You can replicate the heavy barrel of the Ruger #1V for weight.  I think I’d stick with a 24 or 26” barrel just because of the weight.  Especially for smokeless that’s plenty long for all the powder to burn and get good velocity.  I’m not sure about BP though.  You’ll have to ask somebody else about that.   
Froggie

Smokeless for Schuetzen or black powder for silhouette does make a difference.  If you don't know which I'd recommend being a bit conservative & going with a 30" barrel & 14-twist which should be ideal for a 1.350" long bullet for silhouette.

Some .38-55 shooters have gone a fast as 12:1 but that's probably excessive although Pedersoli produced a .38-55 High Wall with 12:1 twist especially intended to stabilize long heavy bullets in the 350-360 gr. range suitable for knocking down silhouette targets as well as to produce match winning groups in Creedmoor type long range paper target matches.

Wayne

sureshot wrote on Jan 21^st, 2025 at 9:42pm:


Steve,

Very good point.  It should have been obvious but I overlooked it.

Wayne

I rebarrelled quite a few before my back gave out. The factory hanger will allow a 1.200" diameter/1.109 across the flats maximum.

Boob D
I recommend you go with a 12 twist.  It gives you overall ability to shoot from the usual 255-300 gr bullets , and in addition, 
up to a 345-355 grain bullets for longer range BPCR paper and gong matches.
ALSO, you might want to look seriously at chambering it in 
the 38-50 Rem Hep. It is an excellent ctg to "do it all" 
Uses about 10 percent more BP than the 38-55 BMW.
Ballard/Marlin/Win. My 38-50 will achieve 1400fps with a 360 grain bullet. Hits Bowling pins at 600yds.
beltfed/arnie

I second the 38-50. I just purchased a Hepburn in that caliber and I am amazed at what mine will do with a 300 gr RCBS bullet and 4198 powder. Going to try some more things but right off the start I was surprised.



JMH

Boob D wrote on Jan 22^nd, 2025 at 12:56pm:



BOOB:

The 38-50 is a bit like a 38-55 only more-so. (surprisingly)   I have no experience with it, but it gets a fair amount of use amongst the BP silhouette folks.  My OWN belief is that the .40-65 is the optimum BPCS rifle.  OTOH, if you have to give up the occasional BPCS target and can hit more of the rest, you will be ahead with the slightly lighter bullet.

Charlie and Gary Dunkelburger are coming down to Gaithersburg to visit on TUE.  If you think it would be fun, you're welcome to join us.   I can show you some rifles you’ve not seen before. e.g.  The plan is to tell lies, trade guns, and go to lunch, not necessarily in that order.

CHRIS

RG Christensen