38-55 woes

[Duff L Bagg]

I ordered one of the half round half octagon Winchester barrels from Buffalo Arms.
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,3476.html
I have only had it at the range one time and was shooting Winchester factory ammo, and it did not preform very well 3"-4" group, 3" high and 3" to the left at 50 yards.
I slugged the barrel after that trip to the range and found .374" bore and .379" groove.
I have a Lyman mold that drops bullets at .381". I figure that they ought to be just the ticket. I just need to find a sizing die for my Lyman 450, it seems that .379 is the largest die that I can find. I would like to find a .381" die but a .380" would do in a pinch. Is there anyone that makes custom sizing dies for the Lyman 450?

[Ysabel Kid]

Duff -

Doesn't sound good, but it does sound like you are on the right track. Good luck, keep us posted, and post some pictures when you get her straightened out!

BTW, I don't know of anyone making custom sizing dies - but you know this bunch; if someone is, someone here will know about it!

[Cliff]

I believe if you check over on the Cast Boolit Forum you may find someone who will open up a sizing die or make one to your specs. I believe there is several who do and it has been reported they do very good work, inexpensive and quick turn around. ATB

[AJMD429]

It would be really nice if gun makers would bother to size barrels appropriately. Since when does ".357" mean ".362", or ".452" mean ".459"

[Hobie]

While the .38-55 is a fine cartridge it seems to be subject to more such barrels than any other cartridge.

I'd get a .379" sizer and open it up the extra .002". Should be pretty easy as it is only .002" or .001" per radius.

[TwoCup]

The firm below offers custom sizing dies.

Stephen E. Francies
SEF Sports
109 Woodlawn Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54303-2847
920-497-8790
sefsportsgb@aol.com

TwoCup

[Bluehawk]

Try shooting the bullets UNSIZED first . Just lube them in a pan or tumble lube them with Lee LIquid Alox . ( YEs you can tumble lube bullets that are NOt tumble lube bullets )
I have two 38-55 rifles and both have given me fits over the years both need bullets at 380 to shoot well . Both shoot well now and I DO NOT usually size the bullets as they come out of the mold . I alwasy try the bullet first right out of the mold before I try shizing it .
ALSO lee will make you one of theri sizer kits to any diameter you want . Call their custom shop and order it BOTH times I have done that wit hthem they have told me 6 to 8 weeks bboth times I have had the sizer. IN less that 4 weeks. I have also had them make for me their trim sets for 38/56 Winchester and for 7.5 Swiss ( this was before they had 7.5 as a regular item ) They will be happy to oblige you

[KirkD]

I have two vintage Winchester 38-55's, one with a .379 groove diameter and one with a .381 groove diameter. I do not size the cases for either. I just install the bullet and crimp.

[Thunder50]

I believe that Buffalo Arms also has the size die you want.

[1886]

Buffalo Arms does offer custom expander stems for RCBS, Redding expander dies. Check their web page for any others. I have purchased several and have been very pleased. 1886

[Duff L Bagg]

Thanks for the information I will be getting busy with getting this rifle straightened out. It would be a shame to have such a beautiful rifle that won't shoot.

Would someone please refresh my memory: I know that for plane base bullets it is best to size .001"-.002" larger than the groove diameter. Some how I am thinking that gas checked bullets cam be shot at groove diameter, am I right in my thinking?

[KCSO]

Split a wooden dowell and insert a strip of Emery cloth. Oil it up and work it back and forth in the die. Work with say 180 to start and finish with 320. 15 minutes work and size a bullet every 5 minutes till it drops the right size. Remember that the original 38-55 had boores from 377 to 380, they relied on soft lead to slug up under b/p. Get your bullit right and the barrel will shoot.

[Sixgun]

Split a wooden dowell and insert a strip of Emery cloth. Oil it up and work it back and forth in the die. Work with say 180 to start and finish with 320. 15 minutes work and size a bullet every 5 minutes till it drops the right size. Remember that the original 38-55 had boores from 377 to 380, they relied on soft lead to slug up under b/p. Get your bullit right and the barrel will shoot.

Hey, great idea. THATs the one I'm gonna try next. I have been opening up moulds the old fashioned way. I take a bullet that actually came out of the mould---then I drill a hole right smack in the middle of it---------then I take a screw and screw it in---------cut the head off-----------chuck it in a drill press--------coat the bullet with valve grinding compound.------------put the bullet back in the mould and turn the press on in low speed---------spin it for about 15 seconds and do it again if need be.-------------Sixgun

[Duff L Bagg]

Buffalo Arms does offer custom expander stems for RCBS, Redding expander dies. Check their web page for any others. I have purchased several and have been very pleased. 1886

Thanks for the info. I ordered the .381" for my 38-55 and a .414" for my 405 win with a .413" groove. Happy Day!!!