Dakota Sharps .38-55

K

keppler

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Found out that my wife ordered me one for Christmas...She can't keep a secret. I was just wondering if anybody has any experience in reloading the .38-55? From what I can find online there are 2 different lengths of brass for some reason? Seems like all major die makers offer dies for it so at least that's not a problem. Another thing is, seems like there are several different diameter bullets these shoot. Are all the different sizes of stuff for the older, original rifles or will I need to determine what this one likes? Any help is truly appreciated.
 
Go to the ASSRA website. I originally told somebody that and mistakenly added a S. Don't do that or you'll get some things that you might not want, or maybe you will.
Butch
 
keppler said:
Found out that my wife ordered me one for Christmas...She can't keep a secret. I was just wondering if anybody has any experience in reloading the .38-55? From what I can find online there are 2 different lengths of brass for some reason? Seems like all major die makers offer dies for it so at least that's not a problem. Another thing is, seems like there are several different diameter bullets these shoot. Are all the different sizes of stuff for the older, original rifles or will I need to determine what this one likes? Any help is truly appreciated.
Click to expand...

before ever doing anything you first need to know the actual bore in the barrel. I have a Hi-Wall in 38-55, and it's a .377 bore. Yet I've seen them as tight as .376 and as big as .378. Kind of a crap shoot! I mostly shoot hard cast lead bullets thru mine, that are sized .378 and .379 depending on the bullet. I've yet to take the jacketed bullet plunge, but have a couple hundred setting on the shelf. Been using loads right out of the AA handbook, and mostly use 5744. I kinda stayed away from the Hogdon book because their loads were built up on a .375 bore barrel, and didn't want to mess up one of my alltime favorite rifles
gary
 
Thanks for all the replies. I guess an e-mail to Dakota is in order. Those are great links ..well except for that extra "S" part...I don't wanna know.
I've also read about keeping pressures low but I think that was in reference to cast bullets and older rifles. Would using jacketed bullets for deer sized game be alright in a new rifle? Of course cast bullets would work fine for the deer around these parts.
 
That is a magnificent action and can safely take any load considered safe for the caliber including jacketed slugs, I have one in TAC20 that shoots almost the equal of bolt guns.
 
I recall PS had an article on loading for the 38-55 some time back.

Want me to go looking & maybe scan it for you?
 
Tim, that's good to know. I don't know anyone who has one of these so your knowledge is most welcome.
John, if it's no trouble that would be awesome. I'm no computer guru but would I be able to print it off. I suppose I would since I've printed e-mail before.
Most of the time I can find answers to my questions simply by reading prior posts, hence the low post count, sometimes however I have to ask and once again you guy's have proven to be a reliable and knowing source.
Thank you all for taking the time to help. Keith
 
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