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Chief1966
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Starter load for a 38-55
Oct 14th, 2022 at 8:57pm
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I need a starter load suggestion for a 278gr. lead bullet from Montana Bullet Works for my SS 38-55.  MY Lyman load book does not list this grain bullet.
I have worked up a good load for their 355gr. bullet but the recoil is a bit stout.  So I ordered a few lighter bullets to try. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks!
  
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Skalkaho
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Re: Starter load for a 38-55
Reply #1 - Oct 15th, 2022 at 12:24pm
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17.0  4759 ( 4227 )for 250 gr Lyman.
17.0 300-MP  250 gr also. Drop a grain or two and work up.I mostly have BP loads......
285 gr bullet 36.5 Swiss 1 1/2 for BP chicken load .020 compress with .060 wad......
  

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marlinguy
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Re: Starter load for a 38-55
Reply #2 - Oct 16th, 2022 at 10:35am
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I'd use load data for the common 255 gr. bullet, and start near the lower levels.
My copy of the RCBS cast bullet manual shows loads with 3031, Re7, 2400, 4759, Unique, Red Dot, and 700x, all with a 260 gr. cast bullet. The lighter loads are with the last four of those powders and are very mild loads around 1100 fps.
I use a charge of 2400 at 14 grs. of 2400 with a 280 gr. bullet, which is around 1325 fps.
  

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Cbashooter
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Re: Starter load for a 38-55
Reply #3 - Oct 16th, 2022 at 11:01am
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Thanks for the 2400 information Val! 
a friend of mine was just asking me yesterday for a load with the 38-55 and 2400.
  
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Chief1966
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Re: Starter load for a 38-55
Reply #4 - Oct 16th, 2022 at 3:07pm
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I have all the powders listed in the Lyman data book for this caliber, but never thought about 2400.  I will have to give it a try!
I did noticed that there is not a whole lot of variation in the powder charges between the 335gr and the 255gr bullets listed in the Lyman book.  Good suggestion marlinguy!
Thanks
  
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