160 gr FTX 30-30 Loads

[Maj Dad]

O.k., I did the site search here & other places to no avail. Does anyone have a favorite load for the Hornady 160 gr FTX in 30-30 (I have a Win M94)? I am perfectly capable of working it up but I would really appreciate some suggestions. I have about every IMR & ball powder out there, so powder isn't necessarily a deal breaker (famous last words... )
Thanks,
George J.

 

[StretchNM]

I have loaded IMR4064, RL15, and AA2520. While my load is still undeveloped, the AA2520 is at the top right now.... 31.4gr and Wolf primers. There is a fellow on another forum that swears by AA2520 and has pushed his load well past maximum with, as he claims, good results. I have not got that far in load development for this bullet and, of course, have not settled completely on that powder.

 

[Kernel]

3031 is a classic .30-30 powder. Burn rate is perfect for 160 gr bullets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, IMR3031 is the classic 30-30 powder but I now use Hornady Leverevolution powder which was developed along with the new FTX bullet by Hornady for their Leverevolution ammo line. I use LVR for all bullets in the 30-30 now considering it generates more velocity which results in a flatter shooting round but does not sacrifice accuracy.

 

[Maj Dad]

I definitely have LVR on my acquire list, and now I've added CFE223 - not only does it keep the brass & bore shiny it is just behind LVR on velocity. I will try a few powders & see how it goes - ought to make for a good day at the range
Cheers and regards to all,
George J.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I've only started shooting LVR in the .30/30 and haven't done enough chrono and accuracy testing to form an opinion. My present prefered powder for the .30/30 is Reloader15. With a 150gr and lighter bullet, you can't get enough in a .30/30 case to get into trouble. It's splendidly accurate in my .30/30's and gets 2,400fps+ with 150's and 2,300fps with 170's. Even gets 2,500fps with 125's and 130's and is as accurate as guns will shoot.

My only complaint with the FTX bullet is that they don't allow as much powder with the nose being so long and shank of bullet seating so deep in the case. That and requiring the cast be trimmed back a tad...

 

[kerreckt]

These are all max loads for 160gr. FTX.
H4895-28.9gr.-2100fps
TAC-29.gr.-7-2100fps
H335-29.2gr.-2050fps
RL15-29.8grs.-2050fps
IMR4895-29.8grs.-2000
AAC2520-31.7gr.-2100fps
W748-31.5grs.-2050fps
BLC2-33.3grs.-33.3-2050fps

This came from Loaddata...hope it helps

 

[kayaks]

Historically I have used 4895, but with the new FTX bullets, I started using LVR with some success. Still not there on the best load for my 336.

 

[Dr. A]

My best load with the 160 FTX is 35.5gr. of Leverevolution powder. Repeatable accuracy is right there. In my fast barreled 24 in XLR, I get over 2400fps. That is Hodgdon max. Hornady max is 37gr. It didn't improve things accuracy wise for me. This powder is the only powder in the 30-30 that I have tried that does best at its maximum pressure. A very rare case in the 30-30 for me.

 

[popper]

Dr. A that is a 1:12 twist 24". My 1:10 20" doesn't get that fps @ 35 gr. 30 works better for the FTX or GC cast in mine.

 

[Maj Dad]

Outstanding input - thanks, gents: now, signing off for the reloading bench, and the range this Saturday!

 

[kelbro]

I must be the only person that couldn't get my 336 to shoot the 160gr FTX with LVR worth a flip.

3031 has always been my go-to powder for 30-30 in 150 gr. and 170 gr.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I must be the only person that couldn't get my 336 to shoot the 160gr FTX with LVR worth a flip.

3031 has always been my go-to powder for 30-30 in 150 gr. and 170 gr.

I'm surprised you had a problem with LVR powder in the 30-30. Hodgdon and Hornady are using different blends of LVR in each one of the Leverevolution cartridges. Since Hodgdon can't realistically market all of them they chose the 30-30 formula for their canister LVR powder. Have you tried LVR in the 30-30 with other bullets instead of the FTX bullets? I'm now using LVR exclusively with all bullets in the 30-30 but prior to it's release I also used almost nothing but IMR3031. It works especially well with 170gr bullets which I prefer over the 150gr bullets.

 

[kelbro]

Haven't really tried LVR with any other bullets. Went through nearly a pound of it. Marlin 336 and Win94. It didn't shoot BAD, just not as good as my standard 170gr jacketed bullet 3031 loads.

 

[Maj Dad]

I loaded 5 with 31 gr 2520. I will report on my results after Saturday or Sunday - working the range Saturday & may not get to shoot much.

 

[ssyoumans]

I worked up LVR from 33.5 - 36.0gr with my Marlin 336. Velocity was 2176 - 2319 fps. Best accuracy for me were with 35.5 & 36.0gr

A max charge of BLC-2 could only generate 2055 fps. I think W748 could do better than BLC-2, but think it would only get me around 2100 fps.

LVR is my go to powder for 150-170gr in 30-30.
TAC is my go to powder with the 125gr bullets.
Used CCI LRM primers in all loads, since they were all ball powders.