38-56 Winchester, Opinions Please.

[Flash Pan Dan]

Howdy All,

I wanted to get a 38 caliber rifle for local 200 yard matches and so I thought to get a 38-55 but then I ran across the 38-56. And I started thinking this might be a better option for me. I have a lot of 40-65 brass that I can neck down to 38-56. And the 38-56 has a smidge more room for the use of Black Powder. So before I place my order for a rifle I thought I’d ask all of you what your experiences, if any, have been with this caliber. And perhaps some advice about using bottle neck cartridges with black powder.

Thank You

Dan

[Ironramrod]

Dan, Doesn't look like you're getting many bites on your questions, probably because it's not a common caliber.

However, curiosity got the best of me, and I found some info for you. Go on the ASSRA forum and there is some recent discussion re: the .38/56 Win by several riflemen. One rifleman, SSShooter also posts black powder loadings and a lot of pictures on the Shiloh Rifle forum. Basically, this rifleman says the .38/56 Win is a very good cartridge, and he apparently has several of them. It looks like it would be an excellent schuetzen or mid-range load, and possibly silhouette. Maybe more than that, too.

Best I can do for ya; good luck in your quest.

Regards
IR

[Gunlaker]

I have an 1886 chambered in that cartridge. It's just a fun little plinker so I can't say anything about the cartridge for serious target work or silhouettes, but it will definitely hold more powder than a .38-55. I use 56gr of Goex Fg in mine. The cases are easy to form from .45-70. I run mine through a .40-65 die first, then through a .38-56 die.

I've thought of doing a single shot in that cartridge but haven't got around to it yet :-).

Chris.

[Flash Pan Dan]

Thank you gentlemen, my research continues but it is looking promising that I will be ordering a rifle in this caliber.

[Kurt]

I had a original 86 Win in 38-56 with a very dark bore. It shot decent but it ended up being a .45-70. I have been looking at the new win 86's in the .38-56 for the lever action shoots. I think the 38-56 would make a fine caliber for this.

Kurt

[DKile]

I have a Win. 38/56 and it shoots fine. I ordered some Bertram brass but it is shorter than it should be. I formed brass from 45/70 brass and it is fine, altho a bit long initially. Shoot it to get it fit to your rifle before ya trim it to length. I have been usin a BACO 250 g bullit but have some 320 g I am goin to try.

[Kurt]

I still have a couple .38-56 Win silver tips laying around.