Howdy,
I'm brand new to ASSRA (just sent in my membership check) and this forum but not entirely new to single shot rifles.  I have a Ped. 45-70 roller and I used to have an H&R 38-55.

My question is about a new rifle I ordered--a Winchester 38-55 1885 high wall.  The specs for this rifle list the groove diameter at .376, which seems a little tight.  Are the specs accurate?  (it's a 28" barrel with a 1-18 twist).  My old 38-55 was .379, as I recall, maybe even .380.  I had a heck of a time with bullets keyholing the target  until I slugged the bore and realized my bullets were too small.

Now, I plan to slug the bore of the 1885, but I also want to load up some cartridges before the rifle arrives so I can have some instant gratification at the range.  I'll be using cast bullets and black powder.  So I'd appreciate any feedback from you experienced folks as to the bore dia. and in general about what you think of this rifle.

Many thanks!
JD

Thanks, Gary, that does help.

What dia. bullets do you shoot through the Badger?

My C. Sharps 1885 with Badger barrel measures .376".  I use .377" diameter jacketed and cast bullets for black powder and smokeless.

My Cimarron/Uberti Highwall has a bore diameter of .374 and a groove diameter of .383. I believe I would slug the barrel before I loaded many rounds. Of course you would be fireforming the brass to your chamber. 

Bill

Well, I took mdeland's advice.  I got the rifle today and it mic'd right at .376, maybe a few 10/1000ths less. So I loaded some .377, 20:1, 250g's. The Winchester's a beaut.  Can't wait to try it out tomorrow.

My Cimarron Uberti measurements:
Bore – 369 ... certified plug gauge
Groove - 375 ... pure lead slug

H&R Target Barrel (old one made by Green Mountain):
Bore - 0.374 
Groove - 0.378

Big Difference!

Nice High Wall there JD...  My dad and I got the same ones, both in .38-55 and consecutive #'s to boot!  Just to bad he's not shooting much these days...

My dad suggested I use IMR SR4759 powder with 245 gr .379" cast RNFP bullets and they shoot GREAT!  I tried XMP5744, the accuracy was OK, but WOW were they DIRTY LOADS!!!  (see picture)  I also played around with Trail Boss and while they were mild, they LEADED horribly -- me-thinks the base of the bullets didn't "bump up" enough.

One question I HAVE TO ASK -- where did you get that drop-dead-gorgeous Winchester single shot rifle BOX to go along with your rifle??? I gotta get me one of those!!

Hope you can help point me in a direction, thanks!

Old No7

Well, since I'm online, might as well show you how the SR4759 loads group at 50 yards -- think I can do better though!

Aim small -- hit big!

Old No7