Spitzer Bullet for Pedersoli 38 55 rolling block

[Crotchety Old Grouch]

Just got a new to me Pedersoli rolling block in 38 55.  I plan on using it for CAS side matches and maybe a little intermediate range silhouette.  I’ve been looking for a spitzer bullet that is compatible with this rifles 1-18 twist.  Any suggestions?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

At normal .38-55 velocities spitzers add nothing.  Spitzers are designed for supersonic speeds.  In fact they may be less accurate as stability is based on total bullet length.  1 - 18 twist is not notably fast in the .38-55, and works quite well with roundnose bullets less than 275 grains. You are better off with a traditional roundnose or roundnose flatpoint bullet.

Ask yourself.  When did I last see a .22 LR with a spitzer bullet?

[Crotchety Old Grouch]

Thanks for the info Sir Charles, 

I’m new to single shots so I’ve been fishing for info. My past experience with long rang side matches as all been with lever guns, a 
45-75 Chaparral  NWMP carbine and an old 94 Winchester 32-40 made in 1898, and I’ve done pretty well with them using the obligatory RNFP.  Now not having to worry about a tube magazine  I thought the higher BC of a spitzer would have an edge at ranges from 300-500 yards.

Based on the 1 in 18 twist of this barrel the calculators tell me the best bullet length is 1.1" so I’m thinking that I should be looking  for the heaviest bullet with the smallest nose closes to that length.  Unfortunately I can’t find a reference on line that gives bullet length.  So I would appreciate help in finding a bullet/mold that fits that description, or any recommendation on ones that work in other’s 38 55 with similar twist.

Thanks,  COG

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[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Try this formula;  I think you will need a bullet less than 1 inch in length for your 1 - 18" twist.

http://kwk.us/twist.html

[Ranch 13]

 You might want to give this one a try
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,2520.html

 I shot the 335 gr Lyman in a Uberti hiwall and got along fairly well with it, but think this shorter bullet might be a bit better.

 But you may want to go here http://www.montanabulletworks.com/BB_38-55_caliber.html and get a good selection of bullets to try before buying a mould.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

According to the twist calculator, the above bullet requires a 12.7 inch twist.

[Ranch 13]

  Yuppers sorta funny how the world of paper/electronic realism, can run out of kilter with what happens in real life with real experiences.....

[Crotchety Old Grouch]

Sir Charles thats the twist calculator I use.  I plugged in 1.1",  1500 fps,  .379 and the # for lead and it comes out 1/18.

Ranch thanks for the links.

I e-mailed Montana Bullet Works and asked the length of the 312gn RCBS and the 255gn bullets.  I'll probable order 100 of each and see what works out the best. 

Thanks guys for the help.  COG

p.s.Sir Charles, will you be going to the Canadian Regional or Championships next year in Alberta?

[Ranch 13]

If you go to BACO's site and look up the mould for the bullets you're interested in they provide the measurements including the total length and length from nose to crimp groove and on some even the length from the crimp groove to base.

[Crotchety Old Grouch]

 I picked up my rolling block today.  Slugged the barrel,  lands .371,   grooves .378.  Fair amount of leading in the first 1/4" to ½" of rifling but it cleaned up easily.  Rummaging through my brass I found a couple bags of new Winchester 38 55 brass that I’ve been saving incase winchester doesn’t do a run of 32 40  soon.  But I guess I can spear a few.  Found a couple bullets on the Beartooth Bullets web site that I’m going to try.  Ones 255grn the other 265grn.  Both are 1.055" long and should be about perfect for the 1 in 18 twist in this barrel. Only problem is one can only be sized up to groove diam. but I’ll see how it works, the other is coming in.379.   I’ll post a range report when I can.

Here’s a link;   

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm?category=16&id=


And here's a pic of the sight that came with it; 

http://crotchetyoldgrouch.smugmug.com/CAS/IAC-Historically-Correct-M1897/11063897_y2BUC#1070683108_ZA5eC-A-LB

[john boy]

I’m new to single shots so I’ve been fishing for info.

Grouch, you appear to be on an 'experimenting' expedition too.  Your going to be sorry if you keep wanting to try all the multiple bullets, including the spitzer.  Stay with the basics!

So to make your shooting experiences more enjoyable, here are some recommendations:
1.  Read and study ... Introduction to BPCR Loading
2.  For starters, buy one bullet that has an a PROVEN ogive design going back over 100 years, the Postell ... http://www.sageoutfitters.com/catalog/item/7193111/7452051.htm  Load it up with 42 or 45gr FFg powder, a fiberwad and go have fun.
Here's some details of the bullet http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/bullet-casting/mould-details-rifles.php?entryID=61

[Crotchety Old Grouch]

John Boy,

  My first thought was to use long heavy bullets and I looked at the Postals.  Unfortunatly the twist in my barrel (1-18) is to slow to stabilize anything longer than about 1.1" so I'm kinda limited to around 275 to 295gn max. I figure this is just a starting place, once I find a bullet the gun likes I'll get the mold, and start load developement.  Both Black and smokeless.

Thanks COG   










 

[Ranch 13]

The 1-18 twist in the Uberti hiwall I had stabilized those 335 gr lymans alright....

[Crotchety Old Grouch]

Ranch,  Thats interesting.  At what distances have you used them?

[Ranch 13]

The furthest was 970 yds.

 Would suggest you take a look at www.montanabulletworks.com and get a selection of bullets to try , before purchasing moulds...