Low Velocity 30 Caliber Bullets

[Random Discharge]

I'd like to start reloading 30-30 for my 14" T/C Contender, but I don't have a lot of experience with minimum velocity performance requirements for various hunting bullets. Any suggestions on bullets in the 125 to 150 gr. range that will perform well at reduced (relative to 30-06 or 308 Win) single shot pistol velocities?

 

[kaferhaus]

Any of the regular 30-30 flat nose bullets will expand well at velocities as low as 1000fps. These are thin jacketed soft core bullets to begin with.

 

[critter]

I have the same gun and hunt whitetails with it. My load is to use Nosler BT's (125gr) and IMR 4198 powder. Charge weight is 28 grains I THINK! Please check the books before using as my memory ain't what it used to be! hehe I have not chronographed the load but it isn't intended to be a barn-burner. Believe me, it is good enough!

I have taken several deer with it from about 25 yds to 175 yds. All were one shot kills and most are DRT or go only a very short distance. EVERY shot has been a complete pass-through. (I will confess, however, to taking only carefully placed, broadside shots on them.) I have gotten good expansion and plenty of penetration with the load. Accuracy? Three shots at 100 yds into 5/8 to 3/4".

 

[Preacherman]

Bear in mind that with a Contender, you can select powders to give you decent velocities with heavier bullets. I know a couple of folks who use 168gr. bullets intended for a .308 in their .30-30 Contenders and Encores, and they simply select faster-burning powders to up the velocities to an acceptable level. The deer they've killed that way don't seem to have any complaints...

 

[Bigfoot]

You could go the other way and use the 130 gr Barnes Triple Shock at 24-2500 fps. Guaranteed to penetrate any deer. Should give the best range too.

 

[Random Discharge]

Thanks for the help and experience feedback. I'll find some loads for the Nosler 125 BT's and 130 Barnes triple shock and give them a try. I'm looking forward to trying out some lighter weight bullets and taking advantage of ballistic tips. I'll probably never need anything but 150 or 170 gr. factory round nose, but I see much fun to be had at the range in my future customizing a load!

 

[Brasso]

The factory roundnose ammo is devastating at close range. Even at low velocities. You might try some of the Hawk bullets. They are custom jacketed to different thicknesses.

http://www.hawkbullets.com/maintest.htm

 

[Bigfoot]

Those Hawk softjacket bullets are interesting. I'd been on the site before but I never understood what made them different, thanks for linking out the page that explains them. I've since done a search but couldn't find any independent reviews or BC figures. They look like they might be a good Hog bullet, anyone around here have any experience with them?