 1500 - 1700 fps (match load)
20 - 21 grains 2400 1750 - 1800 fps (full power)
26 - 33 grains 3031 1350 - 1900 fps
27 - 32 grains RL-7 1400 - 1800 fps
21 - 23 grains H4198 1200 - 1400 fps (match load)
23 - 28 grains H4198 1400- 1900 fps (full power)

Just about any of the popular 30-30 powders will work, 3031 and RL-7 are sure bets

H4198 has been my go to powder but H322, also works very well with heavier bullets. I also use some Titegroup for plinking/cowboy loads between 8 and 10 grains for 1000 - 1100 fps Unique will do the same and 6.5 grains of Red Dot for 1000 fps is popular too.

The most important thing is to load the largest bullet you can chamber. Get a sizer die to make 0.381" bullets and the rest is easy.

Have fun,

Boomer :Fire:

[44wcf]

Some real good info here.
Boomer, I am using .381 bullets.I have a costum mold from Mountian mould.
I have a can of the H4198 I will try it.
Thanks to all who have replyed.

[Irascible]

I use an RCBS GC bullet over 32gr/H322 and a Rem 9 1/2 primer in an original full length R-P case. Velocity is 1596. Yes, gas checks are legal in cowboy long distance events. I shoot this load in both my Marlin Cowboy and Browning/Winchester 1885. I have won quite a few long distance events at 300 yds. IT DOES KICK in the light Marlin. I have put Pachmyr Decelertor pads on both guns.

[Lead melter]

My play around load for the NEF/H&R Target classic is 12 grains Unique or same in Red Dot. Both push the Lee 249 grain plain base at 1250-1300fps with wonderful accuracy. RD gets the nod for a bit more accurate load. No 200 yard targeting, but I have killed a bunch of threatening rocks at that range.

[KCSO]

My old load was always 10.0 of unique, but that was with old Unique powder. That load went under 4" at 200 yards. With fresh powder I would start lower and work up. 42 grains of Schutzen is working good in my 94.

[NickSS]

I have been using the lyman 248 gr PB FP bullet and 18 gr of 5744 in my Marline with good results.