30-30 170gr cast gas checked velocity question..

cycbb486

cycbb486

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How fast would you push it before leading issues? Or that is basically a non issue?

I have a load at just over 1800fps with LT-32 that is giving me great grouping at 50 yards with a CIL 830. These are from a Lee .309 sized mould.

Secondly, what are the thoughts of gas checked or powder coated?

I ask as I know nothing of cast bullets and loading for them.
 
I have no experience with 170 grain cast in 30-30 - but your post - perhaps want to clarify what is it you want to accomplish?? If objective is hitting things that you aim at, you are probably already there?? I doubt very much that you will turn your 30-30 into a 308 Win?? I do see in Lyman 4th Edition of Cast Bullet Handbook that they show several loadings for 30-30 and 170 grain cast that are beyond 2,000 fps - at least one loading gets to 2,355 fps, they report - Winchester cases, WLR and CCI200 primers, 24" barrel with 1-12" twist - Lyman #311291 mould, #2 Alloy. What they identify as "most accurate" loading, was using IMR 4227 at 1,575 fps.

I would be surprised if anyone can answer your question - you have not identified your alloy. You do not mention what lube that you are using now. No one else has your bore. You do not mention what sizing diameter you are using. All seem to have something to do with whether leading occurs or not, and at what speed. About only you can determine that, for your set-up???

My impression is that powder coating may allow for higher velocities, to hold off leading deposits, but I don't think that is carved in stone for all loadings in all cartridges. For sure, many feel it is "less messy" in so far as handling loose bullets.
 
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I shoot Jet Hunter's gas checked hard cast in my 94 .30-30 and 99 .303 Savage @ 1950 fps with zero leading. Accuracy is very good as well. My Marlin 336 just does not handle cast at all. Micro grooved barrel. I load to this FPS for deer hunting.

Darryl
 
Cast bullets in 30-30 can be pushed just as fast as jacketed bullets.
Your alloy must be 15 BNH or above. I have used a lot of different lubes they all worked good. I fill all the grease grooves on the bullet. Sizing can have a big effect on leading. Too small of a bullet will likely give leading. My bullets are usually sized .002 over groove diameter. My 30-30 bullets I size to 0.309. I found 0.309 worked better than sizing to 0.310. I experimented a little with different sizes , bullets and powders. Cast in my 30-30’s now is usually with 9 grs of Unique so definitely a mild load with 170 or 180 gr bullets. I normally shoot paper or gongs so why waste powder with max loads.
 
Potashminer, the intent is just a casual form of plinking that is enjoyable. Yes I know I will I will not turn a 30-30 into a 308. That is not what I am trying to accomplish. I am one that believes in use the correct caliber and bullet for the job. Example a .223 with heavies is not a 1K rifle. A 300WSM is a 1K rifle. If it is about cost, one is shooting the wrong discipline. JMO side note opinion.

The bullets are cast from a buddy. I will have to ask what he used for the lead and lube. I do know they are sized to .309.

The reason I ask about velocity, I am happy with my groupings at 50. I have not stretched out to 100. Pretty tough with a 4x on the rifle to be as consistent as I would. I would like to try and get up to say 2000fps but was curious more on the leading of the barrel.

Jet hunter, my plans in the New Year will be to order and try your bullet. My buddy casts a beautiful bullet but it is not my place to mooch off of him with it being tougher to source cheap lead. I do have some soft lead, maybe 50lbs and have thought about trying to cast my own. A science at that.

Madtrapper, thanks. I will see how groupings go as I step up in velocity a bit.
 
Generally speaking, the largest bullet you can chamber will be the best accuracy and least likely to cause leading.
Bore condition and bullet sizing are the critical factors for lead fouling.
Start with a clean bore. When you switch to cast bullets give the barrel a scrub and there is far less chance of heavy fouling.

More of the same is here: cast-bullet-FAQ
 
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I have been loading my 1901 Win M94 in .30-30 with either 2400 or IMR 4227, I've used cast lead bullets in 155, 165, 175 grains without gas checks. My best tightest groups at 100 yds are with a 175 gas checked bullet from the Bullet Barn using IMR 4227 at about 1,726.7 fps. Leading is minimal. I noticed a distinct accuracy improvement when I went to a gas checked bullet.
 
Garand said:
I noticed a distinct accuracy improvement when I went to a gas checked bullet.
Click to expand...
It does seem many people have that same experience. The GC bullet isn't as finicky, seems easier to get a good load even at velocities where a gas check shouldn't be needed. I have several rifles that shoot poorly with plain base bullets but great with gas check bullets.
 
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Cycbb I just checked my 30-30 load. I’m using a Lee 150 gr bullet WW lead PC and sized to .310 no gas check. 26.6 LT32 gives me 2000 FPS and excellent accuracy at 50 yds. Don’t recall if I’ve tried at 100 yds (poor notes). Works great in both my Marlin 336 and NEF.

I can give you some to try if you like.
 
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