Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 38-55 Winchester with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended load. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.
| Maximum average pressure (MAP) | 30,000 CUP |
|---|---|
| Nominal case capacity | 52.0 gr H₂O |
| Groove / bullet diameter | 0.379 in (9.63 mm) |
Muzzle velocity
Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn rate)
MAP for this cartridge is specified as 30,000 CUP (CUP is not directly comparable to this psi estimate)
Pressure for this powder is extrapolated from a velocity-only fit — the pressure figures carry extra uncertainty in both directions.
The simulator isn't optimized for this cartridge yet: there isn't enough published pressure data to check it.
Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.
Powders handloaders commonly use for the 38-55 Winchester, drawn from public discussion and listed most common first. They appear as the Popular group in the calculator's powder picker. This is not a load recommendation — always check your load against a current published manual.
Use MyLoads as a 38-55 Winchester velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.
Open the 38-55 Winchester in the MyLoads calculator →