30-30 cast bullet loads

[BoltActionPrepper]

With the ammunition/component situation being what it is, i'm getting set up to start casting bullets for a few calibers. The 30-30 being the main one. It's either that, or sell my guns and give up. I'm trying to adjust to the new normal. Anyway, I've done some research on the matter, and most authorities on the subject state that if the alloy is hard enough, and a gas check is used, cast bullets can be pushed to jacketed velocities in the 30-30. I'm looking to throw a 170 grain Lee bullet at 2,200fps. Any advice?

 

[Rule3]

Lymans CAST Manual has everything you need.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/867465/lyman-cast-bullet-handbook-4th-edition-book

I do not cast, but shoot very hard alloy bullets through a Marlin micro groove (which do not like lead much) and no problems. They are over sized also which makes more of a difference in leading problems

 

[BoltActionPrepper]

Thanks Rule3.

 

[wgaynor]

Also, remember to slug your bore and be prepared for analyzing, researching, and problem solving. Bullet Casting/Shooting is a fickle beast.

 

[GooseGestapo]

The .30/30 is probably the best cast bullet rifle cartridge on the planet.
With the 170gr bullets, you can just use the data for jacketed. Most loads top out at ~2,200fps and cast bullets will perform as good or better than jacketed on game.

Do be sure to use a high velocity lube. I originally worked with the NRA 50/50 lube (alox/beeswax), but got started using SPG and have stuck with it.

I find that something closer to starting loads gives better accuracy. Also, remember that the lower friction of the cast bullets gives slightly better (~100fps) velocities than a similar jacketed bullet.

Accuracy should be your goal...
I use RL15 as I buy it in quantity. My current go-to load for the .30/30 is the Lee 150gr FNGC, seated to crimp groove and crimped with a Lee FCD. I use w/w lead with 2oz per 20lbs of 95/5 lead-free solder added to improve castability. I size all .30cal bullets to .311" as I find better accuracy there.

30.0 gr gives me 2,100fps, 32.0gr gives 2,250fps from 20"bbl. More than 32.0 and accuracy falls off quickly.... You can also use either charge with the Lee .309" 170gr FNGC. (mine both cast to .313").

Other powders I've used an can recommend are H4895, IMR3031, IMR4074, H322, and H4198. With cast bullets, the extruded powders work better, but I've seen loads worked up using BLC2 and Win748 that likewise performed well.

One thing to consider is that best accuracy is had with the base of the bullet NOT extending below the base of the neck. The LONG neck of the .30/30 makes this much easier to accomplish. Case capacity is optimum for the intended uses.
Two more powders that show excellent promise are IMR8208 and BenchMark.

 

[243winxb]

30 WCF (30-30 Win.)

I used IMR 4895 - 27.5 gr- Lyman 173 gr gas checked, sized to .310" Use a Lyman "M" die to open the case mouth so lead didnt shave on loading.

[/URL][/IMG] Click for larger photo.

 

[Salmoneye]

I do not cast, but shoot very hard alloy bullets through a Marlin micro groove (which do not like lead much) and no problems. They are over sized also which makes more of a difference in leading problems

Micro-Groove shoots cast just fine...I use regular 'pistol' bullets in my 1958 Marlin 336RC in .35 Remington, and simply make sure they are sized correctly for my bore (which in my case is .360")

Slug your bore, and size your boolits .002" over groove size...Gas check or paper-patch if you feel the need for velocity over 1600fps or so, but a 158gr slug at 1600fps will kill a deer DRT with less wear and tear on you and the gun...

Same applies to the .30-30 and 170gr lead...

 

[FROGO207]

I have not tried hand cast bullets for my 30-30's yet because I lack the correct mold but using the Laser Cast .309 LRNFP 170 grain without gas check (they are some hard) and 3031, AA2015 or H4198 give really good results at just above the starting jacketed loads in my Marlin, Savage bolt and Win 94. No problems with leading either. FWIW I just bought 100 each of 170 grain bullets for my 30-30 and 32 SPL. Hornaday Interlocks from Natchez Shooting Supplies about 2 weeks ago that were in stock.

 

[BoltActionPrepper]

Now THATS the type of info i'm looking for GooseGestapo! Would going with the Lyman #2 alloy be a good choice? I'm going to have to try to scare up some more 30-30 brass.

 

[cja245]

I use 4198 with the Lee 170 gn in 30-30. I do 24 gn @ 2000 fps. That's a max load in all the manuals I've seen so I haven't gone any hotter.

I use the same bullet and powder in my .30-06, 35gn @ 2400fps.
I've taken it just past 2500 fps without leading, but accuracy suffered.

That load data is probably not transferable to 30-30, I just mention it to show you that the bullet is capable of doing what you want, so long as you get all the variables right.

I'm using straight wheel weights +2% solder, water dropped, with Felix lube. Sized to .310''. I age the bullets for at least a month before loading. I originally did the same two loads with RCBS pistol lube and it worked great as well.