Recently switched to lead for my pistols (45 acp and 9mm) and I'm really enjoying the economy compared to plated and jacketed. Planning on takaing my old Winchester 94 on a range outing and thought I might give lead a try. Looking at Missouri Bullet's offerings I see a both a 135gr. RNFP and a 165gr. RNFP listed for 30-30 lever actions. Neither of my manuals have any data for either of these bullets. Looking on-line at Hodgdon's data the closest I can come is a 160gr. cast LFP. Both of the MB offerings are 18 BHN. Using MB formula for BHN I'm looking at a max 23,000 CUP. For the 165 gr. bullet I planned on using the Hodgdon 160gr data for starting load -10% and working up slowly from there. As for the 135 gr. bullet I'm at a total loss.
Hodgdon data is for H4895 and H4198. Max loads for either are 23,100 and 20,600 CUP respectively with the 160 gr. bullet listed. Max velocities are 1562 and 1616.
I'm thinking of going with the H4198 data as it seems to have a lot of headroom in respect to chamber pressure. Will be starting low and working up slowly, keeping an eye open for signs of excessive pressure.
Anyone see a problem with my approach? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Anyone have another source of published data that would cover these 2 bullets? Maybe another powder option? Anyone see a problem with pushing these 2 offerings in the neighborhood of 1500 to 1600 fps? Fire away.
Hodgdon data is for H4895 and H4198. Max loads for either are 23,100 and 20,600 CUP respectively with the 160 gr. bullet listed. Max velocities are 1562 and 1616.
I'm thinking of going with the H4198 data as it seems to have a lot of headroom in respect to chamber pressure. Will be starting low and working up slowly, keeping an eye open for signs of excessive pressure.
Anyone see a problem with my approach? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Anyone have another source of published data that would cover these 2 bullets? Maybe another powder option? Anyone see a problem with pushing these 2 offerings in the neighborhood of 1500 to 1600 fps? Fire away.