Well, I've done my first rifle reloads!!!

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UKWildcatFan

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I've been reading a lot of material in my books, reaching out to my local gun shop's experiences reloaders, and several Youtube videos and I've just completed my first 5 reloads in 30-30 WCF. I'm pumped!!! I used lead bullets and IMR 3031 powder (22.5g). I seated them correctly and then applied my crimp. I have them up here just staring at them. What a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Now I just have to see if they actually any good at the range. I'm so excited!!!

OH, AND WE'RE PLAYING FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOMORROW NIGHT!!!

GO BIG BLUE!!!
 
Way to go UKwildcat, BTW what weight bullet did you use in the lead? I cast some 150 grn. a few years ago and got the best accuracy out of the 150 grn. I also casted the 170 grn. but didn't get near the accuracy. Hopefully you're not shooting them out of a Marlin with Micro groove rifling, as the Ballard rifling seems to stabilize the rounds much better.:)
 
Congrats on your first handloads! I found the Hornady LeverEvolution reloads to be quite nice in my gun. That's the Hornady 160 FTX bullet with 35 grains of LeverEvolution powder.
 
Congratulations on reloading your first rifle rounds, good for you!!

I have used a bunch of powders with lead bullets in the 30-30 and I have found one better than 3031, IMO of course. If you have any H4895 around give that a try and see if you like it better than 3031, I have a feeling you will.
 
Nice going. That is the round I first loaded. I always used 3031 powder and 150 gr bullets in the 94 Winchester.

Enjoy!
 
I'm shooting 165g lead RN out of a Marlin 336. Uh-oh, somethin' wrong with this, loose noose?
Click to expand...
here's where you learn the "why"
Marlins with micro-groove rifling, allegedly don't stabilize lead bullets over a certain weight or a certain velocity. Fortunately, a good handloader will know how to correct this.
So.. you may have to play with the load; You may have to switch to a different bullet; It might shoot just fine.

One thing I have heard (I always shot jacketed bullets through my Marlins, so it hasn't been an issue), is that if you use a gas-check bullet, it alleviates this condition somewhat. I've heard limiting muzzle velocity is the cure, using bullets sized to a different diameter, using linotype instead of wheelweight lead...

Casting my own is something I never got into.. but I bet other guys here can, and will, help.
 
I got very lucky. The Glenfield (Marlin) 30-30 rifle I bought a few years ago has Ballard rifling and shoots lead bullets VERY well. Like said above, I'm loading them with H4895 and the accuracy is good. I'm Missouri Bullets 165gr 30-30 bullets.
 
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