What diameter Jacketed bullets are you using. I picked up some .375 sierras but think that I need to get some .377's or start shooting cast. Anyone out there playing with loads in this rifle. Thanks, Ryan
The Marlin 38-55 does best with bullets bigger than the .375 jacketed ones, which means that you pretty much have to go to lead. Do you cast your own pistol bullets? Might be another mold to buy next month.
I don't have the time or physical setup for casting, but feed my 336 with bullets from folks who are professionals. Three Rivers Bullets (find him by Google) makes a variety of diameters for the 38-55, so I am in the process of trying several different sizes...377, 378, 379..and I'll get to the range next week, then choose whatever gives the best results.
Some folks have slugged their barrels and chosen the diameter that looks closest to them, so you can expect a report on the results probably before the weekend. This is a great forum for instant information.
Border Doc
Thank you, I have a friend that had to go to .380 in his for Cast but said the Jacketed shot good. I guess I will start with a little of both and see what it likes. Thank you, Ryan
Barnes makes a .377 jacketed bullet that I have had good results with, but they are expensive. Best solution for me was to buy cast bullets then put on gas checks and size them to .377. Tried a lot of things that didn't work before I got there. This was with Winchester rifles in 38-55 and 38-56.
Bushwacker, My 336CB in 38-55 has a groove of .3785 and shoots .377 and .379 cast equally well, I have tried the barnes originals in .377 and they work well also. Do a search for Boer Bullets these can be had in 220gn. Else search at beartooth bullets or marlinowner for Stone Fence he makes jacketed for the 38-55 in .378 dia 250gn. I've heard he makes other size bullets for the 38-55 also. I use 9-9.5 gns of unique in the 249gn cast I use. And 29.5gns of RX7 for 250gn jacketed.
I shoot my own cast bullets, 255 gr, 375 dia. gas checks cast hard over a load of RL7 or 4895, Not near my bench at the moment so forget the grain loads. If you can find an old Lyman manual they have plenty of loads in there