Introduced by Ballard in 1884 for various single shot target rifles, the .38-55 was one of the first cartridges to appear in Winchester's Model 94 lever action ten years later. In its high velocity loading, which pushed a 255 grain bullet along at over 1500 fps, the .38-55 once enjoyed an excellent reputation as a deer and black bear cartridge for woods hunting. Many hunters were forever convinced that due to the .38-55's greater bullet diameter it was a far more effective big game cartridge than the .30-30and not far behind the harder kicking .45-70. Most target shooters load the .38-55 with light charges of quick burning powders such as H4227 and SR-4759for muzzle velocities of 1200 to 1300 fps with bullet weighing from 250 to 300 grains. Some shoot cast bullets of spitzer form for increased wind resistance. For deer and black bear, the Sierra200 grain and Hornady220 grain jacketed bullets at about 1600 fps work fine. Another good choice is a cast bullet weighing around 250 grains. Excellent powders for the .38-55 hunting loads are H322, H4895, and H335. In a pinch, .375 Winchestercases can be used in .38-55 rifles, although they are a bit short. Never fire .375 Winchesterfactory loads in a rifle originally chambered for the .38-55.
This text is based on information from “Cartridges of the
World”, Hodgdon reloading manual, the cartridge designer and/or
own resources.