30-30 Accuracy

[Stevel]

Wrote this for another thread but thought I'd start another. What works well in yours?

I looked at my spreadsheet data from Marlin 336 w/20" barrel and Leupold 2.5x20 scope:
All 100 yard, 3 shot groups. (Disclaimer-While these loads are safe in my gun, they may not be in your gun.)

Sierra 170 fn 30g I4064. Ave. 2.633" (10 groups) (Best 5 groups Ave. 1.525")
Hornady 170 rn, 30g I4064, Ave. 2.125" (5 groups)
Hornady 160 FTX, 28.8-30.5g I4064, Ave. 2.075" (5 groups)
Remington 170 Core-Lokt factory 1.813" Ave. (4 groups)

When it's good, the 170 fn over 30 gr of I4064 is very good. I am working on consistency with my reloading technique to increase the group consistency.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I tend to step on the scales a bit harder than you are.
That said, the only scoped .30/30 I have is a Glenfield M30 (Marlin M336 w/half magazine and birch stock). It’s near MOA with a Sierra, Speer or old stock Remington Corlokts. No preference between 150’s or 170’s.
My “go to” powder has been H4895, with 748, BLC2, and Reloader15.
Lately it’s been LVR as I also have a .308ME, two .338ME’s, and a .25-36 to feed.
My M30 is currently sighted in for the Nosler 150gr BST over a max load of LVR (Hodgdon).
It can humiliate some of my bolt actions!
Hints:
1. Partially full length size cases only to point they easily chamber.
2. Trim cases to uniform length
3. Weigh charges to +/- 0.1gr.
4. If you crimp, use a Lee FCD, to cannelure.
5. Use identical case head stamps.

Slow down shooting. Shooting for groups, one minute between shots. 5 minutes between strings.

 

[Stevel]

Thanks. Sounds like you are at a far higher level than me!

What got me thinking about it was a post in another thread. The guys handloads grouped 6" or so, but his area never presented a shot longer than 70 yards. Good enough was good enough for him, which is rarely seen (or admitted to!).

Interestingly I had just finished separating brass by brand before reading your reply. I do weigh charges individually. Could do better on uniform case length. Right now I set the calipers as a go/no go gauge and trim as needed.

All that said, a 2-2.5" gun is good enough for hunting in my area.

 

[WisBorn]

Please don't take offense to this. I have owned three model 94s in 30-30. Most of my shooting was at a nine inch paper plate with a 3" circle drawn in the center. Shot offhand at 50 & 75 yards. Wanted 5 shots in the plate with 3 in the circle. 2 of the rifles liked 150 grain the third 170. Never spent time working on groups. The 30-30 will always be a great woods rifle choice.

 

[Ru4real]

I’ve shot the 30-30 a lot, including load work ups, bench testing and shooting out to 300 yards.

I’ve settled on 160 FTX’s and IMR-3031 powder. Neither are the most accurate individual components at 100 yards in my guns. But the 160 carries steam and trajectory out to 200 yards for deer. The FTX terminal performance is impressive. And IMR-3031 has been used and preferred for 3 generations in my family, so for me 3031 is a nostalgia thing.

Second choice is Remington 170 Core-Lokt.

The FTX / 3031 combination is always good for 3” five shot groups with peep sights at 100 yards, offhand.

 

[Stevel]

Please don't take offense to this. I have owned three model 94s in 30-30. Most of my shooting was at a nine inch paper plate with a 3" circle drawn in the center. Shot offhand at 50 & 75 yards. Wanted 5 shots in the plate with 3 in the circle. 2 of the rifles liked 150 grain the third 170. Never spent time working on groups. The 30-30 will always be a great woods rifle choice.

Not offended at all! Purpose of the thread is to hear what others are doing.

 

[243winxb]

nine inch paper plate

This is how many 30-30 , 30 WCF hunters sight in the hunting gun. If first shot hits the plate, all done. A box of ammo can last 10 years or more.

Hand loads are much better then some factory ammo. Was testing a Marlin & Win 94 at same time. 100 yards open sights.
3 shots each. 2 high 1 low out of Marlin. The Win 1 high, 2 low. both about 18" spread. Real bad factory ammo. Norm for me back then was 3" groups with iron sights.

 

[Charlie98]

I've got a Savage 99B takedown from the late '20's or early '30's I'm working with right now... cast bullets only. The best load by far has been a Montana Bullet Works 173grn RCBS gas check bullet over a reasonable charge of IMR4198.

I also load for my brother's Marlin 336... that gets a 170grn Winchester Silvertip over IMR3031. I did load development many years ago with a scope, then took the scope off, because I can't shoot open sights anymore and he won't let me put a peep on it. When my Silvertip component bullets dry up, I'll have to rework again... probably with the Hornady or Sierra 170, but still with IMR3031.

 

[Picher]

I may have written this on this board before: When working for Maine DOT Construction Inspection, my coworker told me he'd shot at dozens of deer, but never killed one. I asked him to bring it in to work and I'd look check it out. It had typical factory open sights, but were slightly damaged. I told him he needed a receiver sight and new front sight, so he agreed and I picked out a Williams receiver sight and new front sight. Next day, I brought my Dad's old drill press that accommodated a big 1/2" Black and Decker drill and we clamped it to a table in the field office. I drilled and tapped the receiver and mounted the sight, then drifted out the front sight and installed the new one. Then we took it to the range and I sighted it in, then had him shoot. He shot well! The weekend came and went. Monday he came in with a huge smile!!! He'd shot a nice buck with the rifle. He said it was running by him at about 30 yards in the woods. He shot and it didn't stop, so shot again. First bullet was through the heart and the next was a brain shot!!! Apparently he could shoot...once he used both sights!

 

[Ru4real]

...picked out a Williams receiver sight and new front sight...

Always been a big fan of Williams and Lyman receiver aka peep sights. When I was in the service my good friend Glen’s Grandfather started the Williams company back when, so since then I’ve only bought Williams for that connection.

 

[Hokkmike]

Use a .32 WS - but it is close t0 .30-30. Installed Williams Fire Sights on my Model 94. I am happy if I can hit a small paper plate at 150 yards. I don't try to shoot groups, although that is not a bad idea. I am just too stingy with my ammo, especially these days.

 

[Lyle Wyatt]

Both of my 94s were upgraded to Williams receiver sights, I think they really improve practical accuracy.

 

[Charlie98]

Oh... I like Williams peeps...

 

[Bfh_auto]

Funny how this swung from what load to what sight.
I have great luck with a 150 Hornady and Leverevolution powder.
29.5 of imr3031 and a Berry's 150 plated gives about 1.5 MOA with irons.

 

[PapaG]

Of all the 30-30s I've had, my present ugly duckling Marlin and my long gone (sob) Remington 788 showed me that the cartridge has way more accuracy potential than the available guns allow it to show. My Marlin is easily a 1.5 MOA gun with Rem factory 170s. The 788 was 1 MOA with 150, and 170, and 1/2MOA with 150 bthp bullets. It would do an honest 1 MOA with Lyman 311291 hc and 4198 powder and no tricks applied.
I never doubt the accuracy tales unless it is some tactical dude telling me that he shoots into one inch at 250 yards offhand. Yes, guys come in and make claims like that. I usually put on my most serious face and say, "Wow, I'd pay fifty bucks to see that". If they accuse me of saying they're lying, I just say, "No, I'd really pay to see it, sounds fantastic".
Never had a taker.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Speer 170 gr Hot-Core over 32 gr of W-748 out of a 70 year old WCF .30 model 94. 1 5/8" three shot groups at 100 yards with iron sights.