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.38-56
WWllVet
Member Posts: 1,493 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have had my # 3 Ruger .45-70 re-barreled with a Douglas Supreme 25.5 inch barrel with a 1 in 12 twist rate and chambered in .38-56 WCF. My loading in re-formed Remington brass, using Federal 210 primers and 255 gr. flat nosed lead bullets is Ken Waters load of 37 grs. IMR 4895 with no crimp. It shoots well and is very comfortable to shoot. I don't have a crono. so I don't know what velocity I am getting. My question is. how much heavier can I load this without endangering anything?
Vet.
Vet.
Comments
SAMMI spec for the 38-56 is 32,000 PSI
That load calculates out to 40,275 PSI
The one thing in your favor is that your Ruger will handle it, but anyone else using that data (in a origional firearm) might be in for a little surprise.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
Scott
Ken Waters used his sense of touch (on the micrometer) to determine when a load was excessive, the problem being that the area he is measuring ("pressure ring") dosn't respond well in these low pressure cartridges, and even in the high pressure ones, it's repeatability is quite poor.
Nick comes from a Texas heart shot (but I also like the triple entendar it provides), year of birth was 1954.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
Vet
Vet
I'm using calculated data.
SAMMI spec for the 38-56 is 32,000 PSI
That load calculates out to 40,275 PSI
The one thing in your favor is that your Ruger will handle it, but anyone else using that data (in a origional firearm) might be in for a little surprise.
Not completely true... I own an original Winchester Model 1885 high-wall chambered for 38-56, and it will easily digest that load. However, I would be real cautious about using it in an original Winchester Model 1886 though.
Bert H.
Real Men use a WINCHESTER Single-Shot!
WACA Historian & Life Member