Author Topic: ? about 38-55 and black powder or pyrodex (Read 656 times)

BIGBOREFAN · « **on:** February 11, 2004, 10:26:16 AM »

I'm just now getting into reloading and was thinking of black powder or pyrodex in the 38-55 would be a hoot. I have the dies for 38-55 and will be getting a 38-55 barrel from H&R. I had a 336CB but traded it off because I had planned on getting a H&R Target Model. I have no clue were to start loading BP or pyrodex. The only thing I do know is I heard you could have no air space in the cartidge. I'm a little confused about that. What is the difference between the air space with BP vs smokeless powder. Also what loads are useing for the 38-55. Thanks in advance

BBF

PowderFlask2 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2004, 10:53:06 AM »

Big bore fan

The big difference is that with most bp loads

1 the loads are going to be compressed any way so the air space won't be a problem

2 since you usually compress with a wad if you do have an air space the wad acts as the projectile till it hits the bullet which acts as an obstruction and then you have problems

keep asking questions here and on the msn/bpcr board http://groups.msn.com/BPCR
and you will get a ton of good information

After shooting muzzleloaders for over 35 years I started shooting bpcr last year and these guys helped me and I am doing very well. Haven't shot any master class scores yet but I keep edging up

HPguy on the bpcr page shoots a 38-55 and has a ton of good load info just do a search and have fun

TopperT · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2004, 07:14:22 PM »

I shoot ONLY Pyrodex out of my 38-55 H&R. I love it and the process of working up a load has been great fun. I have tried BP, Pyrodex and 777. I think Pyrodex for the money is pound for pound equal.
Currently using WW brass and a Federal 210 LR primer, a cast lead bullet sized at .379 lubed with SPG and I load it over 47 grains of Pyrodex slip in a .30 wad and set the head to just cover the last lube band on the head.
I scrubed the rifle first and ALL parts to get rid of oil and use Bore Butter for everything from lubing to cleaning and frankly I have zero issues with clean-up and shooting. My groups now are as good as I can see at 100 yards....not bad at all and frankly a blast (ok pun there) to shoot....try it, you'll love it.
Also If your still looking for Factory ammo I have brand new I will part with for a good deal.....let me know.

BIGBOREFAN · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2004, 02:39:59 AM »

Thanks for the replies guys. TopperT you have a PM.

BBF