Loading for 117 yr old .30-30

[OverUnder725]

I just picked up a Winchester model 1894 built in 1898 chambered in .30 WCF and want to start working up some loads. Should I consider casting bullets or are modern copper jacketed round points acceptable? As far as powder, I haven't really done a lot of research as of yet. I would appreciate any advice from those with related experience.

 

[LUTNIT]

I believe the 30-30 used a "metal clad" (copper jacketed) bullet from the beginning. If the rifling is too worn to work with a standard jacketed 30-30 bullet, the bullet will tumble, keyhole, or shoot terrible groups. Assuming the rifle is in good enough condition to shoot safely (a decent gunsmith will be able to tell you) it shouldn't matter whether you shoot jacketed or cast. Flat base bullets are best for older barrels as they can obturate a little and expand the base. Some 30-30 bullets even have a small hollow base cavity.

Some guys with older rifles with worn barrels will step up to larger bullets sometimes and often get improved performance. You can find .310", .3105", .311", and .312" bullets around. Most of these aren't designed for the 30-30 so are a spitzer design. Most people are worried about pointed bullets in a tube mag so limit it to 2-rounds; one in the chamber and one in the magazine. You could slug the bore if you think it's worn/oversized; you'd want to in order to know what cast bullet size you want as well.

The 30-30 has been a smokeless cartridge since its release. It was the first US smokeless cartridge. Any standard load data should be suitable, again, assuming the rifle is in shootable condition. Some common favourites are 3031 and 4895. Leverevolution powder gives the best velocities at 30-30 pressures but I'd be more cautious approaching max loads in an older rifle.

 

[sunray]

The smokeless powder used in the first US smokeless cartridge wasn't the same as modern powders. Mind you, if the rifle is in decent condition, there's no reason not to use regular loads.

 

[OverUnder725]

Thanks for the input, that's what I was looking for! The rifle is in quite good condition and I'm not concerned about its safety. Once I get it all taken down and serviced, I will buy a box of factory ammunition and give it a few rounds then get into developing some loads. Its not going to be a hunting rifle, more like a Sunday shooter to just have some fun with once and a while.

 

[H4831]

I will give you my two cents worth of info, which you likely will ignore, but at least I will have said it.
1) Don't take it apart. They can be cleaned and lubricated nicely, just by using solvent and oil, and air pressure, If you have it.
I have a 1908 model 94 in 30-30, which has spent a lifetime on range work, carried in a saddle scabbard and I don't think a screw has ever been removed from the rifle. It functions and shoots perfectly.
Those early model 94 Winchester rifles are different than the later model pre 64 rifles. Just look at the configuration of screws behind the loading port. On the later years of the pre 64 model there are three screws in a triangle configuration. Yours will have two screws and a pin, in more of a right angle, than a triangle. The post 64s have two screws and a pin, but not in the same configuration as yours.
The post 64 models are easier to put back together than the usual pre 64 models and I will guess this one will be still trickier yet to get back together!

2) Don't bother, "working up a load," for a 30-30. Just load a standard load and shoot away.

 

[OverUnder725]

I will give you my two cents worth of info, which you likely will ignore, but at least I will have said it.
1) Don't take it apart. They can be cleaned and lubricated nicely, just by using solvent and oil, and air pressure, If you have it.
I have a 1908 model 94 in 30-30, which has spent a lifetime on range work, carried in a saddle scabbard and I don't think a screw has ever been removed from the rifle. It functions and shoots perfectly.
Those early model 94 Winchester rifles are different than the later model pre 64 rifles. Just look at the configuration of screws behind the loading port. On the later years of the pre 64 model there are three screws in a triangle configuration. Yours will have two screws and a pin, in more of a right angle, than a triangle. The post 64s have two screws and a pin, but not in the same configuration as yours.
The post 64 models are easier to put back together than the usual pre 64 models and I will guess this one will be still trickier yet to get back together!

2) Don't bother, "working up a load," for a 30-30. Just load a standard load and shoot away.

All advice is appreciated.

1) To late, did that last night! We will see how things go back together!

2) I will likely do just that.

Thanks!