Pointed bullets in a 30-30

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I am reloading for a bolt action 30-30 and want to use 130grain .308 Barnes triple shocks. The cartridge overall length is limited by the magazine at 2.64". This puts the bullet very deep in the neck of the brass. So deep in fact that a crimp would be impossible as there is a gap between the bullet and the end of the brass neck.

Can I trim the brass back a bit so the end of the brass is back onto the full bullet diameter? I never measured what it would take but I expect less than 30thou. This would put the brass length well under spec. Does the 30-30 headspace off the shoulder or rim?

Thanks in advance.
 
You can shorten the neck to accomadate the bullet, and shortening the neck so you can crimp will not increase the pressure any more than seating the bullet very deeply into the neck. In either case, work up your loads carefully rather than just picking the maximum load from a manual. You might have to dedicate the shortened cases to the TSX's due to the excessive bullet jump shorter bullets will have to make to engage the rifling.

The box magazine of your bolt gun doesn't require the bullets to be crimped to prevent set back as would the tube magazine of a lever action. Crimping can make round to round bullet pull more uniform, but try shooting a few groups without crimping to see if there is any advantage to crimping with that particular bullet.
 
I have tried 130g Hornadys out of a single shot 30-30. Reloader 7 gave me good velocity. The TSX is much longer so your results may be different but give it a try if you already have the data and powder sitting around.
 
stubblejumper said:
Just forget about crimping altogether,it isn't required on a 30-30 bolt action.
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I would bet this to be true as well.

Also Repulicman's suggestion of the 130 grain Hornaday, was another highly recommended practice, from what I have heard through the grapevine too...

(Deer bullet, of adequate weight/higher velocity, without undue pressures @SAAMI or equilivant handload)
 
I have loaded for a few Savage 340's, and found that you have to pick the right bullets, so they fit the mag. The bulk Remington 125g psp works very well in these rifles, as does the Winchester 150g psp power point.
 
stubblejumper said:
Just forget about crimping altogether,it isn't required on a 30-30 bolt action.
Click to expand...


x2 - it's just like any other bolt-action that you don't have to crimp...

I only ever crimp for lever guns.

That said, I HAVE used pointed bullets in a lever gun too - but only one - the one in the chamber. All the rest are flat nosed.

I don't think it's necessary though - I was just farting around looking for better accuracy with SP's. I find the (Sierra #2000 150gr) flat nose work really well on deer. The SP's might not be going fast enough from a 30-30 to open-up.
 
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