38-55 load development a start

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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by Ranch Dog »

Ohio3Wheels wrote:Before I go any further along here a big thank you to Michael for passing his 38-55 summary along.

Turns out the 33.0 grains of 4198 was just the ticket.
You're welcome! Well done!
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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by Ohio3Wheels »

I find myself curious if magnum primers would make a difference. I know 4198 isn't hard to light, but it is said that magnum primers help with long (tall?) powder columns, but then again there seems to be less consistency at lower charge levels. One of those things that makes me go um :) .

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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by Ranch Dog »

I've not bought a mag primer in my lifetime so I couldn't help with that.
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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by Ohio3Wheels »

Well, that'll teach me. I was so happy with the 33 grains of H4198 that I put together 50 of 'em in new Winchester cases. Just mounted a red dot on the Marlin so I grabbed the box and headed for the indoor range to check it out at 25 yards. Rounds wouldn't chamber :( seems the Winchester brass is just a scooch thicker and with the 379 bullet too fat to chamber, worked fine in the StarLine cases. Waiting for the 375 collet to arrive so I can pull them down.

As a side note the 200 gr Sierra JSP in Winchester cases cycle fine.

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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by alphalimafoxtrot »

Curt,
that's too bad that the Win cases were oversized - and you found out at the range! Well, at least it wasn't when you were out on a hunt or something. :mrgreen:

I'm happy to be following this thread of yours - the 38-55 straight-walled bug has bit me, too! It's on my wishlist/watchlist/waitlist so to speak! Good luck as you continue your load development, and I hope the Starline cases return you properly to the target line!

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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by Ohio3Wheels »

I usually randomly pick and cycle new loads before I box them up. Neglected that step for some reason this time. WW brass is in spec, I suspect maybe closer than the StarLine as the mouth of the SL brass is visibly thinner than the Win. Gotta' get a tube mic one of these days.
As far as the 38-55 but, jump in the water is fine :D .

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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by Ohio3Wheels »

38-55 200gr Sierra web.jpg
Range day yesterday and to say that so far I'm happy with this load, the TruGlo 2X reddot would be a slight understatement. I've still got to put some of the MoBul loads together in Starline cases and see how they perform with the sight and at longer ranges.

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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by Ranch Dog »

Looks good!
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Re: 38-55 load development a start

Post by Ohio3Wheels »

Yep, I'm happy with it and at 2000 fps at the muzzle it should be enough for White Tail if I can't get a cast load working.

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