Side Gate 38-55 Groove Diameter?

[tarbe]

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

[JEBar]

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

[Old Syko]

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.

[Old Syko]

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

[Mags]

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

... 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.

[BigAl52]

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.

[tarbe]

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

What's factory ammo? lol

[tarbe]

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!

[tarbe]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

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


Tim

[TraderVic]

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

[tarbe]

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

Trying to find out before I buy, so i’ll know if molds and sizers will work.

Certainly, if I already owned the rifle I would just slug the barrel.

In other news: I sent a note to Henry last night and already received a reply!

Their spec calls for a .376 groove diameter.

Tim

[JEBar]

I sent a note to Henry last night and already received a reply! Their spec calls for a .376 groove diameter.

Tim

exactly what BigAl reports in his post above ..

[Old Syko]

As with all forms of machine work there has to be an allowable variable of + or - a given amount since we don't live in a perfect world. As more parts are made, tooling wears and dulls which is why there are such allowable tolerances. My gun being one of the first released measuring .3765 was likely cut with newer tooling than later built guns. As tooling wears within the spec'ed tolerance the bores will become tighter which is why I would suspect that tolerance level is likely .3765 to .3755 or possibly even more. That half a thousandth one way or the other is going to mean nothing compared to the way things were done in the past.

[tarbe]

As with all forms of machine work there has to be an allowable variable of + or - a given amount since we don't live in a perfect world. As more parts are made, tooling wears and dulls which is why there are such allowable tolerances. My gun being one of the first released measuring .3765 was likely cut with newer tooling than later built guns. As tooling wears within the spec'ed tolerance the bores will become tighter which is why I would suspect that tolerance level is likely .3765 to .3755 or possibly even more. That half a thousandth one way or the other is going to mean nothing compared to the way things were done in the past.

I actually did ask for the spec limits...I was hoping to learn the min/max.

I was actually quite happy just to get an answer!

[Old Syko]

As with all forms of machine work there has to be an allowable variable of + or - a given amount since we don't live in a perfect world. As more parts are made, tooling wears and dulls which is why there are such allowable tolerances. My gun being one of the first released measuring .3765 was likely cut with newer tooling than later built guns. As tooling wears within the spec'ed tolerance the bores will become tighter which is why I would suspect that tolerance level is likely .3765 to .3755 or possibly even more. That half a thousandth one way or the other is going to mean nothing compared to the way things were done in the past.

I actually did ask for the spec limits...I was hoping to learn the min/max.

I was actually quite happy just to get an answer!

It would be interesting to know but I suspect that is considered proprietary information.

[BigAl52]

I haven't shot mine yet but for testing purposes I bought a box of the 200 grain 375 sierra bullets. Eventually I will get to try some out. I also have some 250 grain gas checks in the same diameter I want to give a try. I will be using Reloader 7 which has been my go to powder for the 38-55.

[Old Syko]

I haven't shot mine yet but for testing purposes I bought a box of the 200 grain 375 sierra bullets. Eventually I will get to try some out. I also have some 250 grain gas checks in the same diameter I want to give a try. I will be using Reloader 7 which has been my go to powder for the 38-55.

I originally was able to get nearly 1000 rounds of HSM 240 cast loaded ammo and that is what I've shot so far. The gun is very happy with them. They are the short brass but still shoot well. I'll start with the proper length brass from Starline. I doubt mine will ever see anything but lead slugs which is why I'm starting with the MB slugs. I have 2 moulds and will bring them into play the first chance I get. As to powder my choice will be H4198 to start. In cases of this size and load density It has always served me well. In my 444 it is the one and only powder so I keep a significant supply. I'll be loading for 2 different loads as usual, one being for maximum reasonably velocity and the other for pure accuracy that is most always much lower velocity.

BTW It'll be interesting to hear how those little JFPs work.

[BigAl52]

Ive not used any of the longer brass. I have a 336 Cowboy Marlin and I think at one time I tried it that gun and something didnt go right. Need to try some again. I do have a bunch of the shorter brass which has worked well. I used some 4198 in the past and have used it in a 444. But one day I had brain failure and sold the 444. Shouuld have kept it. When I get to load some of those 200 grainers I will make a report.

[Old Syko]

Ive not used any of the longer brass. I have a 336 Cowboy Marlin and I think at one time I tried it that gun and something didnt go right. Need to try some again. I do have a bunch of the shorter brass which has worked well. I used some 4198 in the past and have used it in a 444. But one day I had brain failure and sold the 444. Shouuld have kept it. When I get to load some of those 200 grainers I will make a report.

I've not sold, traded or otherwise disposed of any gun since the early 90s and wish I had back most of what I let get away before then but back then I looked at them as a savings account I could enjoy for a time. So for nearly 30 years now the only things that have gotten away are some that I've passed on to the kids and grandkids. Makes me sick to think of some I let go.

As to the longer brass in the 38-55 the only thing I've done so far is confirm that it fits the chamber of my gun as it should. I would suggest checking the fit in any individual gun before trying to load though. Got some shooting to do the next couple days and some work around the house and grandkids I seldom get to see coming Saturday but hope to start load development in the next few days somehow. I'm having thoughts of trying some of the larger 300 grain + slugs I'm seeing available at some point, just out of curiosity.

[Frontiersman]

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

What's factory ammo? lol

I believe they used it during WWII when they attacked German manufacturing plants. Didn't think they had .38-55s though. Must have been some cowboys in that war too.