????'s on 38-55 BP Loads for the "Target Classic"

[TopperT]

Hi:  Been "away" for a bit, and now have decided to get back shooting my "Classic" .  I like Black Powder in this rifle and am wondering if any here have some loads and or advice on using BP in this rifle that they might be willing to pass along. 
FYI; Knowing the barrel to be .3793+/-2, I had the chamber "rightsized" to allow for the use of bullets casted and sized to .380 or .381.  Last time out I was using 42 grans of FFF Swiss with a 265 grn 'swagged' bullet.  BUT....if I remember correct.....I just might be just a tad bit better off with a slightly lighter bullet having the same .381 diameter........  Any thoughts much appreciated.  Jim.

[John Boy]

Lyman 378674 - 332gr -0.360BC -Bhn 8.2
Starline 2.125
Fed 150 (0.01 paper wad over primer hole)
Any FFg-Sifted - 42gr
0.03 LDPE Wad
1087 fps

[TopperT]

Thanks John Boy........question.  Your not having any issues with the heavy bullet?  I have wondered about using this head but with the 'twist' had thought it might not perform well.  Thanks for the information......I to an considering FF.  I'll be picking up powder this month and now I think I'll try some FF along with the FFF.  Thanks again for the reply.  Jim.

[Badnews Bob]

Double F should work a little better than Triple F I would think, FFF is manly a pistol powder. I've used GOEX FF Cartridge powder in mine but I can't find my load info or results, I know I love the sound and smoke of the true black.

[coyotejoe]

For some reason my 38/55 always shot better with Pyrodex RS than with any black powder. I am no fan of Pyrodex in muzzleloaders but from the 38/55 it clearly did better than Goex with all bullets tried.

[John Boy]

Your not having any issues with the heavy bullet?

Jim, short answer - No!
Long Answer - I was at Ridgway Rifle Club,this October, getting vernier settings on various rifles at 200 - 500m.  The recipe took down the Rams at 500 meters accurately and with ease.  It was fun watching this recipe taking down the 200-400m targets also.  Using the same bullet, for giggles last year, after many sighters in stiff wind, I splashed the 1000yd silhouette ... one time with my 'El Cheapo-H&R' and stopped. I was satisfied it would make the trip!

There is some kind of a false impression that heavy long sided bullets will not shoot in a 1:18 - 38-55.  I'm having no problems with them.  In fact, a friend sent me some NEI 305gr Postell nose ones in 1:10 alloy.  Before Winter is over - will see how these will fly to 300 yds and I have high expectations.  If they do good, next Spring will get vernier settings for the recipe on all the steel at 200 to 500 meters up at Ridgway

[TopperT]

Thanks so much.  John Boy, I sent you a PM re this.  As soon as it warms up today (if it does )I am trying .335 grn bullets sized .379  along with some 265 grn bullets sized .381.  It will be interesting to see how they shoot.  I loaded all using 42 grns of FF over a large rifle primer.  Thanks also for the interest in using Pyrodex......it does clean up well, thats for sure.....but the beauty of these H&R's is they are so easy to clean with BP and I have had good luck with 'Black Powder' so......well I'm old school I guess.