[JustsayMo]

Howdy,
What length do you guys trim your 30-30 cases too?

This is a new caliber to me and I'm just getting back into reloading after an extended 25+ year layoff. No pappy to look over my shoulder and keep me out of trouble this time. It's a little like starting from scratch except I have a lot of his tools.

Also, I have a box of Sierra 170g Pro-Hunter bullets. I'd like to work up an accurate hunting load with these bullets. The two powders that I've seem mentioned often are 3130 and Varget. What would be a good starting point and what incriments should I load to test at the range?

Primer preferences for 30-30?

Thanks in advance!

[The Bushmaster]

A God sent cartradge for those who hunt brush and timber by stalking their game (Still Hunting).

I don't have a tested load for the powders that you are asking for, but I can give you my favorite loading for my Mod 94.

Recommended trim length is 2.030 to 2.040. I trim to 2.035. prime with a CCI-200, charge the case with 32 grains of W-748 and seat a Speer 170 grain FN and crimp it using a Lee Factory Crimp die. I don't think that a Sierra 170 grain Gameking (Power Jacket) would be too much different.

Enjoy...This is one of my favorite rifles to hunt with. From pig to deer it is a fun cartradge and especially if you are a still hunter. Stalking is the name of the game (Real hunting).

[JustsayMo]

Bushmaster,
Thank you for the insights. That is exactly what I was looking for.

If you would be so kind as to indulge a few more questions could you tell me what sort of velocity you are getting with that load in your 94? What distance do you sight in for and what kind of groups are you getting?

I'm guessing our hunting style is similar. I prefer moving to the game rather than waiting for it to come to me. These lever actions carry well in the woods. I haven't hunted with it yet but I plan to this season.

[The Bushmaster]

The above load gives me 2050fps, ES 26.8, SD 14.2, AD 10.5. This is average across my chronograph. I sight my 57 year old Mod 94 at 100 yards and it hits a three shot string within a 3" dot. I have hunted with it for the past 45 years.

Enjoy your Mod 94. They are a blast for short range hunting. A still hunter moves very slowly through the forest stopping often to observe his surroundings. If this is how you hunt then that .30-30 is ideal for those short quick shots or when allowed, those not so long shots that only a good still hunter will get. I hunted the Northwest coastal range and the west side of the Cascades most of my life and the average shot was a fast jump shot at 30 yards. Some as far as 80 yards and one that was only 4 yards. Yup. 4 yards.

[JustsayMo]

Thanks again Bushmaster.

I'm going to work up a load in that velocity neighborhood and see how it does.

I'm very excited to see how it will perform with handloads. So far I'm very pleased but like almost everything I like to tinker with it to see if I can make it better.

[mothernatureson]

I shoot and load my 94 in 30-30. For case length and trimming, I use the Lee cutter and lock stud, and the 30-30 case length gauge. Very inexpensive and consistantly accurate. I dont load 170gr. but 150 gr jacketed bullets I use 29 grains of IMR 3031 for velocity of 1900 fps. not a barn burner , but easy on the rifle and is plenty of power for your style of hunting. Good luck!

mothernatureson

[The Bushmaster]

Tinker away...That's what this is all about. Just use good judgement and play safe.
Look at mothernatureson's load also. Although I have no use for the 150 grain bullet, I have heard good results using IMR 3031 in .30-30s