38/55 brass for a Ballard.

[Nuclearcricket]

I use the small "gravel" from http://arizonasharpshooters.com/1701.html. I run it also in a Thumlers Tumbler. For powder I used CTG grade Goex. 47gr is a good load. My rifle is a 15" twist Badger barrel. The only smokeless that has been through my rifle is the 20 factory rounds I fired to break in the barrel. After that it has all been lead and black. As mentioned earlier the 2 bullets I have used are the Hoch Tapered and the NEI postel. I don't know enough about the current operations at NEI to recommend their molds any more. I am sure that there are other molds of that style that are just as good if not better on the market. I have also picked up one of the standard Lyman molds, I ran across an old one that was still new and grabbed it right up. I have not shot it yet but am sure it will shoot well and would be a good 200 yard bullet.
I have a mid range rear sight on my rifle and that has enough elevation that I can get out to 1000 yards with it. The day I did that, I was just playing around shooting off a bench with my elbows, not the best set up but the bullets did get out there.
The 38-55 is a nice all around ctg. It will not beat you up and it will do a good job on silhouette targets. The 315 postel may leave a ram stand every once in a while, it has happened to me but I just figure thats the risk you run.
As to dies, RCBS is a good choice, but for the most part I think it is what ever brand you prefer. I think that they are all good.
Sam