Ammo sizing

[Joel marlin]

I have an 1895 38-55 Marlin. How do I find out if it is a Ballard or which ammo would take?

[marlinman93]

To begin with I'd need some more info on what Marlin you have? Since the old and new Model 1895 Marlins were never made in .38-55, do you actually have a Model 1895? Or did you mistype the cartridge, and it's actually a Model 1895 in .38-56, not .38-55?
Please double check the cartridge stamp on the barrel. Also tell us if this is a repeating rifle with a magazine tube under the barrel, or a Ballard single shot? A serial number, including any prefix letter if it has one would help. If you want to use an "x" for the last two digits and not reveal the whole number that's OK too.

[MarlinMann-1881]

marlin made the 336CB IN 38-55, I have 1 SN01024XXX, great shooter. I love the cartridge had to buy it... not much difference in the 38-56 don't remember what year but it was a limited run. Th caliber is marked on the left side of the BBL under the marlin roll stamp- It's oct 24".
When I load for marlin in 38-56 or 38-55 i use Starline's 38-88 LONG cases (2.15) it allows for a larger sized diameter bullet especially for older rifles,
check out their website, the have a good article about it. I waited 3 months for my last batch...so I ordered 250..


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[MarlinMann-1881]

sorry for the typo 38-55 long
marlin-1881