Henry Rifle Forums

I'm working up loads for the 38-55 side gate. Using starline brass 2.125 and Vollmer 255g fsp .379 with 24g imr1498. Has anyone else have load data?
DrK

Welcome to the forum glad you joined us. Please also take a look at our How many thread and add your sidegate to our running total. I also own a 38-55 sidegate. But im using the shorter brass with a Lyman 264 gr GC from Montana Bullets. I slugged my bore and it came out at .376. Ive been using a load of reloader 7 with very good results.

https://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic. ... start=1110

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... rt#p107102

Here is a target I shot with mine.

Welcome to the forum from CT, DrK. Glad you joined us. There are lots of folks here who know their stuff. You're sure to get some helpful advice.

DrK wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 07, 2020 1:44 pm

I'm working up loads for the 38-55 side gate. Using starline brass 2.125 and Vollmer 255g fsp .379 with 24g imr1498. Has anyone else have load data?
DrK

Hello and Welcome, I don't own a 38-55, but
I do have all the necessary accessories to do so.
Most of the brass is 2.12, but there is a smaller bag with some that measure 2.08.

RP

Thank you for the warm welcome. Big All when I enquired with Henry techs I got the reply 38-55 were to SAAMI .373 bore, .379 Grove. I slugged the barrel anyway, got 379 Grove. Also put a Skinner Alaskan on the weapon. Groups are good, but all are high, with appeture all the way down. currently waiting for higher front post to arrive.

I have several 38-55 all vary on groove size. I also have a slugging kit especially meant for 38-55. Im no expert on 38-55 but I have played with the caliber quite a bit. I know that there wasnt anyway the proper size for slugging one at 379 was going down the bore of my rifle. Ive tried the 200 gr sierra 375 bullets along with 2 other sizes of bullets in my Henry. If it was me I would grab a couple of different sizes of bullets and give them a try. Thats what I have done with all of my 38-55's. Marlin and Winchester included. Those folks at Montana Bullets are good people and sent me some samples of bullets to try. Henry will not recommend reloading and will always tell you what they told you. Ive not ever used the longer brass in the levergun. Most guys who use the longer brass are doing so in 1885 Hi Walls and Sharps rifles. Not saying it wont work just dont see it very often. The bullet size you are using is the first time I have read someone is using 379. Hope to see some range reports from you when you get your front sight.

BigAl52 - Starline sent me 5 - 2.125 cases as a sample. Crimped them with Vollmer 255gr .377 to oal that would chamber and cycle. Tok then apart and loaded them with 24 gr 4198 and Vollmer .377 - the 5 went bang. Didn't do any chronograph just wanted to confirm useability. The grouping at at 25 yards was consistent. Got the front sight, it looks great - the solid brass ramp sight sits pretty on the barrel.

Sounds good DrK. Hope to see some of your targets soon. Ive never used any of there bullets. They look good.