Has anybody slugged a new .38/55. Are they in the .375 or the .380 range?

I have a Trails End Hunter octogaon on order and would like to have bullets and brass on hand when it arrives.

Has anybody slugged a new .38/55. Are they in the .375 or the .380 range?

I have a Trails End Hunter octogaon on order and would like to have bullets and brass on hand when it arrives.

Expect it to be in the .377 to .379" range, with most of them closer to .3775-.378.

Hi Koolaid,

Just bought a trails End in 38-55 two months ago. It slugged at .380 even. I have to outside neck turn Win brass in order for the loaded cases to chamber using Laser Cast .380 bullets. I don't know if they normally run in the .377 range and mine was an oddball or what? If you get enough replys you'll be able to get a better feel for it. This rifle is EXTREAMLY accurate, in the 1.5 inch or less range at 100yds off the bench using tang sights.The load is 20.0 gr of H4198 at 1,400 fps for Cowboy Silhoutte. I shoot this same load in 3 different 38-55's and they all shoot at 1.5 inches or under.

If your Trails End octogon is a special run from Davidson's it may be on the smaller side. I have a Win hiwall, special run from Davidson's in 38-55 and it slugs at .3767 but it also has it's barrel made by Badger.

You might want to contact Davidson's if its a special run for them, maybe thay can help on the bore size. If the barrel is from Win and produced en mass, then ya pays yer money and takes yer chance, .377 to .380.

Hope your planning on shooting lead in it. If it is a .380 all the .375 jacketed bullets will just rattle down the bore. There are lots of lead bullet makers out there from .377 to .380 so you can find a bullet that will work. With jackets your stuck with .375 except for Barns.377 but VERY expensive unless your going to hunt with it. I've read good reports with it in the higher velocity range even in the .380 bores.

Wascally Wabbit

Well it gets delivered to my dealer on Tuesday of this week. I am sticking it on layaway until the holidays are over.

What do you use to turn the outside of the case necks? I have never had to do that before.

Koolaid,
I hope you don't have to but if you do, Hornady makes one. You can find it at http://www.lockstock.com/searchprods.asp

You will also need the .375 mandrel to use in the tool. The cutter is 44.95 and the mandrel is 7.50

The is also one made by K & M tools. I use that one but the Hornady is a little cheaper and should work just fine. The K & M is at http://www.lockstock.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KMMANT

also get the .375 mandrel with it, the mandrel is included with the K & M tool. If the above links don't work the phone # for Lock Stock & barrel is 800-228-7925. If LSB does not have a .375 mandrel, K & M will make it for you but you'll have to get their phone # from LSB

Wascally Wabbit