30-30 Loads

[ArchAngelCD]

I have several 30-30 loads I've been using for a few years but I'm wondering if there are better loads out there. I shoot loads with both 150gr and 170gr bullets. I also recently bought some 165gr plain base lead bullets which are 18 BHN. My current cast bullet load only generates under 1400 fps from my Marlin Carbine which I feel is a bit too slow. I'm thinking something closer to 1700 fps would be better for Deer. (is that correct?)

My current loads are:
150gr RN bullet over 31.0gr IMR3031
170gr RN bullet over 30.0gr IMR3031
165gr Cast bullet over 21.0gr H4895

I know every gun is different but I'm going to ask anyway, what are some of your favorite 30-30 loads using a 150gr and 170gr bullet. I would especially like to know about Cast bullet loads too. Like said above, the Cast bullets are 165gr plain base bullets. (from Missouri Bullets) Any help would be appreciated. Different powder suggestions are fine.

 

[GooseGestapo]

You are doing about as good as you're going to do with the plain-base cast bullet. The upper velocities I've been able to get with "useable" accuracy is about 1,650-1,800fps, depending on bullet, lube, and rifle it's fired in.

I suggest for higher performance with cast bullets in the .30/30 that you switch to a gas-checked bullet.

With a gas-checked bullet, you'll be able to use the same powder charges that you are using with the jacketed bullet.

My "go-to" load for the .30/30 is the Lee 150gr .309" GC sized and lubed to 0.311" with SPG or NRA 50/50 lube over 32.0gr of Reloader 15. This gets 2,200fps and ~1.5moa accuracy from my Marlin/Glenfield M30 (.30/30 w/microgroove barrel).

I've used as much as 33.5gr of IMR3031 for 2,300fps under this bullet, and killed deer with it, but it is much more accurate at 30.0-31.0gr.

This year, I'm using it with the Lee 0.309" 170gr FNGC @ 0.311 over 30.0gr of Reloader 15 for 2,100fps. It too, is quite accurate.

Even at a m/v of 1,800fps, the cast bullets are very good out to ~100yds on deer. The only "problem" with the slower loads is trajectory.
I push my cast bullets as fast as "accuracy" permits.
On game performance makes me question why I even buy jacketed bullets to hunt with.

btw: my Lee moulds cast to about .313" before sizing. I even use the bullets unsized and no-gas check at about 1,300fps as "coffee can" loads. I load up a "coffee can" full of them and then plink with them exactly as I would a .22lr. Trajectory is essentially the same, though perhaps a bit better due to higher b.c. of the .30cal bullets @ 150-170gr.

 

[Quoheleth]

I know it's not what you're asking for (a deer load) but use that same 165gr bullet with Unique to make a really, really fun plinking load. (I forget the charge weight - I used TC Contender data from Lyman's pistol manual.) You have to seriously adjust your sights, but once you do, it's a LOT of fun and almost as cheap as .22 --- if you don't consider the time invested.

Q

 

[Josh45]

ArchAngel, Asking for advice
Sorry, I can't help but I am tagging this for more information because I am interested as well.

 

[Eb1]

AACD, you might checkout 2400 for that cast load. I believe Swany from Marlinowners.com has used it to some degree with success.
I would also suggest going to GC bullets if you wish to have any accuracy from your MG barrel above 1400 fps.

I too have tried getting 1700 from PB Lead, and it was a terrible experience getting the lead out of the barrel.

Checkout http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=72355


Pretty good thread with some load data for you.

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9490

 

[popper]

8-10 Unique for plain base, 18-33 for H4895, above about 20 use the GC. The 100gr. plinker is fun also. Actually it's about as good as a 243 with 100gr. SP @ 100, could be good to 150. Might compare it to a 100 SP with a huge GC.

 

[James2]

150gr RN bullet over 31.0gr IMR3031

This is the same load I use in my 30-30. Nothing else needed. I grew up shooting 30-30 like most kids shoot a 22 because I started reloading at age 17. It is nice to only have one load, one bullet. It always hits the same spot.

 

[res45]

30-30 cast bullet loads I use the Lee 170 gr. RNFP gas check mold sized to .311. For plinking and small game loads I cast the bullet for straight WW alloy leave the GC off and give it two coats of Lee Alox/JPW lube and push it with 8.0 grs. of Alliant Red Dot MV 1200+fps.

For big game hunting load I cast the bullet from 30:1 Lead/Tin alloy,gas checks are applied with my Lee .311 push through sizer. Bullets are ranch dipped in my Alox/JPW lube and once dry are run back through the sizer base first to clean up the bullet before loading. I push those loads with 28.0 grs. H335 not a Max load @ 2000+fps.

If you don't cast several commercial casters make a 160 /170 gr. bullet designed to take a GC that you can apply on a as need basis depending on the application needed. My 30-30 will most likely never see a jacketed bullet it's just not needed for my personal hunting needs and my cast bullet loads actually cost less to produce than the actual jacketed bullet,about 8 and 16 cents respectively.

 

[the Black Spot]

Try 30 to 33 grains of varget with your cast bullets. I use 33 grains with that lee 170 gr gas check.

 

[Walkalong]

I have played with .30-30 and 150 Gr Core-Lokt's a little lately to see what powders I have that would match the factory velocity. One that can is TAC. I have not shot it for accuracy yet though. It may be worth a try. RL15 gave great ES and SD numbers, and came close to factory velocity. It may be worth a try as well.

Not lead, but all I have.

 

[Eb1]

If your asking for load data for the 30-30 as in any load data. I have several that shoot MOA out of my 336W.

I thought you wanted data that would give you 1700 to 1800 with PB Lead. I'd go with mild load of H4895 or 2400 like I was saying.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm looking for successful loads using a 150gr and 170gr jacketed bullet as well as lead bullets.

Thank you for the information so fay guys, it is appreciated...

 

[GooseGestapo]

In addition to my above post, I've used about everything or something simular to it from Bullseye to WC860 in the .30/30 (pulled down .50BMG powder ~/= to H870. (I started reloading the .30/30 in 1971, thats 40yrs ago. The cartridge is "only" 106yrs old). Makes me old, I guess......!

Reloader 15 has given highest velocities consistent with accuracy rifle is capable of. Simular but less speed has been obtained with BLC2/Win748, H335, TAC, AA2469, AA2520, Varget, IMR4064, IMR3031, IMR4320, ect, ect, ect.

For "plinking", I'll second 7.5gr of Unique. If shot placement is good, this will take deer as well as any .357mag, handgun or rifle, BTDT.
However, with 30-32.0gr of RL15, you'll get factory jacketed performance from the cast bullet.

With 36.0gr with 150 and 34.0 with 170gr jacketed bullets (extrapolate to 160-165gr) you'll see/get better than factory performance.
There really isn't much else to say regarding the .30/30....
It just works, even after 106yrs. Almost as good as the .30/06. Just less expense, muzzle blast, recoil. But, isn't as good past 250yds, of course. But, who shoots that far, anyway. That a purty ferr way to walk to claim a deer.....

 

[Eb1]

Winchester factory duplication
Win brass
Wlr prime
33.0 gr h4895
150 bulk win pp

2320 fps from my rifle, and shoots under MOA@ 100 yards

 

[GooseGestapo]

In addition to my above post, I've used about everything or something simular to it from Bullseye to WC860 in the .30/30 (pulled down .50BMG powder ~/= to H870. (I started reloading the .30/30 in 1971, thats 40yrs ago. The cartridge is "only" 106yrs old). Makes me old, I guess......!

Reloader 15 has given highest velocities consistent with accuracy rifle is capable of. Simular but less speed has been obtained with BLC2/Win748, H335, TAC, AA2460, AA2520, Varget, IMR4064, IMR3031, IMR4320, ect, ect, ect. (H4895 is my #2 favorite, and still my favorite in .35Rem, which I prefer to the .30/30 for obvious reasons...).

For "plinking", I'll second 7.5gr of Unique. If shot placement is good, this will take deer as well as any .357mag, handgun or rifle, BTDT.
However, with 30-32.0gr of RL15, you'll get factory jacketed performance from the cast bullet.

With 36.0gr with 150 and 34.0 with 170gr jacketed bullets (extrapolate to 160-165gr) you'll see/get better than factory performance.

There really isn't much else to say regarding the .30/30....

It just works, even after 106yrs. Almost as good as the .30/06. Just less expense, muzzle blast, recoil,weight. But, isn't as good past 250yds, of course. But, who shoots that far, anyway. "That a purty ferr way to walk to drag a deer....." especially when you're OLD........

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Anyone else?

 

[RevGeo]

I still have the old Ideal #308241 mold I inherited from my father. It throws a 160gr RN using wheel weight stuff. With 18 gr of 4198 my old '94 puts them into 2"-2 1/2" at 100 yds if I do my part. For shooting deer in the black timber of N. Idaho I have found nothing better. Cast bullets are way underrated as game getters IMHO, and the 30-30 is a natural for cast bullets.
For jacketed bullets, either 150 or 170gr, the classic IMR3031 load is the way to go.

George

 

[kludge]

I'm hearing about very good results with FTX bullets and LeveRevolution powder.