Loading for a M94 3030....powder, dies, etc

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thepitchedlink

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Hey all, getting ready to pick up my M94, 30-30. It's a pre-64, not that should matter. This will be the first lever action I've loaded for, do I have to full length size? Could you just neck size or will there be feeding issues? Thinking about using IMR 4064 as that's what my '06 likes. I'd like to load some hunting rounds, 160 or 170 but also some lighter plinkin' rounds, maybe a little varminting for iron sight practise, any hints? thanks
 
Some random thoughts. You will need to full-length resize. A Lee Factory Crimp die is a must. I like to use Winchester 748 'ball' powder as I find it meters through a powder measure better than IMR 4064.
 
my setup is the same a shootsheellz. its able to shoot under an inch and a half in an old marlin with 4x scope. also prefers hornady 170 grn although it shoots hornady 150's almost as well.
 
Full size your cases, and put a good crimp in them when you seat your bullets. Hornady makes good bullets for these rifles 150's or 170 gr, and 28-30gr of IMR 3031 works well for me. I like to shoot mine open sights.
I've read that the more you shoot them, the smoother the action gets. KD
 
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I have three pre 64's. Two .30-.30 and one .32 special. They all like IMR 3031. I have had around a dozen diferent 94's in the last three years in both .30-.30 and .32special. IMR 3031 was a staple in all of them. I have not owned an M94 where IMR 3031 did not shoot well in it.
 
This is the load I use in my Marlin.

-Hornady 170gr FP
-Win Cases
-35gr BLC-2
-Fed 215 primers

Average velocity is 2086 fps, I full length size and crimp using a lee crimp die.
 
here is my load:

remington brass
WLR primer
32 grain IMR 3031
170 grain hornady flatnose

i seat the bullets to the cannular and call it done.

in my rifle the velocity of this load is virtually identical to remington factory ammo but with less velocity spread. with winchester and federal brass the load is slightly faster (like 50 fps).

i don't bother crimping because i don't fill the magazine, and with 4 in the tube and 1 in the chamber, i have never had a problem with bullets backing into the case. other's experience may be different though.
 
Good old 94's!! It just seems natural that a 30-30 or .32 Special should be fed 3031. It doesn't seem right to use one of them there exotic powders for a pre-64 94. I use an early 1950's .32 94 carbine for whitetail. I've been using factory stuff for hunting but use reloads for plinking. 3031, of course!! Great rifles to shoot, carry and just own. My old .32 is "previously enjoyed", and has a satisfying amount of "carry wear". Its a rifle you just want to pick up and head off over a little rise into a bush with.:p:p
 
Get yourself a set of Lee Pacesetter Dies, which include a FL sizer and the factory crimp die.

Then get yourself some IMR3031, some Hornady bullets, and off you go.
 
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