Loads for an old one
 

Hey Rocky(or anyone else), do you have any good starting loads for 38-56 for that Ol' 86 Winchester I just got? In good shape and checked the headspace and it seems to be ok. I just gotta shoot the ol' bugger. Was thinking of having it bored to 45-90 cause it isn't a real collectible. That would be a neat one to try out. The only thing I really need to get for the ol' gal is a new(er)magazine spring. The original is a little...weak? I do have to find 38-56 dies though.:cool:

I'll do some lookee-lookee. In the meantime, find Mike Venturino's website. He's loaded for it - and I suspect that what you'll find is that it's going to be a blackpowder only deal.

Skeet,
First off, since it is an 86, it should be strong enough for just about anything you want to play with in the 38-55 to 38-56 catagory.

If you want to have a new barrel and change chamberings I would suggest Wind River Rifle Company. They specalize in Winchester restorations and conversions. They also moved from SD to Ft. Walton Beach FL about 7 miles from me.

http://www.windriverrifle.com/home.html

I would suggest that you look at the Accurate Arms manual. In the rear they have/had a section on obsoleate BP cartridges, loaded with light loads of smokeless. Accurate 5744 has long been a favorite in cast bullet circles. You can get high density loads at low pressures with 5744. The old Lyman manuals have the 38-56 as does the Sharpe book.

There is one 38-56 load here along with a drawing of the cartridge and specs:
http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=81

You will note that the 38-56 was loaded by Winchester until 1936 and is a BP/Smokeless cartridge, like the 30-30 or the 38-55.

Best of luck,
Ed