Henry 38-55

[MI2600]

I'm thinking of buying one of the side gate Henrys in 38-55. When I looked at the Starline site, they had two different lengths.

Which length would be the proper length? Why are there two 38-55s?

 

[stringnut]

If you go to the Starline site there is a good article that can be accessed by clicking on the specific brass.

It has to do with chambering and bullet types. There were lead, lead paper patch, and jacketed all avaiable. It appears that a conversation , or e mail , with Starline may be in order. They are always willing to answer questions. I just skimmed the article and it appears that the short brass would be correct for your Henry. Double check this. Don't trust me when I am reading stuff at 4:30 in the morning while getting ready for work!

 

[Pat Riot]

Here is the article that Stringnut mentions above.
https://www.starlinebrass.com/articles?id=2540

 

[MI2600]

Thank you both for the information.
I'm just a simple handloader. I believe I will need another cup of coffee before I reread the article and reconcile everything in my mind.

 

[MI2600]

Thank you both for the information.
I'm just a simple handloader. I believe I will need another cup of coffee before I reread the article and reconcile everything in my mind.

 

[Pat Riot]

One thing that I would do - I wasn’t going to mention this because it just adds confusion - is call Henry and ask them exactly what 38-55 load they have based their chamber and bore on.

I say this because they should know the chamber dimensions as well as what size diameter bullet they have cut the barrel to.
Years ago I bought a Marlin 336 Cowboy in 38-55. Marlin cut the barrel rifling to .379” for the original 38-55 cartridge that took a lead .380” bullet. Unfortunately they cut the chamber for the SAAMI spec’d 38-55 cartridge that used .375” bullets.
My hand loads would not feed into the chamber.
If you research the history of the 38-55 you will fund that SAAMI changed the cartridge dimensions at some point and this caused a lot of confusion.

Bypass the confusion and consult Henry on the cartridge dimensions they built their gun for.

 

[MI2600]

Good thought, Pat.
There's nothing like "unconfusing" the issue with facts.

 

[larry7293]

I'm thinking of buying one of the side gate Henrys in 38-55. When I looked at the Starline site, they had two different lengths.
What diameter bullet did you find is best to use in the Henry 38-55?

Which length would be the proper length? Why are there two 38-55s?