With four kids (two righties, two lefties) I broke down and purchased the NEF 38-55 target today. After coupons, rebates, tax, title, and licensing it came to $290.  For this I got the rifle with beautiful wood (and I am a picky #%@&!), Hard sided rifle case, and safety lock.  I will be attempting to load fixed ammo as with my Ballards and because with this group I need to use a progressive loader to keep up.  Plan is to start with Lazer cast 240gr and 18gr 4759. I hope this works otherwise I am in for a long development run.  If annyone has suggestions please let me know.  I currently do not have the time to do serious load development.  If this package works I will let --everyone-- know.  If not the kids will still have fun (without torturing an original single shot.  Actually I can hear the oldies in the safe shaking in fear every time I load up the car for a sesion with the tribe.).

Wish me luck,
and, thank for any advice.
Charlie

My shooting amigo bought one of those, thinking to get into the single shot game on a social security budget.  Last week, we took it to the range for the first time.  Factory loads (did not notice box or headstamp) went through the target sideways @ 100 yards.  I provided some new W-W brass and some well-proven cast bullets with a standard sort of 4227 load.  They also went through the target sideways.  Que paso?   

Bewildered behind the redwood curtain

Richard

While I can't find the post, on one of the other forums I browse, one fellow recently reported his H&R .38-55 had a .381 groove and another chimed in that his was nearly that wide.  Those bullets of yours are listed as .380.  They are hard bullets and might not fill the grooves on your rifle, so serious leading is a concern.

Careful with that gun, it doesn't sound all that well screwed together, especially if the kids are shooting it.  I'd have the daaler send it back to have it checked out.  Dave