.30-30Win/.30-30 Ackley Improved

[OldSchooler]

Im interested in the .30-30 Ackley Improved as an improvement over the .30-30 WCF. Many sources claim 250-300 fps, which takes the 150 gr bullet to nearly .300 Savage levels.

The conversion is a simple re-ream and it's equally easy to make the brass for it by fireforming. And in a pinch, you can still use good old .30-30 shells - if you needed to. I am not deterred by such minor things as that, in fact these are the things that make it appealing.

So I was wondering, was the Marlin action specially treated to handle the .307 WIN round? Ive heard it wasnt.

My concern is for the increased pressures in the Marlin's action. the SAAMI spec is quoted as 42,000cups for the .30-30 WCF and 52,000cups for the .307. Frankly, I dont see any problem with the Ackley cartridge if the Marlin was able to handle the .307 "as issued."

Am I missing something?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Most wildcats gain velocity by being loaded to much higher pressures. The general rule is that velocity increases at 1/4 of the increase in case capacity. So if you increased the capacity of a .30-30 by 4% (which is all an AI will give you), you can expect a 1% velocity increase at the same pressure. At a muzzle velocity of around 2,200 fps, that works out to 22fps -- probably less than the standard deviation of the load.

If you want more out of the .30-30, go with LeveRevolution loads. While you can't buy the pointed soft-tip bullets for reloading right now, I expect to see them on the market next year.

 

[GooseGestapo]

OldSchooler;

For a lot of discussion on the .30/30AckImp. and .307wcf, go to www.marlinowners.com and look through the archives.

FWIW, I doubt that you'll see anything approaching 300fps gain with the .30wcf AckImp over the .30wcf (quicker/easier to type than .30/30win)..

Perhaps 75-125fps with equal pressures, and lots more powder.

I suggest that you do what I did. Load RL-15 in the .30/30.
Increase charges from 10% below max of 36.0gr till you get light increase in extraction effort. I found that 36.0gr is a reasonable max.

At 35.0gr, I get 2,380+fps from a 20"bbl and 1.5" 3-shot groups. This is a devastating deer load at under 200yds under a Rem. 150gr Cor-lokt.
Two years ago I shot a doe and the 10pt. that was "trailing" her on 4th day of season in GA.
Entrance wound on doe was 2" in dia. No exit wound- shoulder to paunch frontal shot. Hit the point of the shoulder and blew bone fragments out entry wound.

Buck was shot broadside at 90yds, broke both front legs and shreaded heart in between. 3" exit wound on far shoulder/leg (I hit him a "little" low).
Several other hunters that saw him thought I used a .300mag on them.

The .30/30 well loaded is quite enough for use in the woods and river bottoms.

A Pound of RL-15 is a lot cheaper than a gunsmith.
Best thing to ever happen to the .30wcf.

Some say the Marlins got a different heat treat, other say they didn't.

Who knows ???

Some are reporting feeding problems with the .307 conversions.

 

[OldSchooler]

You come through again GG! Thanks!