Winchester .38-.55 1885 Trapper - Any Good?

H

hoobens

New member
Hi,
I'm intrigued by a replica single shot Winchester has out - a 1885 "Trapper" in .38-55. I know most of the model 1885s ever made had very long barrels ( 28" to 32" ) so what are really gaining or loosing balistically with such a short barrel?Normally, only pistol caliber long guns are this short.
 
With a straight walled, low pressure round like 38-55, the difference between a 16.5" and a 24" barrel will be relatively small. Factory loads for 38-55 are very mild in deference to the many old, weak rifles so chambered.
 
so what are really gaining or loosing balistically with such a short barrel?
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In an iron-sighted single-shot 38-55, meant to be used at short range...hardly anything. If you scoped it and intended on using it beyond 100 yards, then decreased velocity would likely be a consideration due to the 38-55's already rainbow trajectory.
My only concern would be the increased muzzle blast of the short barrel if using factory ammo. If I were to deer hunt with it, I would prefer the standard longer barrel.
I had a Ruger #3 (likewise a short barrel) in 38-55 and used a heavy cast lead bullet at mild velocity in it. That combo worked fine and due to the mild load, there was not the blast that one would expect from a short barrel.
I have had three Browning 1885's...they are beautiful and well-made rifles. B-78 in 6MM Remington was the most accurate rifle I ever owned. The pre-1885 model, B-78 in 45-70 was the most attractive (but brutal to shoot due to the pronounced steel butt plate), the .22 Hornet 1885 is my most favorite rifle.
 
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Many thanks for the detailed replies. I don't hunt and simply plan to shoot this gun off hand with the stock ladder rear sight/front post sight setup @ 100 yards. Just curious, how do you think this round ( 255gr. lead or jacketed softpoint) would compare to the 158gr. .357 magnum also out of a trapper barrel ( 16" Rossi 92)? At that distance, am I gaining any "knock-down" power with the .38-55?
 
The modern 1885 high wall is a very strong action in comparison to the many older rifles that were chambered for the 38-55 cartridge ! It sound like a neat rifle....I'm tempted myself ! :)
 
I don't hunt and simply plan to shoot this gun off hand with the stock ladder rear sight/front post sight setup @ 100 yards.

At that distance, am I gaining any "knock-down" power with the .38-55?
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Do not hunt, but concered/interested in knock-down power? Targets not falling?
 
i have the three rifle series set,45-70,38-55 and 30-40 krag with the same serial number,but with different letters to denote calibures. i bought them and have not fired them as i have other single shots to hunt and shoot with. eastbank.
 
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