Just need a nod of approval for these 30-30 loads

[Bullseye]

I made up a handful of 30-30 Winchester to shoot in a model 94 Win.
I got my info for 125 gr Sierra Flat nose HP #2020 in Lyman's 49th reloading handbook edition.
All trimmed to same length.
A moderate crimp but not strangulating the bullet.
The data said between 25.0 and 28.0 gr IMR 4198 which is what I used.
I chose right down the middle at 26.5 gr IMR 4198.
They feed and eject just fine. I just like somebody checking my homework anymore.
If you have used this, let me know or give me a Okee doke on these.
Thanks

View attachment 227337

 

[Sunray]

"...I chose..." One does not 'choose' a load and hope. One works up the load from the starting load.
Hodgdon gives 23.5 of IMR4198 as the max load for a 130 out of a 24" 1 in 12 barrel. No 125's on their site. No 125's with IMR4198 of Reloader's Nest or Handloads.com.
However, Lyman is a very reliable source. A different powder lot will account for the difference. Does seem like a large difference though.

 

[kerreckt]

I have shot 125-130gr. bullets using 26.0gr IMR4198 for many years. These are shot from Marlin 336 in 30-30caliber. No problems

 

[Bullseye]

I'll make up some lighter loads. A few at 25 a few at 25.5 and a few at 26 then before shooting these.
I can still work my way up that way.

 

[Sunray]

"...A few at 25, a few at..." Partial to a mag load myself. Unless its for a 20 rounder. Then it's 5 of each.

 

[mdi]

Jes wonnerin', what's wrong with using the starting loads, as suggested in reloading manuals, for an untested load/combo?

 

[LoonWulf]

If utmost accuracy isnt the goal, I see no issue with "choosing"middling load. If a middling load dosent produce useable accuracy up and down, unless a significant change, wont likely make a huge chunk of difference. As long as your loading for a gun of known good manufactur and condition, that youve shot with factory ammo, than a middle of the road load from a reloading manual should not cause problems. Again this is my personal opinion, chose as you would, and always do what you think is safe and reasonable.

Oh i forgot to mention i feel its best to cross reference a few manuals before "choosing" a load.

 

[Bullseye]

Yeah Loonwolf, thank you, this isn't my 22-250 for groundhogs at 300+ yds. It's just a Win 94 and I have no expectations of cloverleaf shots.
This rifle does shoot well though. I have done quite well with cast bullets.
I did check around for data using 125 gr jacketed bullets and IMR 4198 and the data is scarce to nil.
Most often we all use heavier 150 or 170 gr and cast in the same.
Some have posted their load data on other sites but then that means nothing unless they have a good reputation in those forums for knowing what they are doing. I've seen 28.2 gr for one guy. I didn't investigate further.
A red flag to me but he could be very well right on. That was for a Marlin tho.
I have decided for myself that these are within the safe loading limits. That's my choice to start with.
If they were unsafe, that's one thing, which I don't believe they are. I will report but will still load a few lighter loads and work my way up to my 26.5 gr cartridges.

 

[Bullseye]

Just got back from the range and these cartridges gave me an under 2 inch group out of a lead sled at 100 yds.
Shooting off a bag not so good but they worked excellent.
I also shot some 45-70 I had loaded up and did well with those too.
The best shooting of the day was a brand new 6.5 x 55 swedish caliber Tikka rifle. It wasn't mine but my buddy had it along for his cousin to sight in.
Easy 1 inch and under groups all day long with that thing.
The rifles are on sale around here. Nice wood stock and a so so blue finish but man could that thing shoot.
It had a inexpensive Vortex on top.
If I needed a new rifle that would be it.

I think it was this one.

But that's another story for another thread.

 

[macgrumpy]

QuickLoad estimates are that the 26.5 grain load is pretty light, you could push up to the Lyman max without concern even in a Winchester model 94 (which is not as strong as the Marlin 336).

 

[LoonWulf]

Glad to hear your rounds worked well!
Im not a huge fan of the tikkas but thats personal preference, and ive never handled the wood guns. Every one ive seen or ahot has been very accurate tho.

 

[LOLBELL]

Several of my manuals have minimum and maximum loads. Several have starting and maximum loads. That said, I give up starting at the minimum load and working up years ago. Seems like pressure was never enough to get a decent burn and accuracy was horrible. I usually start at just under mid point and work up. I have never had good results on accuracy until about half way between mid point and max. If I were loading some of the faster powders, I would start closer to the bottom and work up. H110/W296 is one that I would be really skeptical about starting at the bottom. Just as the listed max may be over pressure for your paticular firearm, listed minimum may also be too low for your firearm. JMHO

 

[Bullseye]

I am sure I could go up a notch in powder, but for what I wanted out of these bullets, this will suffice for iron sights and my eyesight. I have to bump my rear sight just a tap, as all my shots were a couple/three inches to the left of my point of aim.
They were consistent, and the brass was clean, primers looked good. I'm happy with it.

 

[LOLBELL]

I am sure I could go up a notch in powder, but for what I wanted out of these bullets, this will suffice for iron sights and my eyesight. I have to bump my rear sight just a tap, as all my shots were a couple/three inches to the left of my point of aim.
They were consistent, and the brass was clean, primers looked good. I'm happy with it.

If you're happy with it, that is all that matters. That's what hand loading is all about, developing a load that suits your needs.

 

[Bullseye]

I wrote to Sierra a ways back shortly after starting this thread,

Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2016 12:04 PM
To: Philip Mahin
Subject: 30-30 and the Sierra #2020

Hello,

I went to your webpage and found your email address.
I have a flat band Winchester 94 in good working order in 30 WCF.
I am by no means a reloading expert but have loaded thousands of cartridges. Only about 200 30-30's so far using cast gas checked and some 150 and 170 gr jacketed flat nose bullets.
I have used your 125 gr Flat nose jacketed hollow point #2020 bullets here in this situation.
I have decided upon using IMR 4198 with 26.5 gr powder and a decent crimp with your Sierra bullets.
They look good, cycle and eject fine.
I have not shot them yet.
There seems to be very sparse load data for this combination.
My Lyman #49 guide shows a starting load of 25 gr IMR 4198 and a max of 28 gr.
Here I am, exactly in the middle at 26.5 gr IMR 4198 with the 125 gr Sierra #2020 bullet.
Do you feel I am safe at this load?
I think I am. I have not loaded a cartridge yet to max powder levels for any caliber. On the other hand, I have only started at the minimum levels on a few occasions or if I know that is what I want.
Cowboy loads, plinking, etc.
I do not hold you or anyone at Sierra responsible for your input.
Ultimately I realize that I am the one who is assembling the cartridges and it is my responsibility for my own safety and those around me.

Thank you for your advice.

they got back to me today
Got a great PDF file for their bullets in 30-30 and the load data. Awesome.

Our load data is attached to this email for your review and we used the H version of this powder. Although they are not an exact duplicate, the listed start loads can be used for the other brand and worked up from. You may get a different top end but just keep an eye open for pressure signs if you decide to go that high and stop if you see any. As for the load you picked, you should be able to use it without seeing pressure signs and as long as it gives you accuracy potential, stay with it. If you don't see accuracy, feel free to adjust the powder charge in 0.3 grain increments until you do.


Philip Mahin

Ballistic Technician

NRA Life Member
1400 W. Henry St. Sedalia, MO 65301

Questions? Call us toll free 800-223-8799
Our load data is attached to this email for your review and we used the H version of this powder. Although they are not an exact duplicate, the listed start loads can be used for the other brand and worked up from. You may get a different top end but just keep an eye open for pressure signs if you decide to go that high and stop if you see any. As for the load you picked, you should be able to use it without seeing pressure signs and as long as it gives you accuracy potential, stay with it. If you don't see accuracy, feel free to adjust the powder charge in 0.3 grain increments until you do.


Philip Mahin

Ballistic Technician

NRA Life Member
1400 W. Henry St. Sedalia, MO 65301

Questions? Call us toll free 800-223-8799

Here's an image of this particular #2020 bullet and load data from that pdf.

View attachment 227698

 

[RPRNY]

I prefer 3031 in 30-30 with j-bullets but 26 grs 4198 is a perfectly good place to start with a sound firearm.

 

[midland man]

I use win 760 powder with 170gr jsp works great!!