Hunting and starting load verse max load

[ChefJeff1]

Ok, assuming accuracy is acceptable. For hunting applications, does it matter if I go with a starting load? Does the feet per second difference between the starting and max load make a difference?

The details--- 2 30-30's shoot a starting load equally well so why mess with it.

I think the answer is that the load doesn't matter as long as it is safe and shoots accurately. It aint setting a speed record no matter how ya do it.

 

[SmokeySam81]

It would help to have the extra, but not much. Put it in the right place and it really won't matter. make the first shot count, the rest are just insurance.

 

[hoghunting]

For my hunting loads I want as much velocity as safely possible. I want the flattest trajectory and the most shock and energy to take out the target as quickly and humanely as possible. So, no, I don't use starting loads for my hunting loads.

 

[Sunray]

"...go with a starting load..." If it's accurate enough out of your rifle, sure. The starting load may not be the most accurate load, but it'll kill a deer with no fuss. Two or 3" at 100 is accurate enough for deer.
"...difference between the..." Not a great deal of difference with any typical deer bullet weight anyway.

 

[SmokeySam81]

I tend to load heavy for hunting, but I go for deer, elk, and black bear in the same hunt most years, and I would rather not switch guns. I still stick to what I said on shot placement though, it can supercede everything.

 

[rfwobbly]

For my hunting loads I want as much velocity as safely possible. I want the flattest trajectory and the most shock and energy to take out the target as quickly and humanely as possible.

+1

If accuracy is unchanged over the entire load range, which I highly doubt, then Mr Hog is correct. Go for the quick, clean kill.

 

[ants]

Two 30-30's shoot a starting load equally well so why mess with it.

Did you try anything else, or just starting load?

For the sake of learning and integrity, I would work upwards a little to see if accuracy and shootability improve. I think you owe it to yourself.



But if you work up several steps and still find that the start load shoots best, then by all means shoot your deer with that load. We kill deer with archery and blackpowder muzzleloaders all the time. You can CERTAINLY kill deer dead with a starting load in 30-30. But you owe it to yourself to do a little more testing.

[Hotter loads shoot flatter, but a 30-30 isn't a 200 yard flat shooter anyway. To be humane, keep your shots close if you use that starting load.]

 

[James2]

I never use a max load, but prefer to load up some from the start load. Somewhere about 3/4 up the chart usually works well for me. Granted a 30-30 is not a long range rifle, but it will do fine at 200 yards and a little more velocity helps with that.

 

[Seedtick]

One thing to mention about loading heavy for hunting loads.

I had to drop back some on the velocity in my 7 mag load. The bullet was traveling faster than what it was designed for. It was 'blowing up' too early. It does a much better job now and ruins less meat.

An email to your bullet company will get you the velocity range your bullet was designed to perform in. At least it did for me with Nosler. You can also get a pretty good idea from the bullet maker's factory ammo ballistic charts.

Seedtick

 

[JimKirk]

For my hunting loads I want as much velocity as safely possible. I want the flattest trajectory and the most shock and energy to take out the target as quickly and humanely as possible. Suitable accuracy for the target too! So, no, I don't use starting loads for my hunting loads.

My thoughts also...

Jimmy K

 

[kelbro]

Depends on the powder, bullet and velocity that your 'starting load' delivers. Deer aren't that hard to kill.

 

[243winxb]

30-30 Win Or better known to us old guys as 30WCF

A 30-30 needs all the help it can get. Go with the highest velocity, accurate load for the gun. This includes choice of bullets. The 125gr at a higher velocity is better than a 150gr going slower for deer. You dont want the dead deer running off to fall down in front of another hunter that will claim your kill.

 

[kelbro]

I have put a lot of venison in the freezer with a 25-20 running along at ~1700fps.