Even In Failure We Can Learn

So I had a mixed bag testing some stuff. I tested some Leverevolotion loads in a Marlin 30-30 with new Ranger Point peep sights, the traditional version. They grouped fine at 50 yards but went to pieces at 100. I’d like to zero the rifle/load combo at 4” high at 100 yards but they wouldn’t group well enough to zero. I have enough supplies to make 100 more of these, but it looks like I may have to back up and redo the load.

I also went to tests some 223 loads. These were with IMR 4064 and 77 grain SMK bullets. I learned I need to mark individual cartridges because on the way to the range my tray spilled and they got all mixed up. On the other hand I also learned a mixed bag of charge weights from 23 to 24.5 grains will still group about 1.25” at 100 yards or better. Looks like I have to do this one again too.

In hind sight, I probably shouldn’t have shot those 223 rounds, but I was there, so I went ahead. On the other hand, I did learn something useful. I tested some Tula 223 ammo and found it’s the only thing so far my rifle has trouble cycling. I also tested a 55 grain load I cooked up for a different rifle and found it’s a good load in this one as well. It hits about 1.5” or a little less in both using H335 and Hornady 55 grain FMJ projectiles.

Is there a reason the shots would be ok at 50 yards but not 100? I mean I know the groups will be bigger but this seems way off. The only thing I can figure is an operator head space error.

The 55 grain load was developed for an iron sighted rifle, so I would have been content with anything that shot 2 MOA or less. I got lucky when I tested it in that rifle and am quite happy it works in the other as well. The heavy bullet loads developed for the scoped rifle I used today do not work well accuracy wise in the iron sighted rifle. Thank heaven for small favors that the cheap load works equally well in both rifles.

Since my testing is limited for now I’ll probably go with the cheat sheet method. I rarely have more than 6 loads to keep up with, so just picking a convention and numbering 1 to 6 for lowest to highest should suffice. I suppose using some of my limited factory 30-30 ammo might be in order, just as a sanity check. I’ll probably be getting that smaller peep from Ranger Point too. This one is 3/32” and the smaller one is 1/16”.

Yep, it happens. I’ve been lucky so far in finding good loads for reloading. It also helps my standards are fairly low.

Anyone tried pulling bullets from 30-30 after a light to moderate crimp is in place?

I’m really thinking of pulling all the FTX bullets I have loaded and starting over. I put on a crimp with the Lee Factory Crimp Die at 3/4 of a turn. The minimum recommended is half a turn.

I’ve only used it for the FTX bullets. It meters pretty good out of my Lee powder measure. It seems to give top velocity for the calibers I’ve seen that use it. It’s not listed for much else that I’ve seen so I don’t know how it would work for non-lever gun calibers.

kcofohio said:

Yep, sharpies are your friend. I keep at least 4 different colors on hand. Red, green, black, and blue.

I've learned to write down the source for the data, date, and specific components used.

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Yes it is critical to write down the source of the load data. I made these loads before I got the Hornady app. They are based on data from the Lyman manual. There is quite a difference between Hornadys and Lymans data, particularly for the load I have with 110 grain round nose bullets.

bluejay75 said:

Scrub the Marlin barrel. It may be fouled. I suggest a tornado style brush, followed by bronze then patch everything out.

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The barrel was freshly cleaned when I started and has never been a high volume shooter. That said I’ll check when I clean it and see what it looks like. It’s a fairly old rifle from the late 70s or early 80s but when I put it back in service it was in very good shape. I really want it to shoot well but I’ve got more time in it than any other rifle I have. If you count all the ammo I probably have more money too.

lordpaxman said:

At least you have primers to work with! I’m interested if you’re going to try more Leverevolution as it’s one I haven’t tried yet. My loads definitely open up from 50 to 100 yd changes, but proportionally so.
Do you like the Ranger sight? I was looking at the Skinner and haven’t decided yet. Good luck!

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I have another half pound and the current load uses 34.7 grains. I’m probably going to redo the load test now that I have better sights. The factory front sight works pretty well but I may get a Patritch style from Skinner. The little bead on the factory sight is hard to see in some instances. However, in conditions where the brass bead is visible it’s really easy to see and there isn’t much that’s easier than lining up a shiny circle inside the middle of a larger circle.

I got the traditional peep from Ranger Point. I’ve replaced or added peep sights to 4 rifles now and I know I can use them. I didn’t want to start over with a new style that was different from the others. I’ll likely get the smaller insert too.

My only gripe is the hash marks for windage aren’t visible with the insert in place. They are for the Clover Leaf design. I may have to do what Buffalo Outdoors did and switch the insert to the other side. If my calculations are correct, 1/4 turn of the screws gives about 1.28” of direction change. I do like the infinite increment of adjustment over the half turn adjustment of the Skinner sights.