Jacketed rounds for the Marlin CB .38-55

[1886]

I recently started a dialogue with Bill in Oregon regarding his jacketed bullets for the Marlin CB .38-55. He informed me that he makes a 220gr FN jacketed projectile properly sized for the Marlin CB .38-55. As some of you may know the Marlin CB .38-55 is sort of a favorite of mine. I have posted many thoughts and observations regarding this fine combo. Bill generously provided me with a few samples of his bullets to try. Now I am not generally a jacketed round guy when it comes to my levers. I prefer cast bullets but there are times when a jacketed round just makes sense.
I brewed up a few rounds using Starline 2.125" brass, a healthy dose of RL-7, Bill's bullets and BR-2 primers. I was able to shoot bug hole groups at 50yrds with the factory open sights off the bench. Velocity was smok'in at 2200fps with an extreme spread of just 12fps. I used RCBS Cowboy dies with a custom Lee FCD to assemble the loads. I can not comment about on game performance as I only punched paper but I am sure Bill could provide you with some feedback. He does have customers who have harvested deer, antelope, bear, etc. If you are looking for a jacketed for your superb Marlin CB .38-55 give Bill a shout. 1886.

[MikeNV]

What diameter?

[Duff L Bagg]

give Bill a shout.

I went out to my porch and hollered and shouted but bill never never replied. Have you a better method of contacting him?

[Bill in Oregon]

Mikenv: .379.
Duff: I hollered back, but you had the music up so loud ...

[Griff]

Good deal. Love these exchanges. I've been debating on getting a Winchester 1885 in .32-40 or one of the Ubertis in .38-55. I'd truly love the .32-40, but... the .38-55 would have a slightly wider range of uses. Ah.. decisions, decisions.