Loading 38-55 with IMR 3031 and 260 grain cast bullets

Howdy all. Long time lurker here, first time poster. I picked up an Oliver Winchester 1894 in 38-55 this last weekend, and I'm looking to start loading for it. I've got some plain-based 260 grain cast bullets and a canister of IMR 3031, a powder which I've heard can be quite effective in this caliber.

However, I've been unable to find quite what I'm looking for as far as load data goes. The closest I've been able to find to my exact situation is from Lyman, which suggested a charge between 31 and 35+ grains of 3031 for a 249 grain bullet. After some further research, this seems to be rather stout, regardless of the bullet used, but I would guess certainly far too stout with the heavier 260 grain bullet. I'm not looking to make hunting rounds here, just some fun plinking ammo. I don't really need speeds over 1300 FPS. I did find one person online suggest that 28 grains behind a 265 grain bullet would push it over 1500 FPS, so I'm thinking I need to start lower than that.

I do wonder after a bit of scouring the internet whether 4198 would have been a better choice for what I'm after, although still I have the issue of being unable to find data using a 260 grain bullet, and I'd certainly like to use the powder I've already got if at all possible.

One other thing I've noticed is a bit of variation in suggested OAL - I've seen everything between 2.500" and 2.550" mentioned, while I'm guessing the latter is probably what I'm after.

I'd just be grateful if anyone could point me in the right direction on this, or even better yet if any of y'all have some experience using this powder for 38-55.

Thanks for the replies, some good information there. Yeah, I've quickly become rather familiar with all the variations of 38-55 ammo out there haha, it's kind of a mess. I've already got the right diameter nailed down, it's just the weight of the bullet that still has me wondering a little bit (I've never used a different weight bullet from what was listed in the recipe before).

It's interesting that you suggest 26.5 grains as a decent load to try, as I was talking to another guy on a different forum about this and I had kind of settled on either 26 or 27 grains to start with. I must have been pretty close to the mark then, but I'm very glad to hear some actual practical results to back that up. I'm not too concerned about exact FPS. I don't actually have a chronograph yet so there's no point in worrying about it too much. Something that shoots well but not too hot is exactly what I'm after, so I think I'll give 26.5 a shot when the rest of my stuff shows up on Thursday!

Just out of curiosity, is the OAL going to be something I need to be worried about? Obviously with all the variation in 38-55 rifles out there it has to be able to cycle, but otherwise I'm not sure if picking one over the other (2.500 vs 2.550 seem to be the standard two that I've seen) will affect chamber pressure to a point where I need to be concerned.

Interesting! I suppose when I make up a dummy round I'll start at book length and if it won't feed, just gradually back it down. As long as it doesn't introduce any problems that should be fine.

I'm interested in trying some pistol powders, and have seen some talk of Unique being the go-to for CAS-type loads. I have some Universal on hand that I might try, although what little information I've found on Universal being run through 38-55 seems to suggest it's not really the best pick. Mainly though, I just don't have anything else to use the 3031 for, so I'm hoping to get a decent load built up using that for now. Thanks for the suggestion though, I'll give it a whirl at some point.

GooseGestapo said:

Be REAL careful when loading the pistol powders. It’s VERY EASY to Double or TRIPLE charge a large rifle case with the pistol powders. The results of firing such loads aren’t pretty. BTDT!

Use a separate loading block for placing charged cases, and ALWAYS visually inspect powder volume before seating a bullet.

My favorite cast bullet powder since the first demise of SR4759 has been #2400. With the .38-55, you’ll likely get best accuracy with a tuft of Dacron pillow stuffing over the powder under the bullet. Not necessary with IMR3031.

I suggest you visit castbollits.com. There is a VAST amount of cast bullet knowledge over there.

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Absolutely, the use of a separate loading block is probably the best little tip I learned from reading my Lyman, as far as things I might not have thought of otherwise go. It's really convenient anyway.

I've heard some praise for 2400, maybe I'll have to try it out some day!

Thanks for your response.