| Posted: Fri Oct 31st, 2008 08:51 PM |
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64Impala
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Hi Gents -
Well deer season is just about upon us here and the old man and I went out and shot one of his OLD rifles, a 38-55 with an octagonal barrel. He has some shells that look like they are from 1920 (literally) and I found a box of new stuff in the the local hardware store.
We shot the old stuff, it all went bang, and we shot the new stuff. It all went bang. Then it dawned on me that I had no idea if we should be shooting the new ammo thru this gun (did I mention this thing is REALLY old?) since I didn't know if this was orginally a blackpowder load or not.
Is there any to find out? We obviously didn't blow the gun (could have just been luck) but I don't want to send the old man out into the woods with a load that isn't appropriate if the rifle is only rated for BP loads. Mom would not be pleased.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Joe
Last edited on Fri Oct 31st, 2008 08:52 PM by 64Impala
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31st, 2008 09:32 PM |
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ghrit
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According to this:
http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/rs_3855Winchester_200811/
you are probably OK. However, use your common sense and read the labels carefully.
Bear in mind that I don't have any experience with cartridges originally designed for bp except 30-40. Factory loads for 30-40 are held to original Krag levels of pressure, so are safe in rifles in good condition. The link indicates the same applies to 38-55.
It would be interesting to see what the old and new boxes say about the contents.
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| Posted: Fri Oct 31st, 2008 11:40 PM |
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Dirtkicker
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Would be helpful to know what the heck the rifle is. Serial number (within a few) would also help. You can't really expect good feedback with such scanty info.
(I expect to hear about a M94 but could be wrong.)
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| Posted: Sat Nov 1st, 2008 05:52 AM |
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CapnMidnight
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I have a model 1893 Marlin rifle in 38-55, it was made in 1901 and is a smokeless powder model and as such can handle new cartridges, as long as they are loaded to spec. I shoot mine all the time. If it says "smokeless powder steel", or something similar on the barrel your good to go. The 38-55 is the parent case to the 30-30, 25-35, 32 special and severial more calibers.
W.D.
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| Posted: Sun Nov 2nd, 2008 01:55 AM |
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64Impala
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thanks Guys -
I'll see if I can get the serial numbers.
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| Posted: Mon Nov 3rd, 2008 02:05 AM |
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Charley
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Factory .38/55, even as loaded today, are approximate BP pressures. Should be no worries about it being too hot, but if it IS an older BP/lead bullet rifle, modern jacketed bullets can be very unfriendly to the bore.
Do be careful, .375 Winchester will fit the chamber, and will function...once.
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| Posted: Wed Nov 12th, 2008 09:25 PM |
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64Impala
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Hey Guys -
I got serial numbers for the 38-55 that my Dad has..
4115XX
Any info would be great. Thanks!!
Joe
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| Posted: Wed Nov 12th, 2008 09:29 PM |
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3006 user
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64Impala wrote: Hey Guys -
I got serial numbers for the 38-55 that my Dad has..
4115XX
Any info would be great. Thanks!!
Joe
Winchester Guide says 1907....Last edited on Wed Nov 12th, 2008 09:33 PM by 3006 user
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| Posted: Fri Nov 14th, 2008 08:39 PM |
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64Impala
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1907? Wow, I was going to say a 1930's vintage. The puppy is in really good shape for being 100+ years old.
Thanks for looking that up for me!
Joe
____________________
From the movie "They Live"
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| Posted: Thu Jan 22nd, 2009 09:04 PM |
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Drygulch
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Want to sell that ole Marlin? I looked at one yesterday(1897) and the ranch stamped their symbol on the side of the reciever with a hand punch,, going for $800
Rod
366 TFW
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CapnMidnight
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Rod,
Yes, it's for sale, took it to our clubs local gun show yesterday, lots of lookers but no $. It's a full rifle, otagon barrel, full lenth mag, everything is original except the front site, I still have the original and it goes with the gun. It will cost you more than $800, but it's a strait old rifle. Email me at vikkib@earthlink.com if your interested, I was planing on taking pictures and putting it on Gun Broke anyway. I'm dealing on a Browning Hi Wall in 38-55.
W.D.
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