Henry Rifle Forums

Been trying to find this...will email Henry if I have to, but thought I'd check here first.

Does anyone know the groove diameter of the 38-55 Henry?

Historically 38-55s have varied somewhat...from .375 to near .380. I had a 38-55 Marlin that was .377.

I am jonesing for a side gate and my mind is telling me do a 30-30, but my heart is saying do 38-55. Just want to know what I might be up against from a bullet availability standpoint.

Thanks in advance,


Tim

for such info, I believe you'd be wise to go directly to Henry or speak with someone who has .... their introduction of 38-55 caliber to their lineup is so new that we haven't had a great deal of info posted about them ..... my hunch is Henry will manufacture theirs to meet SAAMI specs .... please post what you learn

Mine measures .3765 but others are reporting .376 even. Only way to know is to slug the bore. As I've said before, Henry isn't going to put out guns with great variables in bore diameter as has been done over the last 100+ years. I've been running slugs sized to .379 and am impressed with the accuracy. Only 420 down the pipe so far. I received 1000 bullets from Missouri Bullet that are Hi-Tek coated and sized to .379 but haven't gotten a chance to start working with them yet.

It's your nickel so spend any way you like but I'm more than a little impressed with this 38-55.

Looking forward to some load workup with these later in the week.

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In my area .38-55 factory ammo is hard to find and very, very expensive.

tarbe wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 30, 2019 4:32 pm

... I am jonesing for a side gate and my mind is telling me do a 30-30, but my heart is saying do 38-55. Just want to know what I might be up against from a bullet availability standpoint.

Mine was a tight 376 and there is more than enough people casting bullets for the 38-55. One of my favorite calibers and always has been. I assuming you reload if you have had one before. Guy at Montana Bullet works has 38-55 bullets in all sizes and could make you what you want. Yes locally 38-55 is more expensive for factory rounds than 30-30. You might be able to save some buying online. But I know for me there isnt any doubt which one I would buy if my heart told me 38-55. Maybe just get one of each we need more Henrys to add the running total anyway.

Mags wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 30, 2019 7:18 pm

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In my area .38-55 factory ammo is hard to find and very, very expensive.

What's factory ammo? lol

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 30, 2019 8:58 pm

Maybe just get one of each we need more Henrys to add the running total anyway.

That might just be the right answer!

30-30, 32 Spl, 38-55 and 45/70 would make for a great lever line-up!

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I will send Henry a note about this and will let you know.


Tim

Something you likely should consider is to slug the barrel, then you'll know for your rifle.