Lee "C" press, & the .30-30

[jpvjr]

I'll just go with the "C" press (reloader press) rather than the Lee Loader. I'll also have to get a set of dies (Pacesetter). Since this is now a real press, what should I expect for # times a shell can be reloaded. (I'm hoping I can reload each shell 5x for range practice, & groundhog). I would be using Hornady 170 grain flatnoses ~2000fps. For actual big game I'll use Factory Hornady ammo. Is this realistic (5x per shell)?

 

[The Bushmaster]

5 to 8 times if you are using light loads. 2000 fps is right up there for the 170 grain bullet. If you are just target shooting and doing groundhogs I'd go with the 150 grain FNSP or maybe the 125 grain FNHP (Sierra). If your rifle will shoot these lighter bullets accurate enough for you it will help your cases last a little longer.

A single stage "O" press would be a better option then the "C" press.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

The "Reloader" press is not really a "real" press.
Get a better one if you can afford it.

As for case life, the 30-30 lever-guns in general have very springy actions.
That allows a lot of case stretch, which shortens case life.

And the 30-30 case is not the most robust one out there either!

I would try to get by with just neck-sizing, or at most, a bare minimum full-length sizing until they will just chamber in your rifle.

And I second the suggestion you try the 125 - 130 grain varmint bullets from Sierra & Speer for groundhog hunting.

I have an old 94 Winchester that shoots 1 1/4" groups with the Sierra 125 HP-FP & 36.0 grains of H4895.


rcmodel

 

[ranger335v]

I have a couple of the little Lee "Reloader" presses, one for decapping and one for the AutoPrime II and they do great. I have other (iron) presses that are my primary tools but the Reloaders have done all I ever asked of them, including FL sizing and loading .30-06 stuff.

.30-30 brass is easy to size, it won't test your press much unless you fail to lube it. Then you will get a stuck case and no press can prevent that!

Use your little press until - if ever - it doesn't do what you want before abandoning it.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Hey ranger335v...Those Lee "C" presses really work great for the light stuff. I, also, use one for my Auto Prime II.

 

[SASS#23149]

I think you'll probably get 5 loadings,but a lighter bullet will have less recoil and prolly shoot flattter.

You could alos load pointed bullets for flatter shooting IF they are loaded ONLY in the chamber..or 1 in chamber,1 in mag tube.For a lever gun that is.

 

[scrat]

Trail boss is your friend. great on 30-30 cases. Also i try to avoid full sizing more with just neck sizing. I get a lot more reloads out of neck sizing. almost 10

 

[Eb1]

I am using a Lee Loader (Hammer Type) and a hand press for the Factory Crimp Die.

Don't use this as a standard, but I have reloaded my cases at least 8 times now. They are not showing any real signs of damage. Of course this is neck sizing only.