38-55 bullet choice

[Blackhawker]

A question for you 38-55 shooters:
Do gas checks aid in accuracy?  If I keep velocities at or below 1500 fps and get no leading for any other reason, is it worth it to buy and search for gas checked bullets?  I've always been under the impression that gas checks give uniformity and hardness to the back side of a bullet which may aid in keeping more of an even pressure delivery to the bullet which, in turn, aids in accuracy??....but maybe I'm wrong??  Obviously, I if I push velocities over the 1500 fps mark I'll have to continue the use of the gas checks to prevent leading.

What do all of you 38-55 shooters use?

By the way, I have a Wesson and Harrington TC, not the H&R.  I don't know if the manufacturer matters but I do know the grooves on my barrel are quite shallow and cast bullets work well with it.

[eskimo36]

I shoot plain base lead 265 grain .380 bullets out of my two Target Models.  I shoot 9 grains of Trailboss but I haven't chrono'ed that load.  It shoots good on paper, easy on the ears (i shoot with ear plugs, guys), easy on the wallet and brass lasts forever.  I have killed two deer and several misc critters with this load.   

[Badnews Bob]

I used 250gr plain base bullets out of mine (till I sold it to eskimo36  ) and they work fine I now have a short barrelled one and it will get the same, As long as you keep the velocity down you should not need Gas checks. If you have a problem with leading then gas checks may help.

[lonewolf5348]

I use a  sarco#738 255 grain BHN of 12 at .379 in the 38-55 also starline brass and IMR 3031 32 grains gives me a fps around 1625 flat base bullet and no barrel leading

[Blackhawker]

Hey, thanks everyone!  I had a feeling that I could probably use standard based bullets.  I guess the only way to know is to try.  I'll have to order a hundred or so and see what happens.

[TopperT]

I followed a lot of good advice and stuck with the .380 dia. 265 grain bullet.  Given the 1/18" twist, this appears to be a great 'match' to the TC 38-55 once the chamber is enlarged.  If you decide to go with Black Powder, I have found VERY good accuracy, little to very low recoil  with the floowoing:

Starline  long brass (2.125") with a 'swagged' lead .380, 265 grain RNFP bullet lubed with SPG sitting on top of 39.8 grains of FFF Swiss and a .30 wad and NO Gas Check.  This works really well in my W&H TC.  "Your milage may vary" .....but not by much

[Blackhawker]

Actually, the 265 grain bullet is what I've been using.  I buy from Western Bullet Company and have been very satisfied with my results.  I don't have a chronograph but I believe my load velocities are around 1,400 to maybe 1,500 fps.  I've been buying the gas checked bullets but I've wondered if I'm spending extra on gas checks for nothing...hence the original question.  Thus far I'm loading smokeless (IMR 3031 and IMR 4198).  I haven't been brave enough to try my patience with black powder yet but I've always wanted to tinker with it.  Maybe someday. 

Thanks for the info TopperT. 

[Blackhawker]

I use a  sarco#738 255 grain BHN of 12 at .379 in the 38-55 also starline brass and IMR 3031 32 grains gives me a fps around 1625 flat base bullet and no barrel leading

Lonewolf, how are you managing to get 32 grains of 3031 under a 255 grain bullet?  I loaded 28 grains under a 265 GC last night and the load was compressed.  Are you using the longer dimension brass made by Starline or are you compressing the heck out of your loads?  If you're using the longer brass, does that little length actually accommodate that much greater of a charge?

On a second note, if one uses the longer length brass, does the chamber of an H&R or a W&H accommodate the extra length or will I have to ream the chamber a bit?

[quickdtoo]

This should partially answer you question.

Tim

I have a 08 model shoots outstanding,I load a sarco 255 lead bullet .379 using starline brass and 31 grains of IMR 3031
I gone as far as .3815 with the starline brass
I have to say the 38-55 to me is a fun gun to shoot NO RECOIL

[lonewolf5348]

Tim thanks
I use the starline brass 2.080
I have a guy that cast my bullets Sarco 255 FP 4 grease grooves 225 rounds for $23.50 plus shipping
The price on his bullets can't be beat :he will lube either for smokeless or BP at no extra charge sized to .379 or .380
I like a softer bullet I use a cast of BHN of 12 no gas check and IMr 3031 would say middle 1600 FPS no leading at all.I have a few also casted a little softer to 10 I yet to try.I am going to up the powder charge this spring and see if I can push the 1700 mark with out barrel leading.
I thinkI could go as high as 35 grains witout any problems using IMR 3031

[rsl]

I have an 07 it likes the .380 Lazer Cast 240 grain..

[Blackhawker]

Thanks agian for the helpful replies guys!