38-55 Handi Rifle Bore??

[Coffinmaker]

I'm a little miffed.  Or maybe confused.

I recently acquired an H&R Handy Rifle, 38-55 Target.  While getting ready to load for it, my Bullets just slid thru the bore (Slugging)
with basically finger pressure. I was planning to use some pistol bullets I have, sized 380,  Just kind of rattled along.  A cast rifle bullet sized .378 just slid through as well, with almost no marks from the rifling. 
I resorted to using inside calipers at the muzzle, and it would appear the Rifle is actually .40 Caliber.  Anybody else with 38-55 rifles
that have turned out to be .40 Cal???
Looks like this rifle will actually like .401 cast pistol bullets.

Coffinmaker

[Slamfire]

Sir,,sound's more like a "38/40",,,ner hered of no " 40/55",,,YET !.








   Hootmix.

[Kent Shootwell]

Closer to a 40/50 Sharps straight. Lucky you! 

[Advertising]

[Professor Marvel]

Ah My Dear Coffin -

I fear you sold your tools too soon. the 38-55 handi is well known for undersized chamber and oversized bore.

these guys pretty much say it all. bigger bullet and a reamer. Since it's a Handi you ought to be able to ream by hand ...

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/hr-centerfire-rifles/38-55-bore-diameters/
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?41925-Any-problems-with-H-amp-R-38-55-Target
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?102699-H-amp-R-Buffalo-Classic-38-55

good luck on your new projec!

I have a new to me trapdoor to gemmerize! with any luck it will only take me 5 or 6 years ...

yhs
prof mumbles

[Coffinmaker]

Well Balderdash.  Obviously I should have done some further research "before" leaping in this fire.  I still may find a way to feed the
flames.  Well, I'd rather put it out and have a nice shooting rifle.  mumble mumble mumble spit.

Professor,
Many thanks for your references.  Daunting as they may be.  I had a most wicked plan for the rifle.  My only intent for it was to play in
the odd planesman/frontiersman side matches, when available.  Since most are shot on a standard pistol bay, same as the rest of a car match, "Long range" is about 50 yards at most.  Minute of Pie Plate at 50 yards would be quite acceptable. 

I also think (oh the pain) for the intended purposes, pistol bullets would be more than sufficient.  Only need to make the steel ring and maybe wobble.  Great huge 250+Gr weight bullets would be somewhat ....... ah, overkill??  I need a nap.

Coffinmaker

[Good Troy]

FWIW...My Winchester '94 in 38-55 (Frontiersman model) has a bore of .380 to .381.  I purchase as cast unlubed bullets from Missouri Bullets (260 grainers or so, if I remember right).  I just put some home-made BP lube on them and load them over BP unsized.  I get excellent grouping at 100 yds, on the bench with stock buckhorn and bead sights.