Need some loads for a .38-55

[warren5421]

I have about a 1000 bullets 240 gr sized at .380" for a .38-55 JM Marlin CB. What are some good powders and weights for the lever gun? I have several loading Manuels but most powders they call for I can't find.

[wgg]

Depends on what you want to do. Are you looking for hunting or plinking. MarlinOwners.com has a wealth of information. Hunting loads IMR 4198 & 3031 are powders to start with, plinking Unique, from what I have read 10 grains of Unique is the magic number.

[charlie b]

Black powder

[Kraschenbirn]

4198 (either 'H' or 'IMR') is always your friend but I've gotten some pretty good results duplicating BP ballistics with AA2015, too.

Bill

[Alferd Packer]

Download Lyman Cast Bullet manual no3 online in free pdf.
just Google it.
Also check out
www.cornellpubs.com
They have hundreds of Ideal and Lyman manuals from 1920s thru today at reasonable prices.
Also can reprint Lyman cast bullet manuals 1st ed.2nd ed. or 3rd ed for reasonable prices.
38/55 is in there fer sure..

[beltfed]

I found Alliant Reloader 7 to be great with a 235 or 255, 265 grain cast bullets for my 336CB
beltfed/arnie

[1006]

Some of my loads that have worked for me.

Big Bore 94/260 grain lead with gas check loads:

Rifle powder use rifle primer.
Powder Wt, powder, fps.

10.0 Universal, 1142

13.4 800x, 1432, good load, accurate
11.2 800x, 1039, good load, accurate

15.0 BlueDot, 1414, good load, accurate

18.0 2400, 1537fps, my main load, accurate, rifle zeroed at 125 for this load.


8.4 Trail Boss, est 973, not worth adding more powder, accurate. 10.0 Trail Boss only gave 990fps.


26.0 BL(c)2, 1040, okay, but not efficient

32.0 aa4350, 1301fps, lots of unburned powder, accurate.

[1006]

I am sure there is a Red Dot load out there, was thinking 7.5.

The Big Bore is my most forgiving rifle caliber for loading; most loads produce good 50 yard groups with iron sights.