Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 So I'm thinking I need a 38-55 for long range <200yds started looking around. What I found was a really nice original Winchester in 38-40 (38WCF). It has a 28" octagon barrel and single set trigger, plus what looks to be a Lyman sight. Bore is pretty good, no pits, but not a ton of rifling left. It's a cool old gun and is calling my name, but not sure it'll do what I want and I really don't want to start shooting black powder, but still. Any guidance from those in the know? The price is not outrageous, but about double what I could get a Browning or Winchester HIghwall for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 Yep... Joe is right... I was thinkin' Plainsman... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe LaFives #5481 Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 But for cowboy rifle caliber long range, the 38-40 doesn't qualify. ... No cartridge chambered for use in any SASS approved main match revolver or rifle may be used in the “Rifle Caliber” competition, except the .56-50. Thus, .30-30 (.30 WCF), .38-55 Marlin & Ballard, .43 Spanish, or .45-70 Government cartridges are legal, while a .375 Winchester, .444 Marlin, .32-20, or .44-40 are not legal.... shooters handbook page 18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil dogooder Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 It would work bob. You've seen what i shoot main match as far as ammo. No where near wart hog loads. Those are the same rounds i use in pistol cal rifle long range.. Ive shot out to 300 with those rounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zeb Gray, #36839 Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 Go for it, B C Bob. The Redwood Regulators long range matches have various events and include pistol caliber lever action rifles shooting out to 200 yards. Side matches at Gunsmoke, North Star Showdown, Peace in the Valley & others have pistol caliber long range categories, too. Talk to Ramrod Joe about cool, old long range Winchesters. Zeb Gray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Bullweed Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 I shoot original .38-40 for my main match rifles and occasional long-range pistol-caliber (100 yard) work. The .38-40 factory load is 1200 fps with a 180-grain bullet. BC is around .20 so zeroing at 100 yards puts the bullet at 50" low at 300 yards. The .38-55 shoots a 255 grain bullet at around 1500 fps. BC is around .28 so a rifle zeroed at 100 yards will put a bullet only 20" low at 300 yards. Big difference. That slower and lighter bullet will blow around in the wind more than the 255-grainer. The .38-55 is a rifle cartridge. The .38-40 can be made to hit a target at 300 yards but the trajectory is a rainbow and the distance must be known. Getting the range off by 50 yards will make a 18" difference in the drop in the .38-40 but only 6" difference in the .38-55. (drop based on Shooting APP on my phone, mileage may vary) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Half Moon Hobo Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I've seen several older Winchesters that looked like barrel that looked like they were about shot out, that were just severely leaded, you might want to check that out. HH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River Jordan, SASS 18742 Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I have a Marlin 1889 in 38-40 with an old Lyman tang sight that can easily hit a steel plate at 200 yds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L Posted August 18, 2014 Author Share Posted August 18, 2014 Well it's kind of a moot point since it's not legal for SASS. It's a really nice old Low wall, but I think I'm gonna have to pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackey Cole Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 If nits a calling answer shoot it and see how far out it and you can hit accuractly. If it works great if not use it for main match or put her on the wall if you want it kept original otherwise rebarrel it or have the bore lined If it's a 73 then contact me if your not happy with it maybe we can work something out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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