Seems a 38-72 rimless smokeless has not been done but could prove interesting using 06 cylinder brass on a modern Winchester 1895 lever action. At about 59k PSI it should prove to be better than lion medicine and a decent PG DG lever action safari gun. Any thoughts? Seems is was not powerful as a smokeless round and soon discontinued but could be redeemed using a rimless case or maybe the 9,3x74 brass and modern powders. Think of it as the western version of the 9,3x74 with the same performance.

This would be a very interesting project. What size projectile could it handle and at what projected velocity range?

Just an opine here, nothing more. I have never dealt with the .38-72 but have been loading for the .38-55 for several years. I suspect the .38-72 suffers the same problem that the .38-55 does, in having listed loadings kept down due to the age and metals used in the rifles chambered for the round.

From my experience with the .38-55, all of the more modern loading manuals, top out with powder charges that keep velocities under 1800 fps. with 255 grain bullets. Sort of like the differences in loads for trapdoor/rolling block .45/70's.

As an example, the one manual I use lists a max. load of IMR 3031 @ 32 grains. The old Lyman 45 lists a max. load of 35 grains of IMR 3031. In working with my rifle, a Model 94 Winchester, the 35 grain loading work a heck of a lot better than the 32 grain loads with no pressure signs.

Also, the .38-72 may suffer the same trouble with not being a true .375 bore, but like the .38-55 be .377 or even.380. I do not get good results using .375 dia. bullets out of my rifle, but .377 dia, bullets work great.

Just an opinion here, but either rimmed or semi-rimmed, in a modern rifle the round could be loaded a little hotter than loads being used in older guns. Again, that is all just an opinion.

The 1895 handles the 30-06 so I see no reson why you can't use up to 59k psi with 06 brass and top loading for the 9,3x74 brass for I would think 300@ 2,400 FPS or the same as the 375 flanged. The 38-72 used .378" cast bullets and .375 jacketed bullets from what I read. This modern version should be .375" and able to use pointed bullets in the integral magazine.

As we move closer to spring I will have a Winchester 95 30-06 converted to 375 Whelen.
Using the 30-06 case and cast bullets should make for a inexpensive, easy to make cartridge.

Jim

It would be awfully close to a 9,3x62.

The 375 or 38 Whelen is pretty cool and yes it would be close to the 9;3x62. I was thinking of a historical connection to the firearm but modernizing it a bit. Both of those would be great as well.

Anyone know how hot you can run hornady 405 win brass? I don't know if anyone had cross sectioned modern brass or know if some brass is stronger than others. It seems using 06 basic could be a way of avoiding potential issues with weak brass or weaker older guns and rim diameter and thickness issues. What would the cart be called using American cart nomenclature? 38-72 Rimless? 38-405 Rimless? Nope the 38-72 predates the 405. The best I can think of is 38-72 Rimless Smokeless or 38-72 RS.

If you cut the rim of the .405 case to match the 6.5X53R Dutch Mannlicher or the .303 British you can stuff the .38-72 in a 1895 Dutch Mannlicher.
Use one made by Steyr and you get the same workmanship as the Mannlicher Schoenauer. You will just have a fit putting a scope on it... and using the clips.

I chambered an NEF 38-55 to 38-72 and was running an old west 270gr rnfp to a little over 2,500fps. Recoil was stout, so dropped it back to about 2,450fps. Recoil still caused the safety bar in the gun, to come out. Pain to put back. I was using Hornady 405 cases necked down and shortened to 2.6". Had a Browning 1895 in 30-40 bored out and rechambered to 38-72, but haven't had time to work with it yet.

Next project is to chamber a barrel and fit it to a Savage Target action. Will fit a magnum bolt head (405 cases should work, but might have to reduce dia. of rim a few thou) to the bolt and have a bolt gun in this caliber for target shooting.

Thanks for the great input. Seems to be a good 9,3x62, 375 Flanged, 9,3x74 American alternative.
I see good things for a smokeless rimless cartridge update even though it would have a similar shoulder as the 10.75x68.

.375x444... .375JDJ.

Just lose the bolt gun mentality and put it in a #1 or Browning 1885 Highwall and make your life simple.
No headspace issues.