So, rookie question - is the label on the powder a specification or a guideline when it comes to cases and primers. The label on Hodgden's leverevolution powder states to use Winchester brass and Winchester primers, when reloading for a 30-30, with a starting load of with 32 grains. I have Federal brass on hand. Is there a safety issue I'm unaware of using Federal cases?
Cases
- Thread starter mr.orange
- Start date
You can use your federal brass. What Hodgdon is saying on the label is the results achieved for their loading data was done using a certain type of brass, primers, and barrel length. Brass volume capacity varies by brand.
Start low and work a load up for your rifle.
Start low and work a load up for your rifle.
I do not consider what components a reloading manual uses as "guidelines" other than bullet weight, it was just what components were used for their load data. And the components used will vary in each reloading manual along with a pressure test barrel or the firearm used for testing. If a pressure test barrel and universal receiver are used the chamber and bore diameter will be at minimum dimensions to generate the highest pressure possible. If a specific firearm is listed a strain gauge is glued to the barrel for pressure data. And my point being the pressure data will vary between the pressure test barrel and the actual firearm used for testing.
And as yomomma stated above this is why the manuals tell you to start at the suggested start load and work up.
That being said your 30-30 is a low pressure cartridge at 38,000 cup or 43,000 psi and your biggest problem will be getting the pressure high enough to not have carbon on the fired case body and neck.
And even at the max rated chamber pressure the primers will protrude from the base of the case. The max chamber pressure for the 30-30 is not great enough to push the case against the bolt face. Meaning the chamber pressure isn't high enough to make the brass stretch and contact the bolt face.
Bottom line, as long as you make a workup load starting low you will be safe loading your 30-30.
And as yomomma stated above this is why the manuals tell you to start at the suggested start load and work up.
That being said your 30-30 is a low pressure cartridge at 38,000 cup or 43,000 psi and your biggest problem will be getting the pressure high enough to not have carbon on the fired case body and neck.
And even at the max rated chamber pressure the primers will protrude from the base of the case. The max chamber pressure for the 30-30 is not great enough to push the case against the bolt face. Meaning the chamber pressure isn't high enough to make the brass stretch and contact the bolt face.
Bottom line, as long as you make a workup load starting low you will be safe loading your 30-30.
