FTX 30-30 Lever

[45Frank]

Has anyone reloaded Hornady FTX's in their Lever Action and have they had any problems? Any advise on data also would be helpful.

 

[popper]

Works great for me, LeverE powder is the best. 3 shot cloverleaf @ 100 in 308MX, a tad larger in 30-30. SIL got a pig @ 50 with the 308MX, didn't find the bullet but did bust the spine. Same bullet with different crimp groove location.

 

[helotaxi]

Similar, not the same. The ogive is longer on the 308MX version and it has a higher BC as a result.

 

[4895]

I load FTX in my Winchester 94 with superb results. I worked up a dozen loads with a handful of powders and bullets and found the best group with a max load of LeverEvolution powder 37.0 grains. It shot a 1/2" group at 50 yards with the perception of increased velocity. It shot about 3 inches higher than my previous loads with flat nose bullets. Best of luck to ya.

 

[squarles67]

Go to Hodgdon http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Go to 30-30 data and filter for 160g bullets

 

[45Frank]

What are the COL's you're getting? I trimmed my cases, and before I load things I try to run them thru my action first with no primer or powder. It seems as though for it to be anywhere near the cantilever on the bullet it's way to long. If I lower the bullet to the Max COL of 2.550 it seats where the bullet is already getting smaller. ?!?!?! What am I missing.

I am using a Marlin 336 by the way.

 

[helotaxi]

Are you sure that you have the correct 160gn FTX? There are two and they are different. It sounds like you may have the ones meant for the .308 Marlin Express.

 

[FROGO207]

I looked at some factory rounds and compared them to a standard Remington 150 grain round. The brass length was noticeably shorter but as I was not going to load them then I did not bother to measure the actual length. IIRC they were approximately 1/8 inch sorter than a standard brass. Someone on here should be able to provide the measurement for you. The bullet is actually longer and this has to be taken into account for correct crimp location.

 

[45Frank]

Are you sure that you have the correct 160gn FTX? There are two and they are different. It sounds like you may have the ones meant for the .308 Marlin Express.

Yes you are correct. I just called where I bought them and the only difference in the box I was told is the SKU 30396 as to 30395. He was clueless until I had to explained to him from the Hornady website.
Thanks

 

[popper]

I've used the 30-30 in 308, not the other way around, before they sold the MX one. With the necked eye I can't tell any diff other than the groove. If you can't exchange them, try FCD or TC. I don't even crimp them in my 336, but do for the MX. You may need to get a new seater plug as the 30-30 isn't good on those plastic tips. Hornady has them for their die - but they don't come with the 30-30 set. $5. Hornady recommends trimming the case short but I don't and don't have any problems. Be sure to set your HS correct on the die, the shoulder on my cases moved .02 forward on max loads.