Frank, I'm in the minority that has done okay with the .38's.  I built two of them, for my son and for my wife and daughter to use.   

The .38-72 uses a 12 twist Green Mountain #3 1/2 barrel, and shoots a 365 grain NASA bullet to 1375 fps.  We've shot Quigley with it several times, and out to 1000 yards at Alliance NE also.  It shoots essentially identically to my 18 twist .45-90 with a 540 gr NASA.  In both we used Goex powder, that they sell as old Elmsford or some such now.   

I also purpose built a .38-55 for my wife to use with smokeless, using a 12 twist McGowan Barrel in a #3 1/2 contour.  We load it with the same 365 grain bullet, using IMR4198 to the same 1375 velocity.  We've used it at Quigley several times, and she's been able to hit 6 out of 8 at the buffalo with it.  One day in good calm afternoon conditions, she was able to put 11 rounds into less than a 12 inch pattern in the white on the 600 yard target also. 

What the .38's give up isn't accuracy or stability, it's spotting ability.  You can't see the hits or misses as well as with a .45.  Other than that, there's no drawback to them.

Oldwin makes a pretty good point. When talking about long range BPCR, the accuracy difference between what a person can get away with when a hit on a steel target any place that will make the radio/flasher go off counts the same as one dead center, is a whole nether deal from target rifle shooting when those hits in the 9,10 and x rings are needed.

frnkeore wrote on Dec 18^th, 2018 at 8:25pm:


Frank I found a little, but not all of the detailed information I was looking for.   In his last rifle I'm pretty sure that he was using a 1:10 twist .38-70, but I know that he also used a 1:12 twist .38-72.   He did play with some very long .38 cal bullets, quite a bit heavier than what most are using in their fast twist .38-50 Remington Hepburn chambered silhouette rifles. 

I'm still trying to find the match results for that one.

Chris.    

Dave, 
Dan T was shooting a 38-70 with a 10 twist barrel
in the long range match he did so well
He also worked some with the 38-72W/10 twist.
Was shooting bullets up to 400 gr.(personal correspondence with him)
I bought/have his tight neck 38-72 reamer and 
built a Brg actioned rifle with a Krieger 10 twist barrel.
Mixed bag results for me.
Then I "discovered" 40 cals
beltfed/arnie

Frank,
I note you are concerned about your hurt shoulder re. recoil
Indeed, the 38s would be lighter recoil even with those heavier bullets of 365,etc. 
As mentioned above, I did work some with a 38-72.
I also have recently considered the 38-50. But not yet
done. 

However, I found I like the 40-65 that has been a great all around ctg/rifle to work with from 200yd Schuetzen BP category to Midrange and Including Long Range.
My 13# 14 oz rebuilt 16 twist Hi Wall is a pussycat to shoot.
Besides the weight, It has a decelerator pad on it which helps, too.
I have designed some bullets for the 16 twist 40s that do stabilize and shoot well for me out to Long range:  8,9,1000yds When I Do My Part, of course.
I had some good days here and there with the 40-65 at the Lodi Long range matches up to a few yrs ago.
Placed 4th overall for the day a couple times with it against all those 45s. See example from plot book-5/8/11 match 
The key for the 16 twist 40 for long range stability/accuracy
is Correct Bullet Length of 1.325" and I use an Elliptical Profile Ogive and Minigrooves for low drag.  Actually now have a similar
bullet in Dual diameter Elliptical (profile)Paper Patch persuasion, same length and  that is working very well. 
Have had some shoulder issue/surgery and a hip that finally got replaced. So now I cannot shoot prone. I now shoot from a low stool and high crossed Stix. So, probably will have more trouble shooting "up with the big boys"
I would be happy to share bullet designs as I have with others for the 40s. See drg of DDEPP bullet for 40cal 16twist. 
beltfed/arnie

Frank, I would try a .38 rather than not shoot.  I built a 38-72 on a Meacham Hiwall  action and RKS  barrel with to try in the late 90s. Never got around to shooting it.  Long story, totally irrelevant to this thread. 

Chris, 500 was all I ever had without being at a match Too bad we don't have the BPCR series we had in the 80s and 90s here in the NW.  3x the shooting as  the NRA course.  I think the only time I ever shot NRA courses was at Raton.  Doesn't matter, I got my 1,000 yard bullseye patch from Ottawa Arms Collectors 

Yes, prone, with Stix and iron sights back then.
Now, I am phasing over to scope. Floaters, etc
are becoming a problem shooting irons.
Also, Sitting with Stix now as in prone I have problems with hip and shoulder while rolling over to wipe the bore.
beltfed/arnie

Schuetzenmiester wrote on Dec 19^th, 2018 at 3:18am:


Yeah I think that was the peak time for this type of shooting.   There is a LR series that has started at Rattlesnake Mountain in WA.  I don't think it sees a lot of participants yet but I will try to shoot one or more of those matches this year.   

Chris.