Primers / powder and bullets for 30-30

dearslayer

dearslayer

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I've been thinking that I'd like to try to reload for the above rifle caliber for target shooting. I'm in no hurry and and to read and learn a bunch but would like to start gathering up what I might need. So what are the components of choice to start out reloading this caliber. Note: I've been reloading for pistol on my Lee Classic Turret press and I don't even have dies as of yet for 30-30 but looking into getting the Lee dies if and when available to use on this same press. I'm sure there's a lot to learn.
 
I am not sure if I would call the 3030 platform a target shooting platform

But you can down load it to fun all day long fun loads using cast at target velocities (plinkers or gallery loads )
 
just having some fun said:
I am not sure if I would call the 3030 platform a target shooting platform

But you can down load it to fun all day long fun loads using cast at target velocities (plinkers or gallery loads )
Click to expand...

Didn't really know how else to describe it given the fact I'm not hunting with it. I purchased this gun about 35 years ago for a ridiculously low price and I probably haven't put three boxes of ammo through it since. I figure I may as well have some fun with it before I kick the bucket. I have never cast my own bullets. What type and weight of Cast would you suggest?
 
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I think the original 30-30 was loaded by Winchester with 160 grain bullets - when I saw them in store to buy, seems there are 150 and 170 grain jacketed now commonly made to sell. So something in there, likely matches up to the sights - I seem to recall not just a whole pile of difference in striking effect, at 150 yards, from ballistic tables. I got all "revved up" when I bought a 1955 made Win 94 a few years ago - I installed a Williams aperture sight set and I got so far as to buy two boxes of Sierra 170 grain Flat Nose for 30-30, and then several boxes of the Speer #1835 half jacket 110 grain hollow point "Varmint" bullets for blazing away at gophers. Never actually did anything with them - still sitting here on the shelf - waiting their turn, I guess!!!
 
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Imr 3031,4064, varget, rl15 & win748 are great Powders for 150-170 gr jacketed bullets, Speer 130gr and Sierra 125gr flat point/hp usually shoot excellent with h322 and imr4198 in the rifles I've tried them in.
 
Potashminer said:
I think the original 30-30 was loaded by Winchester with 160 grain bullets - when I saw them in store to buy, seems there are 150 and 170 grain jacketed now commonly made to sell. So something in there, likely matches up to the sights - I seem to recall not just a whole pile of difference in striking effect, at 150 yards, from ballistic tables. I got all "revved up" when I bought a 1955 made Win 94 a few years ago - I installed a Williams aperture sight set and I got so far as to buy two boxes of Sierra 170 grain Flat Nose for 30-30, and then several boxes of the Speer #1835 half jacket 110 grain hollow point "Varmint" bullets for blazing away at gophers. Never actually did anything with them - still sitting here on the shelf - waiting their turn, I guess!!!
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Never too late till it's too late right.
 
300_savage said:
Imr 3031,4064, varget, rl15 & win748 are great Powders for 150-170 gr jacketed bullets, Speer 130gr and Sierra 125gr flat point/hp usually shoot excellent with h322 and imr4198 in the rifles I've tried them in.
Click to expand...

Excellent thanks so much. Like everything else in this game the options are many I see.
 
I would like to add Leverevolution powder to the best choices with Jacketed bullets in the 30-30.
I use it with the 150's, the 160 FTX, and the 170's. All are making great groups at stellar velocities.
The 30-30 is a fun gun to shoot, and is an effective game getter inside 200 yards as well. Dave.
 
Eagleye said:
I would like to add Leverevolution powder to the best choices with Jacketed bullets in the 30-30.
I use it with the 150's, the 160 FTX, and the 170's. All are making great groups at stellar velocities.
The 30-30 is a fun gun to shoot, and is an effective game getter inside 200 yards as well. Dave.
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Note:

Cases have to be trimmed shorter for FTX bullets
 
I have loaded for 30-30 since the early 1970’s. I started off with a Lee Loader, 3031 powder, and a few jacketed bullets that came with the Loader. Since then I have loaded mostly cast, using Unique, 700X and a couple others. Great old cartridge to load for. Back then, I bought most of my supplies from either K&M Shooting Shop or Casey’s Reloading supplies, including my first real press, a Lyman Spar-T.
 
I’m sure my buddy won’t mind me posting a pic of an agg he shot with a 30-30 @ 100M. Answers the question regarding the accuracy potential of the 30-30.

6D412DDB-F324-474B-8F03-00BF7F8D744C.jpg
 

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Yes, of course scoped…and shot from a “custom” bolt action off bags. Pretty slim chance that there are any other (5 X 5) 30-30 aggs in the low threes out there. Takes a good rifle/barrel, loading skill, and consistent hold post 5 consecutive groups under 0.4”.
 
I suspect that most 30-30 bolt guns would be “custom”. To avoid the need to open up the boltface for the larger rim, the rim can be trimmed to fit.
 
just having some fun said:
I am not sure if I would call the 3030 platform a target shooting platform

But you can down load it to fun all day long fun loads using cast at target velocities (plinkers or gallery loads )
Click to expand...

Actually, there was a time when the 30-30 Winchester was considered to be a very suitable target round, depending on which rifle it was chambered in.

Most lever actions aren't noted for being tack drivers or target quality rifles. Of course, there are some very notable exceptions.

Good single shot rifles, like Martini/Ballard/Ruger No1 and even the NEC Handi Rifles, to name a few can be extremely accurate with loads tailored to them on an individual basis.

Others, like the Savage 340 bolt action, can be surprisingly accurate. That action is very stiff and shoots just about any cartridge chambered in it accurately.

Another bolt action that's chambered for this cartridge is a conversion, with a sweated in chamber block, the 1911 straight pull Swiss milsurp rifle. Every one of them I've owned or shot was capable of more accuracy than my eyes were.

The 30-30 can be loaded substantially hotter in most single shot and bolt action rifles, than it can be in lever action rifles.

The OP doesn't tell us which rifle he is going to load for and seems to be new to the shooting sports/reloading.

If he has a lever action, it might be ok and maybe even give decent accuracy, depending on the condition of the rifle and several other factors.
 
JEC said:
I’m sure my buddy won’t mind me posting a pic of an agg he shot with a 30-30 @ 100M. Answers the question regarding the accuracy potential of the 30-30.

View attachment 530302
Click to expand...

Your buddy has a real jewel there. I'm not surprised at such groups from a custom Ballard action.

I had a Martini, chambered for the 30-30 Win and it loved 180 grain Sierra HPSPBT bullets. It had a 26 inch, Shilen, with a 1-12 twist rate.
 
bearhunter said:
Actually, there was a time when the 30-30 Winchester was considered to be a very suitable target round, depending on which rifle it was chambered in.

Most lever actions aren't noted for being tack drivers or target quality rifles. Of course, there are some very notable exceptions.

Good single shot rifles, like Martini/Ballard/Ruger No1 and even the NEC Handi Rifles, to name a few can be extremely accurate with loads tailored to them on an individual basis.

Others, like the Savage 340 bolt action, can be surprisingly accurate. That action is very stiff and shoots just about any cartridge chambered in it accurately.

Another bolt action that's chambered for this cartridge is a conversion, with a sweated in chamber block, the 1911 straight pull Swiss milsurp rifle. Every one of them I've owned or shot was capable of more accuracy than my eyes were.

The 30-30 can be loaded substantially hotter in most single shot and bolt action rifles, than it can be in lever action rifles.

The OP doesn't tell us which rifle he is going to load for and seems to be new to the shooting sports/reloading.

If he has a lever action, it might be ok and maybe even give decent accuracy, depending on the condition of the rifle and several other factors.
Click to expand...

The rifle is a Winchester model 94 lever action, and is in excellent condition. I've been around guns since I was 14 years old ( 61 now ) but wasn't as much into shooting ( and not at all into reloading till recently ) as I am now. Too many other hobbies over the years but I never lost my love of firearms and always went back to them. Still have my old single shot 12 gauge break action I got as a Xmas gift from my brother when I was 14.
 
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