.308 bullets in 30-30

[g_one]

A little more detail/specifics than just the topic - basically, I have a lever action 30-30 that is a joy to shoot; I know that the spire-pointed rounds are not to be used in a tube, and I don't plan on doing so, that's not why I'm asking.

I'm considering purchasing a Magnum Research BFR revolver chambered in 30-30, and for the purposes of reloading I'm curious as to what, if any, problems I would come across using .308 bullets in the 30-30 casing with the BFR. The rifling is going to be different, I assume, but I don't know how that will affect it. Is it even worth it to try such a thing or should I stick to the standard 30-30 flat-nose rounds?

 

[R.W.Dale]

A little more detail/specifics than just the topic - basically, I have a lever action 30-30 that is a joy to shoot; I know that the spire-pointed rounds are not to be used in a tube, and I don't plan on doing so, that's not why I'm asking.

I'm considering purchasing a Magnum Research BFR revolver chambered in 30-30, and for the purposes of reloading I'm curious as to what, if any, problems I would come across using .308 bullets in the 30-30 casing with the BFR. The rifling is going to be different, I assume, but I don't know how that will affect it. Is it even worth it to try such a thing or should I stick to the standard 30-30 flat-nose rounds?

I have a bfr in 30-30 and to date I've shot just about everything imaginable that's .308" from 147g pulldown fmj to 175g HPBT match bullets to 110g v-maxes.


You have a 3" cylinder wich gives you a tremendous leeway as to COL and being the only 30-30 with a 100% fully supported case you can really spice things up.

One of my favorite loads is a 147g fmj over a case full of trail boss




posted via that mobile app with the sig lines everyone complaints about

 

[R.W.Dale]

Under 4 minutes to get a reply with firrsthand experience with one of the rarest platform caliber combinations out there. You gotta love THR

 

[blarby]

I've even used Spire point and ballistic tip 30 cals in my lever.

You just use them one at a time.

You can create some fantastic loads in a .30-30 casing- in the end, its just another .30 cal bullet holder. It all comes down to what the cartridges go in to.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The only reason you have to use a RN bullet in a 30-30 is because of the feed tube on Marlin and Winchester leverguns. If you're loading for a Savage 99 you can use "pointy" bullets because the bullets don't stack up in a tube. Pointy bullets are just fine in a revolver as long as the OAL isn't over the cylinder length. You can even use pointy bullets in a tube fed levergun as long as you only load 1 in the chamber and 1 in the tube. (it has been done before with success) Even with only 2 rounds you will be fine because if you miss the first 2 shots odds are you won't get a 3rd anyway.

 

[Zeke/PA]

If you plan on hunting with your .30-30, stick with bullets desinged for proper expansion at .30-30 velocities.

 

[hdbiker]

I've shot many spitzer type bullets in my Springfield bolt action,magazine fed 30-30.They shot very well,but i don't recomend them for hunting because spitzer bullets can't be deiven fast enough in a 30-30 to expand reliably. biker

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I also agree the proper bullet should be used in the 30-30 for hunting. I should have mentioned that in my first post.

 

[Eye Tat]

I Shoot TC Contender one of my barrels is 30-30 110 v max h335 you will get velocities for expansion. JMO

 

[FROGO207]

I do this all the time in my Savage bolt rifle (IIRC model 319) and load them to a vel between 30-30 and 308 with a 180 grain bullet. I do have to single load them though due to MAG length issues. The 30-30 leverguns are not designed to handle the pressure of a bolt gun and I was not sure what my Savage was rated at for pressure either so I decided not to push it too hard. Note that this will also help save the thinner 30-30 brass necks from splitting as soon also.

 

[45lcshooter]

Ive seen factory brass shot, and ejected and splits from neck to shoulder. Probably bad brass.