Hi guys. My first post here on THR. I couldn't help myself. Just had to voice my opnion. The .35 Rem is a fine old round that has been killing most everything in NA since it came out more 100 years ago.
Now for the 38-55. Marlin did make the 336 Cowboy in 38-55 from the late 90's until about 2004. I have 2 of them and love them. It was also available in 30-30. 24 inch octagon barrel and both are real shooters. The 30-30 shoots great with most factory ammo. The 38-55 on the other hand is a bit tricky.
Marlin 336 CB rifles are chambered to original 38-55 specs. The available factory ammo is the problem. Most shoot fairly well with Winchester 255 grain ammo. This ammo uses a .376 jacketed bullet. The bore of the Marlin will measure .379 to .380 as original 38-55's do(even 94 Win's). Best accuracy will be obtained by shooting cast bullets sized from .379 to .381 depending on your rifle. Some bullet manufactures are now making cast bullets that fit these rifes or you can cast your own.
The brass was changed over the years and most does NOT fit the 38-55 rifles. Like everything else it is mass produced and most is nearly the same as .375 Win brass. This means it is a tad short for 38-55 chambers. It is also has a slightly thicker case wall. This causes chambering problems in some rifles when loading the .380 or larger bullets to use in 38-55's. Reaming the chamber is not required. Starline is making original spec brass to cure this problem and it works very well.
Now as for elk hunting here in old KY. The 38-55 properly loaded with the right bullet, and charge is more than capable of taking deer, black bear, hogs, and yes even elk and moose out to 150 yards. It has done it since 1893 in Marlin leverguns, and prior to that in Ballard rifles. The 38-55 is an old target round and is still shot by long range target shooters today to ranges of 600 yards at some events.
It is about hunting and good shot placement and not the latest, greatest 600 yard magnum caliber out there. I have seen many of these come and go and the old stanbys are still here. 30-30, 30-06 .35 Rem. 45-70, and yes even the 38-55. The 38-55 can be loaded to almost mimic the .375 Win in Marlin 336 rifles.
Thanks for your time and take a kid hunting.