According to Hornady's Load notes on their website, if using BL(c)-2 they suggest 33.3gr at 2050fps (2200 adjusted for 24" bbl). Yet their factory FTX ammo has a muzzle velocity of 2400fps. I regularly load 36gr of BL(c)-2 for 170gr rounds without and issue. So why is the max load for the FTX 33.3gr for a 160gr bullet?
How come Hornady's load notes for the 30-30 FTX are so light?
- Thread starter D_w_A
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The key is Hodgdon LEVERevolution powder which deliver an extra 200fps in 30-30.
It's a high density, progressive burning powder which contains 10-15% more energy by volume than a normal powder.
http://www.hodgdon.com/rifle.html
Take a look at Hodgdon LEVERevolution loads http://www.imrpowder.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html, for 30-30 LVR powder.
Remember that the velocities my be optimist and that the powder is almost certainly temperature sensitive (much lower velocity when it's cold, not a problem in Texas and Arizona but an issue in Canada).
Alex
It's a high density, progressive burning powder which contains 10-15% more energy by volume than a normal powder.
http://www.hodgdon.com/rifle.html
Take a look at Hodgdon LEVERevolution loads http://www.imrpowder.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html, for 30-30 LVR powder.
Remember that the velocities my be optimist and that the powder is almost certainly temperature sensitive (much lower velocity when it's cold, not a problem in Texas and Arizona but an issue in Canada).
Alex
Yea, after I posted this I found an article explaining that the FTX rounds have to be seated much lower due to their shape which increases the case pressure. Hence why you cant load them with regular powder as if your loading a regular flat nose.
What makes this powder temperature sensitive? What kind of performance decrease are we talking about?
Last question. I also noticed on the load notes for the Leverevolution powder that the suggested load is 36.3C. What does the "C" stand for??
What makes this powder temperature sensitive? What kind of performance decrease are we talking about?
Last question. I also noticed on the load notes for the Leverevolution powder that the suggested load is 36.3C. What does the "C" stand for??
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Northman999
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Besides what has already been noted, which is accurate, I have found that the latest hornady manual is the most "lawyerized" manual I've ever seen. Some of the load data in their manual is crazy underloaded.
Their .375 RUM data, for instance. Looking at their 300 grain maximum loads, they are listing up to 150 fps less maximum velocity, and a full 15.0gr less powder, than other manufacturers of .375 bullets!
A full 15.0 gr less powder is HUGE!
So take their data with a large grain of salt...
Their .375 RUM data, for instance. Looking at their 300 grain maximum loads, they are listing up to 150 fps less maximum velocity, and a full 15.0gr less powder, than other manufacturers of .375 bullets!
A full 15.0 gr less powder is HUGE!
So take their data with a large grain of salt...
Read this (and weep
), http://www.hodgdon.com/smokeless/extreme/page2.php#top
some excellent powders such a IMR-4064 give large difference in muzzle velocity which is an issue for long range shots (not a 30-30 problem) but this means that the pressure also varies alot (a safery issue for everyone).
If you use a temperature sensitive powder develop your loads in the hot days of summer, or back off the load when temperature rises. Both LEVERevolution and SUPERFORMANCE are temperature sensitive but I might still load them because of their performance advantage.
Alex
Yea, I've noticed that too. For instance, their load notes for the 30-30 using CFE223 powder and a 150gr bullet has a pressure reading of 36,700psi when the max pressure for a 30-30 is 42,000psi. Yes some of their load notes for other powders get right up to the max psi.
I'd really like to understand their rationale on their notes
Sometimes, with the slower powders, they can't get enough in the case to get the pressure any higher.
Yes! Hornady recommends shortening the case length when using the FTX bullet. I do like the idea of being able to use a spitzer bullet in my tube fed model 94.
George
