Lucky R. K.

Warden nailed it. You could pay more but not necessarily get better. I bought a pair of 38/357's awhile back and didn't do anything to them except change the grips. Lucky

You should be aware that there have been two different bore sizes and two different cartridge lengths used for the 38-55. The chamber cast is a good suggestion and you should slug the bore. Lucky

I agree that the AWA was a good choice of a pump action rifle, at least in my case. I was able to get one from them not too long before they closed. It worked flawlwssly for me for several years before an AD broke some parts that were no longer available. I sent it to a world famous Lightening gunsmith who said he could fix it. He didn't. I bought the Pedersoli Lightening in 44-40 a couple of years ago and have been very happy with it. Slicked it up a bit using instructions from Roger Rapid's manual. If you have a Lightening I would suggest getting a copy of the manual. It has complete takedown instructions and tips for slicking up the action. So, Cowpoke Chris, if your heart is set on a Lightening the Pedersoli would be an excellent choice. Lucky

That little groovy thing around the bullet where you crimp is called the cannelure I think. Lucky

Me too.

You might want to check out Ballistic Products at www.balisticproducts.com. They have a very good selection of 16 Ga. components for smokeless load. If you are thinking about black powder you can't beat Circle Fly Wads. Lucky

I have mounted the Lyman #55 on my Dillon 550 and charged with no problems. That said, I prefer to size, prime and bell the case mouth on the Dillon then charge the cases using the #55. Finally, returning to the Dillon for bullet seating. I use a Lee Carbide Factory Crimp die to finish the process. This seems like a long process but I have the time and it makes a great cartridge. Lucky

Have you checked the crimp forming station on your loader for the correct die? I think paper hulls have a six point crimp instead of eight. Lucky

Actually the guy who drove the #42 owned the number #43. He was the father of Richard, and his name was Lee. Won the first Daytona 500 I think.

I bought a pair of the 5-1/2" brass framed models the last time they were on sale at Cabelas. I already had a pair of the steel framed model with 7-1/2" barrels but I wanted to see how the brass frames would hold up and I wanted the shorter barrels. The only modifications I have made to date is to install Tresso nipples and a plug on the hammer faces to make them smooth. I have used them in two matches so far and have had NO problems at all either mechanically, with ignition or cap jams. I plan to make them my main match pistols and see how they hold up. Lucky

Judge, the best way is to buy a mould and make your own. That way you can have exactly what you want. I would recommend bullets over round balls. Get bullets with a big lube groove and use a good black powder lube. You will be able to shoot all day without worrying about fouling. Hope you are doing good. Lucky

Here is a loader I built a few years ago. It and the loading box really speeds up the loading process and allows us time to help out with other posse chores.

The pouches on my shotgun belts hold two rounds with a small space between pouches. When I don't do a fumble fingers it works great. Lucky