Help please! 30-30 with Berry Round shoulders

[wooldl]

Hello,

Like the title says, I'm trying to get some help loading my 30-30 rounds with 150 grain Berry round shoulder bullets. I can't seem to come up with any load data...I have the Hornady 9th addition and Lyman 49th addition...plus Google.
Should I load them the same as my Sierra Pro Hunter 150 GR. Flat Nose....just forego the crimp because the Berry bullets are not cannelured?
The powders I have on hand are IMR-4064 and IMR-4895.

Thoughts?

wooldl

 

[notaglockfanboy]

You can use the load data for the flat nose bullets. If you are working up a load for the rifle as always start low and work your way up.

 

[wooldl]

Thanks notaglockfanboy,

Any tips on the taper?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Most plated bullets can be loaded with load data for lead bullets or starting to middle charge weights for jacketed bullets. You can place a light crimp on those bullets being careful not to break through the plating. If you don't you can't load them in a tube magazine because you will probably push the bullets into the case causing a dangerous situation.

IMR4895 will work well...

 

[ScratchnDent]

I use a taper crimp die on all my copper plated bullets. Just a mild to medium taper crimp, enough to prevent bullet set back.

I'm sure you could set up a roll crimp die to work and not pierce the copper plating, if you are willing to take the time and possibly sacrifice a bullet or three.

 

[gamestalker]

I would follow the advice of what ArchA gave, don't use them in a tubular magazine. It is necessary to apply a crimp into a canelure for cartridges to be used in tubular magazines, other wise set back is almost guaranteed, there is no getting around that.

Makes me wonder if anything is stated on the box of those Berry ,308" bullets regarding use in tubular magazines? Should be, cause this is an area where an uninformed reloader could get into some real trouble.

GS

 

[BigBore45]

the only info i can find on berrys plated 150 grain bullets seems to say they are only good to 1700 FPS. so i would not load anything but reduced loads in 30-30. And in a tube magazine without deforming the bullet or plating i dont see a reliable hold on the bullet. I do not think they are really for a 30-30. maybe a 300 blk out instead. Also makes sense because they are not canelured.

 

[wooldl]

Thanks all.........I got these bullets as part of a bulk purchase here on HighRoad with the intention of loading for my Model 94 Winchester. The lack of a cannelure is what had me most concerned. I'm pretty new at reloading.....probably only 500 rounds total under my belt....so your experience is appreciated. Especially if it helps me avoid a dangerous situation.

 

[steve4102]

What is a " 150 grain Berry round shoulder bullet".

The only 150gr 30-30 bullet I know of is this one. RNFP, (round nose flat point).

http://www.berrysmfg.com/product-i15157-c34-g8-b0-p0-30_30_308_150gr_RNFP___1000_ct.aspx

Note, that it has a Max velocity of 1700fps.

 

[Gadawg88]

I load for the 30/30 and I would suggest to you as a fairly new reloader that you not use those bullets at least for your first go around with the caliber. As the others have pointed out you may have issues with the crimp and keeping them under the max velocity. Get your feet wet with a good FMJ rn or fp bullet. I use the Hornady 150gn RN Interlock #3035.
http://www.hornady.com/store/30-Cal-.308-150-gr-RN/

After that and some more research you may decide to try the others, but at least you will have something to compare performance to.

 

[wooldl]

steve4102, "What is a " 150 grain Berry round shoulder bullet"."

Don't know what to tell you....it's printed right on the box. My guess is that it simply mean non-cannelured. As I said, these came as a part of a bulk purchase and I have no idea how old they might be....if they are a discontinued item, or whatever. That said, they look very similar to the link you posted.

I'm not going to load these for the time being. Once I have more experience and maybe some more advice I'll consider it again. I'll just pick up some more cannelured bullets in the meantime.

Thanks again for all the input guys!

 

[Salmoneye]

As the others have pointed out you may have issues with the crimp and keeping them under the max velocity.

There should be absolutely no issue with keeping them below 1700fps...

I don't have copies handy, but I assume the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #4, or Lyman Reloading Manual #49 will have 'cast' data for a similar 150-155gr bullet...

I know where I would start, and my choices may very well be 'published' data somewhere, but I am loathe to give advice to new reloaders without being able to cite sources...