38-55 rolling block safe loads

[Wrinkledspitzer]

I have been searching the interwebs for info on loading 38-55 in general and for a rolling block in particular, but it seems that information is sparse. On loading it in general and even less for something like a rolling block. Most info that is out there, just pertains to the Winchester 94's or other 'modern' lever guns. So does anybody out there have 1: just good load data in general and 2: anything specific for loading for a rolling block?
I'm wanting to get a solid, accurate hunting load for this gun. I don't want to hot rod anything but I also don't want a Red Dot or Unique load either.
The gun itself is a Danish action with a modern barrel installed so it'll come down what the action threads and the lock can withstand I guess.

[fordwannabe]

You do you but, Unique is a go to for my 38-55s but I only have 4 of them. The deer I have shot with Unique didnt stop to ask me what the load was, they just died.

[Wrinkledspitzer]

So what are you doing for your Unique loads? I'm guessing you're using a filler of some sort in there.

[country gent]

38-55 isnt hard to load and no real "special" things need to be done. Its a straight forward cartridge to load. Use good data. Work up the load from starting load.
The 38-55 will really shine with black powder loads and cast bullets. A caseful of 2f olde ensforde BP .030 napa rubber fiber gasket and a cast bullet cast 20-1 alloy. Your load here should start no compression no airspace and work up from there.

[Wrinkledspitzer]

Good info thanks! How many grains are getting in you BP loads? Just so I have an idea of what to look for

[country gent]

I want to say 47 grns but Im also loading a 350 grn bullet in the starline case. This is for BPCR silhouettesin my high wall and hepburn

[Nobade]

Yep, nothing but black powder loads for my H&R and Marlin 38-55. Marlin likes the Lee 250 and the H&R gets a 280 gr. paper patched bullet from an Accurate mold. Easy to load for and very nice to shoot, way better for my shoulder than the 45-70!

[John Taylor]

I tried to upload the 38-55 cast bullet loads from the book but can't get it to work. I should be able to send it to an email.

[gc45]

5744 is a great powder in your case and rifle.

[Shawlerbrook]

In my 1900 vintage Marlin 1893 I use 9-10 grs of Unique without filler.

[fordwannabe]

Sorry for the delay but I also use 9-10 grains of Unique in my 38-55s no filler required.

[shdwlkr]

shooters world Buffalo Rifle powder is the old 5744 according to shooters world and a whole lot cheaper than 5744

[Wrinkledspitzer]

shooters world Buffalo Rifle powder is the old 5744 according to shooters world and a whole lot cheaper than 5744

That's some good information. I have a can or two of that I believe, but I haven't gotten around to loading anything with it.

[OrcPounder]

I shoot 45/70 & 38/55 for short range (300yd) single shot target matches. A5744 has been my goto... planning on trying SW Buffalo Rifle but this is first time I've heard anyone say SW BR "is" an (early?) version of A5744... can you clarify? Thanks.

[shdwlkr]

Look at this Thread: 5744 Replacement Testing With S.W. Buffalo Rifle. Large Or Small Case? here on castboolits should answer your questions

[725]

I like a Ranch Dog 235 cast w/ IMR 4198 or 3031.

[koger]

I use 2 powders I my 4 38/55s, Unique and IMR 4198. 10 gr of Unique and 20-24 gr of 4198, with a Lee 265 gr plain base with my alloy. Shoots lights out, recoil ain't bad, economy is great with both loads. These are some of the first loads I tried years ago, and have never found anything any better.

[ascast]

Unique and 4198, as koger states. Be careful not to double charge the Unique. 300-320 grners will go to about 19-21 grns 4198 -work up to it.

[marlinman93]

I would never use a filler or a wad with smokeless powder, and especially not with 5744 that's a double base smokeless!
I use both Unique and 2400 in my .38-55 rifles, both Rolling Blocks and Ballard rifles.
9.0 grs. of Unique with a 255 gr. cast bullet is just under 1200 fps, and very mild for any Rolling Block. Even 10.0 grs. isn't too much, and you might find the slightly larger charge more accurate. Neither is too much pressure for an old gun that's rated as maybe not as strong.
15.0 grs. of 2400 with the same bullet is also a good place to start. It will give you around 1300 fps and is below BP pressures.