Newest Endeavor .30-30 Win

[mr surveyor]

Since it's been pretty quiet here lately, thought I'd post a new one. Got some RCBS .30-30 dies at Christmas, and just got around to tinkering with my first loads last Saturday.

well, since there were no 150's available, and no IMR 4895 available, I had to make do with what was available for my first stab at the .30-30 reloads. These are Sierra 170 gr Pro Hunter FN's, 30.1 gr of IMR 4320, mixed brass trimmed to 2.029, CCI LRP's, oal 2.545.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b345/cowpi/30-30RELOADS.jpg


This was the results on a cool, cloudy, drizzley afternoon. First shot was from a clean barrel, the rest are the remaining nine rounds. Shot from sandbag rest. Gun is 1973 vintage 336 with original Bushnell Sportview 4x scope.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b345/cowpi/30-30RESULTS.jpg

The old gun is more than capable of 1" groups at 100 yds with Factory 150 gr Rem CL's, and rarely did better than 2 moa with 170 gr CL's. I'm thinking now I can tweak my load a bit and do every bit as good (hopefully better) as factory 170 CL's. Next bump will be to 30.5 gr of 4320, but have no intention of getting anywhere near max loads. Mainly looking for 100 yard accuracy now. Once I get something dialed in for accuracy, I'll get a buddy lined up to chrono...although I don't really think it will make a difference to me if they are 100fps +/- from book values.

surv

[RRP]

Well done, Surv. Impressive shooting, as well as consistent reloads.

[mr surveyor]

Thanks. I was pretty pleased for the first experience. Thought I was pretty lucky to process 54 pieces of brass and not have a single crushed case or dented shoulder. I know .30-30 brass is on the thin side, and from what I've heard from others is that it's not uncommon to toss a case now and then. The one concern I have is the fact that the brass will only handle 3-4 reloads of "hunting velocity loads" before it's done for. Could kick myself for scrapping about 500 pieces of once fired brass a few years ago (before I was even interested in reloading) because non of my buddies needed any more .30-30 brass.

I'm anxious to find the "sweet spot" with these 170 gr Sierra bullets, and hoping a bump of .3 to .4 gr (IMR4320) at a time will do it. Unfortunately the day I shot the first test batch was some pretty thick air with 100% humidity and steady mist/drizzle. No doubt the next trip will be 65°, calm and sunny .... or 35°, cloudy and windy. I know I should have made up 5 rounds of each charge rate to test them under the same conditions.

So, would I be better off to make up another 5 of the original load, and a couple more batches of 5 each of bumped up loads to test under the same conditions?

I'll keep shooting at 50 yards (easier to walk 50yds between shots to mark the target;)) until I find the tightest load, then tweak the scope at 100 for them.

surv

[Bawanna]

Well done. Can't get much better than that and right out of the gate too.

That's excellent.

Years ago I loaded 100's of 30-30 for my TC Contender. Full range of bullets weights, powders, on and on. Any load I did that could match factory ammo was a good day.

I wish I had a 14" barrel instead of a 10". Just not enough barrel to burn the powder, lots of key holing.

Still pretty cool to hit consistently at 100 yards with a hand gun.

I'll check my 30-30 brass stock. I don't load it much anymore or at least haven't for many years.

[Gringo Pistolero]

Yes, nice work. Seeing someone loading 30-30 brings back fond memories of my TC Contender days too. Loaded and fired a whole lot of those back in the late '70s - early '80s. Loaded mostly 150gr bullets, and if I remember correctly my best load for the 10" barrel was using IMR 4198. Something a little slower burning is probably more appropriate in a rifle.

Case life was pretty short - watch closely for signs of case separation near the base.

Chuck

[dkmatthews]

Cool stuff -- EVERYONE. For a noob like myself, it's great hearing about hand loading experiences that go back to previous decades (& centuries :D )!

[Dirt doc]

Those Marlin lever actions can be great shooters. I have a load for my 45-70 that my nephew (young eyes) put 3 shots in a half inch hole at 50 yds. with iron sites. My 1959 manufacture 30-30 likes the 170 core lock best. In fact it key holes the hornady 160 FTX with both factory loads and hand loads. On the other hand my 35 Rem and my 30-30 SDT love the gummy tips. A couple weeks ago the 35 Rem took a 120# doe at 130 yds. with the 200 grn leverevolution.

[les strat]

Good loading/shooting. I love a 30-30 as it was what I started deer hunting with as a kid. I actually have been looking for an older Model 94 for a woods rifle for next hunting season.

[TheTman]

Well Done Mr.Surveyor. Looks like you found a good load.