Dave,

Here is a link to a very interesting thread on the Lever-guns board.

The new unprimed .375 Winchester cases run 2.010� as I measure them but some list them at 2.020�.
The current production Winchester .38-55 cases measure 2.080�.
The few original .38-55 cases I have measure 2.129�.

I wish this poster would have measured the center case in the picture and given us its length.
This will certainly warrant some caution on the part of those who have anxiously awaiting the original length Starline .38-55 brass. A chamber cast is a necessity prior to proceeding with over length cartridge cases.

This particular example validates the view taken by Rocky with regard to shooting .38-55 ammunition in the .375 Winchester. I still believe that your well thought out approach to this question is valid but the picture is a good example of the result of shooting the original length .38-55 cases in the shorter .375 Winchester chamber.
I still believe Winchesters conservative approach with regard to bullet diameter and case length was well thought out and will prevent accidents if a .375 Winchester cartridge is inadvertently fired in a .38-55 rifle of modern construction.

Here is a link to the thread and very interesting � if limited - comments.

http://leverguns.sixgunner.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=29427


Slim