Hard cast in 30-30 lever action

[deanodog]

Does anyone use hard cast in 30-30 lever action?. Do you need gas checks if so?

 

[loose noose]

I use gas checks in all my .30 cal rifle rounds.

 

[plmitch]

Always unless its a light plinker round.

 

[jcwit]

I worked up a cast plinking load using TrailBoss and cast 113 gr. bullet from a lee mold, yes I use a gas check.

 

[Salmoneye]

I toss 160gr cast up to about 1400fps without gas checks...

Make em tight (at least .002" over groove diameter), and leading should not be an issue...

Over 1600fps or so, either gas check, or paper patch them...

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

 

[Don McDowell]

If the bullet is a flat based design, then you don't need a gas check, keep the velocity below 1800 fps. If it's designed for a gascheck if you don't use the added expense of the gaschecks you need to have a good lead mining technique to clean your gun and don't expect much for accuracy.
5744 is my favored smokeless for cast bullets.

 

[Starter52]

Gas checks always for .30/30 lead bullets, even the 1400 fps plinking loads for the kids.

 

[kelbro]

Only if you desire accuracy and easy cleaning.

 

[Hanshi]

I've worked up accurate loads with plain base and gc bullets. Keep the plain base under 1800fps.

 

[hartcreek]

I have been using my hardcast and gas checked in two 25-35s and three 32 Winchesters for twenty some years....no problems.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I load only to around 1200 fps in my lead 30-30 loads, so I don't use gas checks.

 

[MMCSRET]

I've cast and loaded for several 30-30 rifles and carbines. I find that generalities fill the world but that each gun was a case unto itself when I got down to the intricate details. Each gun was different. The newer guns seemed to need a gas checked bullet while my Savage 99 from 1936 would do just as well with a plain base bullet. All that said, the bullet must fit the bore and the loaded cartridge must fit the chamber and throat. By "fit", I mean slug your bore and then size accordingly, sometimes .001 over bore and sometimes more than .001. The 30-30 is a great cartridge for cast bullets and can be exceptional if properly addressed.
Good shooting!!!!

 

[GooseGestapo]

Like SalmonEye said;

for plinking loads (ie: 7-10gr of Unique) I use bullets w/o gaschecks and tumble lubed sized and unsized. Good to ~1,500fps.

For hunting/long-range loads; I load to 2,000-2,200fps and definitely use gas-checks and SPG or NRA 50/50 type lube (several mfg's make good 50/50).
If you size, go .002" over bore diameter.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have been shooting 165gr plain base 18 BHN bullets from Missouri Bullets for a while now. I have pushed them to just under 1800 fps with no leading but I usually load to ~1400 fps because I get very good accuracy there.

 

[Sam1911]

Read this: http://www.missouribullet.com/technical.php

If you use a hard bullet (18 BN hardness like Brad sells for the .30-30) you should be able to shoot without leading (or gas checks) loads up in the range of 23,000 CUP pressure. That's going to be a "reduced" load compared to jacketed bullet velocities, but they'll work very well.

 

[deanodog]

Thanks for all the good input. It was very helpful.