2400 in 38-55

[Blackhawker]

I was just wondering if anyone ever tried 2400 in their 38-55?  Although there isn't much data around for 2400 in this caliber, I found a load that seems to work well from the following article:

http://www.brimstonepistoleros.com/gazette/jan06.html

Thus far I've fired some decent groups with 16.8 grains under a 265 grain FPGC.  If I deviate on either side of the load (lighter or heavier load) the group really spreads open fast.  I have no idea what the velocity is though...no chronograph yet.  Anyone else try this load or have an idea of the approximate velocity?

On a side note, I've been experimenting with 2400 in my 45-70 too.  I've found it to work well with 500g bullets.  Again, groups open up fast with slightly lighter or heavier loads.

[Graybeard]

My experience is that 2400 is a very forgiving powder and much safer to work with than most when playing around out there in never never land with no established data to work from. I don't give out load data details of such but I've helped my best friend Billy Doss (now deceased) with some really wild uses of it even to the point of using it in his muzzle loader to replace BP. I have no clue what pressures the load I helped him develop was producing but he completely stopped using BP and to his death never used anything but 2400 in his muzzle loaders after we slowly worked up to a load he was satisfied with.

He was far braver than me in such way out uses of it but always wanted my help in making sure he didn't blow himself up in the process. While helping him I really learned a lot about 2400 and just how versatile it is.

[Blackhawker]

I guess I'm getting a little like that with 2400 as well.  Although I've never worked with black powder loads, it seems that I'm working 2400 into a lot of my reloads even though there seems to be limited data on it. 

I agree with you about posting load data.  It's too much of an irresponsible world out there today and unfortunately there's just too many people looking to put the responsibility on others....hence all of the law suits.  I had posted the 16.8 reluctantly but felt it safe since it was posted in the Brimstone Gazzette article.  (I guess I'm passing the buck there too  ) 

I kind of do feel a little "out there in never never land" with this one but thankfully the article had some data for me to start from.  I worked up some loads around their test load and found their load to work best.  I'm a little wary about underloading larger volume cartidges without a fiber fill added (especially with no data to guide me) so I didn't go too much lower than the posted load.  However, I did go quite a bit above the listed charge yet still didn't find any over-pressure signs (flattened primers, expanded cases, difficult extration, etc).  I also found that the powder seems to work a lot like Unique does in the 38-55.  If I loaded a little high, the rounds were going all over the place.  I guess it just delivers too much pressure too quickly or something.    I've noticed that with high loads of Unique, I get bullets spreading all over the targets and some even key-holing.

In any case, without a chronograph I can only speculate velocities.  By comparison to my other loads using IMR-4198 and IMR-3031, (comparison of felt recoil and approximate time of impact sound on target down range) this load of 2400 seems to be a mid range load ....possibly in the 1500 fps range.  While not a pile driver, it's near a tack driver.  I'm sure that with as scope mounted (and better eyes) I could do better, but an inch group at 50 yards (all holes touching) is pretty good for iron sights. 

Thanks for your insight Greybeard.  It's good to hear stories like that....and a nice memory of your friend.

[GrampaMike]

Blackhawker,
Ran your info thru my software.
16.8 grains, 265 Cast, 28" barrel gives 1580 FPS, 23K PSI.
I have not tried 2400 for the 38-55 though.

[Blackhawker]

Blackhawker,
Ran your info thru my software.
16.8 grains, 265 Cast, 28" barrel gives 1580 FPS, 23K PSI.
I have not tried 2400 for the 38-55 though.

Hey thanks GrandpaMike!  I had a feeling it was around the 1500 fps range judging by the target hit report at 50 yards.  It's good to know it's under the 30K PSI.  I didn't notice any pressure issues with the load. 

I'm shooting mine from a Wesson and Harrington BC with a add-on TC 28 inch barrel.  I've got a Marbles tang sight with the standard globe in front.  The last round of loads I fired with this charge measured a little under 1.25 inches for five shots.  Given my eyes getting older and iron sights, I'd say that's pretty good.  I know others can do better though.  One thing I noticed, however, is that the charge seems a little picky.  If you're not right on the money with it, the group opens up a lot.

Other thanks are in store to you as well.  I've used your 45-70 recommendations in the stickies for the 500 grain cast bullets.  So far so good!  My only problem is that I don't know which barrel I like to use more....the 45-70 or the 38-55.  Both are great rounds to load and shoot.

[Belt Fed .50 Cal.]

Hey Blackhawker, I use 22gr. of 2400 in my .45-70 with either Super Grex or toilet paper as a filler and a 385 gr. Lyman round nose, plain base bullet. It is a very accurate load. The 16.8 gr. load in .38-55 sounds reasonable with a 255gr. bullet.

[Blackhawker]

Hey Blackhawker, I use 22gr. of 2400 in my .45-70 with either Super Grex or toilet paper as a filler and a 385 gr. Lyman round nose, plain base bullet. It is a very accurate load. The 16.8 gr. load in .38-55 sounds reasonable with a 255gr. bullet.

Yes, I've had some pretty good luck with 2400 in my 45-70 as well.  I use a little more than what you have listed under my 500 grain Lyman round noses and it works great.  I've been filling the excess space with a little .5 gain poly fiber wad.  It's important to be consistent with the wad addition, as I'm sure you know.