Frequently Asked Questions
.38-55 Winchester Ammo
Is 38-55 ammo still made?
Yes, .38-55 ammo is still manufactured today. Modern producers like Black Hills and Buffalo Bore make loaded rounds. Our marketplace shows nine variants across twenty retailers, typically priced $44–$1,999 depending on type and quantity.
What is a 38-55 caliber good for?
The .38-55 Winchester is well-suited for target shooting and hunting deer or similar medium game. It offers good accuracy, moderate recoil, and heavy bullet options. Originally a competitive target cartridge, it remains popular among hunters and those who appreciate its historical significance in American shooting sports.
What is the effective range of 38-55?
The .38-55 Winchester is most effective within 200 yards for hunting medium game like deer. Accurate shots and reliable wound penetration extend to around 330 yards before noticeable drop-off occurs, and skilled shooters can reach 500 yards with compensation. Velocity loss beyond 200 yards makes bullet expansion less consistent.
What is the recoil of a 38 55 Winchester?
The .38-55 Winchester generates approximately 15–20 foot-pounds of recoil energy with standard 255-grain loads in a typical 7.5-pound rifle. This is considered mild for a hunting cartridge, noticeably less than comparable rounds like the .35 Remington.
Is a 38-55 considered a straight wall cartridge?
Yes, the .38-55 Winchester is a straight-wall cartridge. Its case has no bottleneck taper, qualifying it for deer hunting in Midwest states that permit straight-wall cartridges. Introduced in 1876, it remains a viable hunting round with moderate ballistics.
What is a 38-55 Winchester?
The .38-55 Winchester is a straight-wall rifle cartridge introduced in 1884 for target shooting and hunting deer and similar game. Winchester chambered it in the Model 94, among other rifles. It produces mild recoil and remains popular with hunters who appreciate its long history and effective performance on medium to large game.
What is the ballistics of a 38 55?
The .38-55 Winchester fires a bullet (typically around 250 grains) at 1,800–2,300 fps, producing 1,834–2,994 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. It remains accurate with effective wound penetration out to 330 yards before noticeable drop-off. It is popular in lever-action rifles and cowboy action shooting, and is effective on deer-sized game.