38-55 /375win

[srussell]

can someone explain  the differants in theses two rounds other than  the 375 has a shorter case. call me stupid but  i cant see that much diff. in them to cause that much diff. in  speed and pressure

[dpe.ahoy]

375 is loaded to a much higher pressure than 38-55.  In the Handi, the 38-55 could match the 375 in pressure and get slightly more speed at the same pressure due to larger case capacity.  DP

[D Humbarger]

The 375 win has a thicker therefore stronger case head

[manatee1947]

others here of higher technical skill will shortly explain better. The 38/55 was designed as a black powder round over 100 years ago, and designed for those pressures. The brass specs were much thinner. The 375 was a modern design, to be used in modern steel rifles and at pressures up to say mid-40K range. As I understand it, 38/55 cases are longer and could chamber in a 375 and extend through the throat and into the rifling, thereby causing a spike in pressures because there is less room for expansion. The 38/55 also has slightly larger diameter bullet than the 375 by 2-3 thousandths.
As far as performance, cast loads in both guns should show very similar performance, the heavier 375 brass should last longer and be easier to work with. The 38/55 cannot be loaded to modern pressures, and the 375 can be loaded up to over 2200fps. I would love to have either and maybe one day someone will post a WTS 375 barrel at a reasonable price.

[Spanky]

I would love to have either and maybe one day someone will post a WTS 375 barrel at a reasonable price.

Don't count on it... it seems that Handi barrels are made of gold or something nowadays.
At least it seems that way when guys post them for sale. Maybe it's just me but when second hand barrels are going for $150 or $160 it's time to start shooting something else. Heck... a brand new 2 barrel Handi combo can be had for $100 more (or less if you shop around).
It's too bad... it really is.



Spanky

[quickdtoo]

The 38/55 cannot be loaded to modern pressures, and the 375 can be loaded up to over 2200fps.

That would be true of most other makes of 38-55 firearms, but this is the H&R Forum, an H&R 38-55 can be loaded to 375Win pressures of 60kpsi easily. I load mine to 2375fps with 220gr jacketed and 1850fps with 325gr gas checked cast, the SB2 action is rated for way more breech thrust than the the 375Win creates with it's small case head. 

As for brass strength, 375 Win Marlin and Win big bore shooters routinely use 30-30 and 38-55 brass instead of 375 Win brass to increase case capacity and reduce pressures to achieve better velocity.

Tim

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=2137&highlight=.375+win

[manatee1947]

thanks for the link. It is good to know that the 38/55 can be boosted like the 45/70 has been. I do not care much about trying to max out a particular cartridge, I would love to have a 375 just because...... If I wanted more I would use my 444. I have heard though that 38/55 are very accurate shooters. Do you find that to be the case??

[quickdtoo]

thanks for the link. It is good to know that the 38/55 can be boosted like the 45/70 has been. I do not care much about trying to max out a particular cartridge, I would love to have a 375 just because...... If I wanted more I would use my 444. I have heard though that 38/55 are very accurate shooters. Do you find that to be the case??

With a good chamber and the right size bullets they can be very accurate, read lonewolf5348's range report down the page. Those H&Rs made before late 2006 had undersize chamber necks and oversize bores that were hard to get to shoot well without some work, but when Marlin started making the barrels, they fixed that problem, unfortunately they quit making them a year later. 

Tim

[srussell]

With a good chamber and the right size bullets they can be very accurate, read lonewolf5348's range report down the page. Those H&Rs made before late 2006 had undersize chamber necks and oversize bores that were hard to get to shoot well without some work, but when Marlin started making the barrels, they fixed that problem, unfortunately they quit making them a year later. 

Tim

yes i know mine has had the chamber reamed i shoot a cast boolet sized 380/381 eather shoots great

[lonewolf5348]

Tim: is right I load 33.5 and gone as high as 35 grains of with IMR3031 not that lead bullet is moving no gas checks and no barrel leading.I like the 33.0 to 33.5 for best groups

75 yards from the bench using williams FP rear peep and a t/c red fiber optic front sight.
I think the gun barrel was a few years back 2 1/2 years ago when marlin did there spec: over.I think the lead cast slug the bore at 3.785
I have got excellent groups out to 500 yards just a fun gun to shoot
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/lonewolf5347/38-55004.jpg

[geezer56]

The bore dia. is the real problem with 375 Win vs. 38-55.  In my 38-55, I can drop a 375 dia Hornady bullet for a 375 Win. round down through the bore.  Gravity only, no pushing.  I have a bore size of 0.3795, I have to use 0.381 cast bullets to make it shoot with any accuracy.  Pressure isn't an issue, bore dia. is.

[gcrank1]

Use the right size bullet in your 38-55 for it's bore and you can load it mild to 375Win. ballistics. Just dont expect it to shoot .375 factory ammo.
I like mine a lot. Not for sale at this time.

[eskimo36]

I have both 38-55 Target Classic and a Wayne York 375 Winchester Handi barrel.  It may be the only 375 Win Handi out there.  I like both.  I shoot mild lead out of the 38-55 and pointy jacketed stuf out of the 375.

[dpe.ahoy]

Thanks for clearing the brass issue up Tim.  As with other cases, ie. 45 colt, the brass isn't the issue, it's the strength of the weapon that limits pressure.  As long as the brass is properly supported, it's not gonna "blow-up" until loaded to many times or WAY over normal operating pressures.  DP

[Blackhawker]

Here is an interesting article on Thompson Contender handgunning.  Scroll down a bit and you'll find some info on the 375 Win.  The author gives a brief description of the 38-55 as compared to the 375 Win.

Link:  http://www.handgunhunt.com/tech/t2/index.html

[gcrank1]

I just took a look at that article and it looks like they got the editing a bit off between the 7-30 and the 375/38-55, but otherwise there's a bit of info there.

[lonewolf5348]

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/rs_3855Winchester_200811/
great info on the 38-55