Gas Checked 30-30

[Old Grumpy]

I'm going to load up some "plinking" rounds for my Winchester Model 94 using IMR 3031. The bullets I'm going to use are 150gr SAECO # 316 Flat-nose Gas Checked lead bullets. Lyman's 49th does not list a cast 150gr load. They do list a jacketed round nose load in 150gr but nothing cast.

Does anyone care to offer a starting load for this bullet? I know gas checked bullets can be pushed a bit faster than non-checked bullets but I'd like to keep these loads around 1800 to 1900 fps.

Does anyone have a formula (or a guesstimate) on how to pick a cast bullet starting load when all the data is for jacketed bullets? I realize the charge weight will be lower for the cast bullets but is there some way of calculating a starting point?

Thanks, Grumpy

 

[Snobal]

Old Grumpy -

I have some "ancient" reloading data for 30-30 cast rifle bullets and none of it suggests using IMR 3031 powder.

Data from the Lyman 45th Reloading Handbook gives loads for gas-checked, 150 grain cast bullets with fast-burning shotgun powders.

With Unique powder, they show 30-30 velocities with 150 grain cast bullets from 1,333 to 1,691 fps.

In the 1970's, I experimented with .308 Win and cast, gas-checked bullets.

After trying fast shotgun powders and a few different weights and shapes of cast bullets, in my very limited testing, I found the best 100 yard accuracy in my Rem Model 700 was with 180 grain, flat-nose, gas-checked bullets from an RCBS mold, and 24 grains of Reloader #7 (per my chronograph --- 1,800 fps).

I had installed National Match Sights on that rifle and was getting about 1.5", c-t-c, 5-shot groups at 100 yards. Later, I put a scope on the gun and with jacketed bullets --- it produced about the same size groups at 100 yards. I went back to the origional, stock sights that came with the rifle, and have had many enjoyable mornings shooting jacks with that load.

JMHO - YRMV

 

[243winxb]

30 WCF or better known as 30-30 Win.

Start 22.0 gr is my guess. The 30-30 can "almost" use jacketed data with Gas checked cast lead. Years ago i worked up loads with IMR 4895, worked well. Ask over at CastBoolits or read this > http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=31543&highlight=30-30+150+IMR+3031

 

[CraigC]

You can certainly substitute jacketed starting loads. If they're of similar length and seat to a similar depth you'll be fine. Velocity will be slightly higher. I like Jim Taylor's load of 26.0gr H335 under a 165gr Oregon Trail RNFP but 3031 should work just as well.

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/taylor/model94_3030.htm

 

[Old Grumpy]

CraigC, thanks for the link. It's a great article and has a ton of good information.