Berry's Plated 150gr FP in 30-30

[the-jessman]

I've recently acquired a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that I would to load up a cheap plinking load for. I've got some Berry's 150gr FP bullets coming since they seem to be the cheapest thing other than cast however loading data seems to be pretty scarce for them. Berry says not to try to push them faster than 1700, which is fine for what I want to do with them. At those speeds it sounds like magnum pistol powders are probably going to be the ticket.

I've found some load data for them using WC820n. I've got better part of 8 lbs of WC820 left so if I can use it for this I would like to. The load people seem to be using is 14.4 grs which gets you about 1640 fps. Sounds about right for what I want to do. I am planning on starting at about 12.5 grains and working my way up. The WC820 is supposed to be about like AA#9 though I think my lot is a smidge faster than that.

What I was wondering is does my starting load sound reasonable? Does anyone else have any experience with these bullets and has load data they would like to share? I'm familiar with working with surplus powder, but I always like to get as much information as a can before I try doing something new with it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jech]

In most situations, cast bullet load data can be used with plated bullets. Once you've verified your particular bullet falls into this category, I would recommend trying charges of Unique starting at 7.0gr working your way up 9.0 if not even 10.0gr. My 4th ed Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook lists 7.0gr @ ~1150fps to 10gr @ 1550fps (starting/max) for virtually all listed bullet profiles.

My Marlin 336 30-30 absolutely loves 165gr FP cast bullets and 7.2gr of Unique, it'll throw ragged holes at 25yds, clover leaves at 50yds and 1.5" groups at 100yds all day long. This powder charge produces ~1200fps. Recoil is non-existent and the muzzle report is noticeably quieter than my Savage Model 93 .17HMR and even my dad's Ruger .22lr Single-Six!

If you're looking for something with a little more thump but still very economical, try out Alliant 2400. Depending on your OAL, 14-15gr usually puts out 1500-1600fps with a cast bullet.

 

[the-jessman]

Thanks a lot for the info. I've got some 2400 so I'll give it a try as well.

 

[Jech]

I tried looking up 2400 on Alliant's website but didn't find anything under 30-30win...not terribly surprised considering it's technically a "handgun powder". What OAL are you running those 150gr bullets at and how long is the bullet itself? I'll see if I can dig up some cast bullet data that uses a similar bullet length/OAL.

If you end up feeling adventurous and really want to build some amazing plinkers, check out this thread over on the MarlinOwners.com forum specializing in unusually light bullets in the Marlin 336. It's been going for two years now and has some absolutely enlightening information in it...some very bright folks in it! I learned a lot there!

 

[Palehorseman]

I use RL-7, 748, and 3031 for hard cast GC boolits, and they can be pushed right up there close to the J-word ones as to velocity.

IMO, the 30-30 in the right rifle (I have a Stevens Model 325) is one of the most accurate cast boolit cartridges around.

 

[dcgilbert]

Alliant's 2004 manual has 30-30 data for 2400 under the silhouette loads. Been looking at these myself recently.

http://glarp.atk.com/2004/2004Catalogs/2004AlliantPowderSM.pdf