Load data for the 38-55 in the 94.

[Catshooter]

Has anyone used BLC (2) in this round?

Here's my deal. I try to stock up and stay ahead. Just finished up loading enough ammo for my 94 so I can shoot it in our silhouette match for the next two years.

However, that about runs me out of the powder I was using, AA 2230. I know I'm good for two years or so, but I like to plan ahead. Now I'm all out of the 2230 and of course finding more is tough just now.

So I've got two kegs of BLC (2). In looking at the loading data, it should work well for the 38-55. But I can't find any data for it for the 38-55.

I use 31 grains of 2230 under the Lyman 375449, which out of my mould weighs 285 grain. Gives me close to 1800 feet. I'd like to run at about that level.

Can anyone help me? Thanks.


Cat

[arjunky]

Lee book shows 38.0 behind 255 cast for 1666 fps. Maybe back off to 34 and see what velocity is behind 285 cast.

Byron

[arjunky]

Either way 2230 seems to be faster than blc2. I don't know if you will get that much velocity even at 38 grains.

Byron

[arjunky]

Newer production 94?

[Catshooter]

Seventies production 94. In excellent condition.


Cat

[earlmck]

Just for grins, Catshooter, I looked at your loads in "QuickLoad" to see what it would predict. It thinks your 31 grains of AA2230 would be equaled in pressure and velocity by 33.5 grains of BL-C(2), which it thinks would be about 1600 fps and 26K psi assuming a cartridge length of 2.51". So I'd say arjunky's idea of starting with 34 grains BL-C (2) and seeing how it compares is a good one.

[Sixgun]

Personally, I've never had any luck with straight wall cases with cast bullets using any powder slower than 3031, especially as the temperature drops below about 40. Even with 3031 or 4198 you need top level loads, tight neck tension, a firm crimp, and a bullet thats as least a thou. or 2 over groove dia.

Been there and done all that.....trying to find a use for 20 pounds of this or that powder that I got a deal on.

Bl-C2 likes jacketed bullets in bottle neck cases that pushes bullets 22-2800. I use plenty of that in the .223, 308, and the 06.

Run them over the chrono, you will see what I mean.------------Sixgun

[Catshooter]

I suspect you could be right Sixgun. I've got two years worth of ammo for my matches, so I'm not in a hurry. I don't have to worry much about temps below 40 as if it's close to that I don't go!

Thanks for the data fellas.


Cat

[2ndovc]

Personally, I've never had any luck with straight wall cases with cast bullets using any powder slower than 3031, especially as the temperature drops below about 40. Even with 3031 or 4198 you need top level loads, tight neck tension, a firm crimp, and a bullet thats as least a thou. or 2 over groove dia.

Been there and done all that.....trying to find a use for 20 pounds of this or that powder that I got a deal on.

Bl-C2 likes jacketed bullets in bottle neck cases that pushes bullets 22-2800. I use plenty of that in the .223, 308, and the 06.

Run them over the chrono, you will see what I mean.------------Sixgun

Jack got my .38-55 shootin' so good it's was scary! I was pusing the FPS too fast, slowed it down and my groups
shrunk down to factory size, 1 1/4- 1 3/4".


jb

[Sixgun]

Jason,
What was the powder?-------6

[Ironwood]

This is the only loading data I could find for the 38-55 using BL-C2. I hope it helps. It's from a 1989 Lee Precision handbook using Hodgdon's data.

Lee Data Manual.jpg

[3leggedturtle]

I am confused you said it was 1968 catalog. But it shows 8mm Rem Mag and 356 Win. Does it have any 256 Win Mag data in it?

[Ironwood]

I am confused you said it was 1968 catalog. But it shows 8mm Rem Mag and 356 Win. Does it have any 256 Win Mag data in it?

Sorry about that. You will have to excuse this old man. I have it fixed now.