Their 1893 lever-action rifle was also available in 38-55 using a Black-powder only barrel, or another barrel designated "Special Smokeless Steel" capable of safely using 38-55 cartridges loaded with the then relatively new and higher pressure smokeless powders.

In addition, Marlin offered it in some 336s, and it was used in non-lever action rifles such as the Remington-Lee bolt-action.

It is not safe to fire factory .375 Winchester ammunition in rifles chambered in .38-55, especially in older examples.

The brass is very similar (shortened by approximately 1 mm (.0394 in)), but using modern, higher pressure .375 loads in an older rifle could cause serious injury to the shooter.

[8] The .38-55 is used to hunt black bear and deer at moderate ranges and is also used in cowboy action shooting side matches.