30-30 Handi Rifle

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sobo4303

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I just bought a Handi rifle in 30-30. Helluva little shooter. So, to the point, I can shoot all sorts of ballistic tipped bullets and am not in the least limited to the flat nose as this is a break open. That means I can load the ogive closer to the rifling lands which then leaves more room in the case for the powder charge, which since most data is designed for the levers and not the stronger break open actions, would mean that maximum published loads are going to be exceeded.

So as to not completely re-invent the wheel, has anyone out there experimented with a Handi riflle in 30-30 and willing to share comments/notes? I also posted in the reloading forum, but hoping to get as much information as I can.
 
With the 30-30 he case itself is the weak link. Load it up too hard and something will let go.
Even with your pointy bullets stick to published loads.
 
I have one of these rifles as well and I'd go with the advice to stick with published loads.

If you want more then 200 performance get a .308 handy rifle to sit next to it in the safe. ;)
 
Here is mine... it loves the 150 BT's and I do load a little peppier than published... don't have my data with me, but I will post a couple successful loads here later...

 
Calum said:
I have one of these rifles as well and I'd go with the advice to stick with published loads.

If you want more then 200 performance get a .308 handy rifle to sit next to it in the safe. ;)
Click to expand...

According to the .30/30 data on a Hodgdon site, a 130 ahead of 36 grs of Varget produces 2500, and according to the Lyman book, a 125 ahead of 37.5 grs of H-335 produces 2625 fps. Loaded with a Sierra 125 spitzer, at 2600, that gives the .30/30 some reach, which with a conventionally mounted scope 1.5" above the bore sighted 2.5" high at 100 yards, you're zeroed at 200, 4.5" low at 250, and 11" low at 300. Its not a .257 Weatherby, but that's a trajectory a guy can work with.
 
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Indeed.

Check the brass after, it will usually let you know how close one is getting to the limit of the cartridge.
 
The way I had written that made it sound like you could break 2600 with a 130, that is not the case, and I've changed the post to reflect that. Naturally, all rifles are individuals and in each case maximum loads must be approached cautiously. If 2400 fps is as far as you think prudent, the drop at 300 is 14" so the hold over in a field shooting scenario would not change, as it would be tough to hold for the 1 minute difference in drop.
 
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Calum said:
I have one of these rifles as well and I'd go with the advice to stick with published loads.

If you want more then 200 performance get a .308 handy rifle to sit next to it in the safe. ;)
Click to expand...

I hear you on that one. I intend for this thing to be a 200 yard shooter, otherwise it's the 308 or the 30-06.

Still, as a longtime shooter and always tweeking and wringing out perfection, it's a hoot! I know how well the 125 FN shoots in my lever, so now it's ratcheted up a notch with the little handi. For now, I'm eyeballing the 110 vmax's and 150 grain Sierras. Just 'cause I can!
 
Sounds like fun. :)

Try the Horndays Leverlutions as well.
Those 160s are supposed to be cranking out:
fps ---- ft/lbs
2400 ---- 2046 @ muzzle,
2150 ---- 1643 @ 100 yds,
1916 ---- 1304 @ 200 yds,
1699 ---- 1025 @ 300 yds.

The previous owner if mine said my 30/30 handy rifle loved them.
I haven't tried them yet myself.
 
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My two "hot" loads for .30/30 from the Handi platform are both with Nosler 150 BT's... 34.8 gr Varget @ 2.65" COL and 36.9 gr CFE-223 also @ 2.65"... As always, work-up... YMMV.
 
I just aquired a Savage 219 in 30-30, it came with a couple of boxes of leverlution 160's. It has an older Weaver 1.5x 4 variable and an excellent bore. I'm looking forward to shooting it. If it does ok I'll take it out for white-tails this november.

A2
 
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