Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General 38/55 Deer Load?

I plan on giving my new-old Marlin 1893 38/55 some swamp time during the Michigan deer season this year.

I have two loads that shoot well:

265gr cast @ 1340

220gr Hornady FP @ 1570

Which would be your choice for a deer load? A fifty yard shot would be about the longest I would get.

I'll be using this out of a Savage 1899.I'm sure it will be just fine. [img:center][/img]

The 220 grain Hornady is an excellent bullet.

It probably won't make any difference. Big bullet + modest velocity + short range = dead deer with a well placed shot. Your bullet is already the size of most other soft points after they have expanded. Without hitting a large bone, either will probably go clear through a deer.

I would go with the cast bullet.It just may go thru two deer.
I would question whether the Hornady would expand much,if any at that low a velocity.I use it in my 375 and have used it at 1850 fps.While it worked on whitetail,I upped the velocity as I wasnt happy with the expansion.

If the 220 Horn didn't expand much would it not be acting just like the cast bullet your recommending

I like 220 Horns, have shot moose & deer at modest velocities of 1700 up to 2000fps, they work just fine.

Thanks guys

So if I just do the high shoulder shot I should be OK with either bullet?

I'm old enough to know not to take "iffy" shots. I just don't want to end up with a long tracking job in a MI swamp in the dark when I'm the youngest guy in camp at 68 *L*L*L*L*

WN

Id go for the Hornady for many reasons, nothing against the cast bullets. Not to muddy the water , but next time your looking to try someting different give the Sierra 200 a shot. Their Power Jacket line of bullets has been impressive in a few calibers over the years. Although I am a die hard Hornady fan, I sneak a few Sierra Power Jackets in now and again.

okie

Never thought about the 200gr Sierra. Might have to get some and play with them, too.

Thanks

WN

Just shoot anywhere you would normally shot em, that's a big hole your putting right thru. 38-55s easily have more killing power than most people give them credit for!

Most 38-55's slug out .378-.381 which is why cast is the way to go.Almost all jacketed are .375 and don't shoot as well.

Yup. Mine is 378" but for some reason it still shoots the Hornady 220's OK. It really likes the .378" 265 cast but seems pretty slow--I know, I know I've just never shot anything with a slow moving cast bullet.

First time for everything, I guess.

WN

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You will be amazed at what that Cast bullet load will do to a deer. Why a high shoulder shot? Take the usual lung shot. The shoulder shot will damage too much meat.

High shoulder drops them where they're standing.Not much meat up there.......

Either one will do in a deer, a elk, a bear-black or Grizzly, moose, etc.