38-55 Sidegate Range report

[BobGinVA]

Go to .377. Nominally, for cast this is about the best size...I shoot .379 in my Marlin CB, but it also shoots the .377 great. For those that don't know the 38/55, IT was the original case that the 30-30 was made from...it was originally a Ballard cart. used for 200 yard target work...I've got 3, a Marlin CB, a Marlin 336 that was re-bored from a 30-30 and a Browning Hi-Wall Traditional Hunter. As far as powder is concerned, also try IMR 4227..between 15 and 17 grains...very consistent and accurate...will hold about 3" at 200 yards with cast bullets (that's all I shoot)..regards, BobG in VA

[CT_Shooter]

Great shooting, Al. Glad you shared the targets with us. I'm pretty darned impressed with your shooting, too.

Seeing all these range reports from RR and others put the itch so bad on my trigger finger today I decided to go play instead of my usual sunday bike ride. First time out with the sidegate in 38-55 and I came away pretty darn impressed if I say so myself.

[North Country Gal]

Nicely done, Al, and all the better for doing it with such a classic old cartridge. Keep up the riding, though. I never miss a day.

[BigAl52]

Go to .377. Nominally, for cast this is about the best size...I shoot .379 in my Marlin CB, but it also shoots the .377 great. For those that don't know the 38/55, IT was the original case that the 30-30 was made from...it was originally a Ballard cart. used for 200 yard target work...I've got 3, a Marlin CB, a Marlin 336 that was re-bored from a 30-30 and a Browning Hi-Wall Traditional Hunter. As far as powder is concerned, also try IMR 4227..between 15 and 17 grains...very consistent and accurate...will hold about 3" at 200 yards with cast bullets (that's all I shoot)..regards, BobG in VA

Bob
I have 4 of them Marlin 336 Cowboy, 2 94 Winchesters and now this Henry. I use 380 in all of them except the Henry. The Henry bore is tighter than the rest and I use starline brass in all but the Marlin. Never tried 4227 But I have used 5744 which shoots very well for plinking with a 380 245 grain cast. For the full power hunting loads Ive always had good luck with RL7.