Cartridge Opinions? 38-55 vs 40-65 vs 40-70

[Bad Ass Wallace]

It's best to have at least one of each .

My sentiments exactely! The bottom rifle is a 40/65 with 6X Malcolm scope.

[country gent]

I have shot all three in BPCR silhouettes all perormed well.

45-70 , Heaviest recoil wide selection of moulds, eats thru powder and lead fastest, Bullets range in wieght from 350-550 grains in weight. For lighter recoil keep rifle weight up close to allowed weight.

40-65 , Recoil is easier good selection of moulds for use, a little easier on lead but about the same on powder. bullets range in 375-450 grain weight. Again rifle weight makes a big reduction in recoil

38-55 , Lightest recoil, suitable are there. I run 330 - 365 grn bullets in mine but you also want to go to a 1-12 to 114 twist barrel for these. Components last longest here. even in a lighter rifle recoil is nice.

The bigger thing is not what you shoot but getting the zeros, learning the game and building your skill. Pick a rifle work up a solid load and get started. For sight radius I prefer 30-32" barrels a 34" can be hard to get to make weight

[rfd]

I've shot the .38-55 and .40-70ss, and owned a few .40-65s, but I found that the .45-70 is best, even with "reduced" loads which are easy to make with wad stacks and lightweight projectiles that are accurate enuf to win 200 yard matches.

[KCSO]

IMHO 38-55 can be more accurate out to about 300 yards but the 40 has more knock down for steel. It is sure disappointing to hear a clang and see nothing fall.

[Lead pot]

KCSO,

It's more disappointing when your only a two chicken shooter and hit one with the .45-90 and have it spinning like a top and not fall over. LOL.

[Exal]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! After reading everything I think I’m going to go with the 40-65. seems to have a pretty good backing and is different enough from the 45-70 recoil wise that there will be a felt difference and a reason for me to grab one over the other.

I have always had. A thing for the 38-55 so I’ll eventually get one. Maybe my next one will be a CPA Steven’s in 38-55 and with a 22 lr barrel....?

[Gunlaker]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! After reading everything I think I’m going to go with the 40-65. seems to have a pretty good backing and is different enough from the 45-70 recoil wise that there will be a felt difference and a reason for me to grab one over the other.

I have always had. A thing for the 38-55 so I’ll eventually get one. Maybe my next one will be a CPA Steven’s in 38-55 and with a 22 lr barrel....?

A CPA in .38-55 would be a good choice. I have two of their rifles and they shoot very well.

Chris.

[Exal]

Have you ever had a barrel getting loose on you with the cpa Steven’s? That’s probably the only issue I’ve heard about them so far.

[Don McDowell]

If you wrap the barrel threads with teflon tape, and when the barrel is turned into position use a torgue wrench and set the screw that holds the barrel at 45 inch pounds it will help hold the barrel in place.
Causes a boat load of vertical when that barrel set screw loosens up.. Been there done that.

[Gunlaker]

Have you ever had a barrel getting loose on you with the cpa Steven’s? That’s probably the only issue I’ve heard about them so far.

Yup. Mine have come loose a couple of times in the middle of shooting a relay. I increased the torque on the barrel screw a little and it hasn't happened again. I have had a few screws come loose, including a rifle that seemed to be shipped with a few of loose screws. Once I went over everything they've been no more trouble.

Chris.

[beltfed]

My next 40-65 would be a 14 twist for more versatility and accuracy
capable heavier bullets.
beltfed/arnie

[Goofy]

I don't shoot steel, it's mighty hard to cook. Pun intended.

I do shoot the .45-70 and .38-55. The .45-70 runs about 1.5 MOA at 100 with an elbow rest and 530 grain lead.

The .38-55 shoots a 350 grain bullet from a Mos mould. I suspect it would work on steel, but don't know.

100 yards, offhand:

[koger]

If I might add: perhaps a 40/82? I am a big fan of 38/55 shooting a Lyman 340gr postell, and 45/70s with 405gr slugs. I recently came into possession of a Browning BPCR that had originally been a 40/65 with a heavy, half octagon/round barrel. The previous owner wanted more oomph for out to 1000K and had it rechambered in t40/82. It came with no sights but scope bases and rings. I added a old Burris 4x12x40 that I had had over 30 years. Brass easily made by running 45/90 brass thru the sizing die. The gun is very heavy, and I have shot a whole parade of loads, and it shoots them all exceedingly well. I have been shooting 325 gr slugs, but have poured some 400gr postells that I will be using soon. No recoil period. Just thought I would add this option.