Crimp for 30-30 Single Shot Pistol Loads

[Random Discharge]

I'm getting ready to load some 130gr Hornady SSP bullets for a 30-30 Contender over H335. Pity Hornady no longer sells these bullets - I see 125gr Nosler BT's in my future. Neither of these bullets are intended for lever guns - no cannelure.

Does anyone have any experience with crimping these rounds using the standard Lee bullet seating die? With no cannelure, I'm wondering if this will provide enough bullet hold for good ignition, or if I should also purchase a factory crimp die to make up for no cannelure on these bullets?

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

not 30-30 specifically but the X39 round which is much the same ballistically. I use a light crimp w/the LFCD on slugs w/no cannelure. doesn't require much crimp so go easy.

 

[243winxb]

Shooting the T/C Contender in 30-30 i never crimped using 150gr jacketed or cast lead bullets. Never crimped any ammo for the Contender in 222 223 7TCU

 

[rcmodel]

There is no good reason to crimp for a single-shot pistol that I can think of.

Case-neck tension is what controls proper ignition.

And if that isn't enough, you can seat long too the lands in a single-shot, since they will "feed" any length you come up with.

rc

 

[Random Discharge]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing your experience and saving me buying a die I don't need. I'm really looking forward to trying out some light bullet weight 30-30 loads.

 

[Birdhunter1]

As for light loads I have found good accuracy using 125 gr. Sierra Pro Hunters and H322, though it is a flat nosed bullet and won't have near the ballistic coefficient of other bullets you could use.

 

[ForneyRider]

No crimp necessary, but you may want to experiment. If you are hot loading, you may want some crimp to up the pressure.

I loaded some 125gr Sierra JHP and there were great at 100 yards with AA2230. I made some with 34, 35, 36gr.

 

[280shooter]

you dont need a crimp for the 30/30 in the T/C,, no need to worry about bullets backing out,

 

[Bush Pilot]

I never crimp bottleneck cartridges for a T/C, no need.