Question for guys reloading 30 /30

[Kazman1960]

I have a two-die Hornady set for my 30-30. It does the job BUT the neck expander is part of the de-priming rod and unless you inside lube the neck, the expander die may get stuck inside the neck. I had to cut a brass casing off once and even if it doesn't jam, it can end up stretching the neck way longer and unevenly. I put my 30-30 brass through the sizing die twice. The first time with the neck expander plug removed so that I de-prime and size. I then trim the case (important to avoid crimping problems) and then screw the expander plug back onto the de-priming rod and run my brass through the sizing die just far enough to expand the neck. I then use a Lee expander to very, very slightly bell the mouth of the case. The rest is standard. I like to case trim my brass every second time or so. Properly trimmed brass crimps just fine with the Hornady dies. Although I find the Lee Factory Crimp die a life-saver in some other calibers where I am loading oversize bullets for oversize bores, but tight chambers, I don't have that need for the 30-30.

Thanks everyone for all the useful info . I'll be sure to heed the do's and don'ts . I ended up buying the Hornady FTX in 160 grain with Leverevolution powder . I'll see how this combo makes out . I just tried the rifle using store bought Winchester ammo , and , i'll be honest , this rifle shoots very very well .

 

[nanuk]

i bet a 30 30 is long enough to size part of the neck in 308 enough to reload but i think its more important to full length resize 30 30 brass than bolt gun brass

my 30-30 brass IS bolt gun brass.... as well as singleshot brass.

 

[hoytcanon]

my 30-30 brass IS bolt gun brass.... as well as singleshot brass.

Hey Nuk! Where ya been?

My .30/30 shooting is out of bolt guns, single shots and levers... Once the brass is fireformed (once fired), then I leave it labelled for that gun, although it works fine in both my bolt guns and single shots... I have a couple sloppy chambered 94's that get their own brass... I use the Lee 3 die set and only neck size... Trimming when required. The beauty of the single shots is not being restricted in COL by a magazine and shooting spire points without fear of one ending up #2 in the tube.

 

[MiG25]

I don't crimp my 30WCF reloads, I only load 5 into the magazine, so there are only 4 in the tube when the first is fired. Never had a problem, I believe that it is spring pressure that causes problems and only having 4 shells at most in the tube seems to eliminate the issue.

 

[silverfoxdj]

I also agree with the Lee crimp die.
As much as I detest Lee chit, there are some good things they make
that is just too easy to use.
The hand primer is another easy to use tool from Lee.

The Lee "Ergo" definately a best buy

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Crimping thin 30-30 brass with the standard die set can be a little tricky for a first time loader. The Factory crimp die adds a step, but makes crimping easy.
The issue you can have with the standard dies, is over crimping. It's very easy to buckle the shoulder of the 30-30 case doing this. Easiest way to avoid it with std dies is to have consistent case length and press pressure. Pressure required to crimp = SFA.
Once you get a bit of loading experience under your belt, you will learn to crimp both ways. They both work very well if done correctly.

I use Lyman 30-30 dies myself, and both crimping methods at times. My first reloading was on 30-30, and that with a Lee hammer type loader.

 

[kamlooky]

If you decide to use the seating die for crimping, make sure you chamber them to see if they will do
exactly that.
And in a safe manner of course, like out in the bush.

 

[hoytcanon]

If you are shooting a lever gun a firm crimp is a good idea with the rounds stacked in the tube... But in a bolt or single, a firm seat after neck sizing is plenty... Just a note for all the non-lever .30/30 shooters...

 

[Kevan]

For me, the issue is having to have all the brass the same size and length if I'm using the
seating die.
Plus, with the crimp die, I can SEE what the heck the crimp is doing.
Easy to adjust and no pushed shoulder into a bulge.
Just far to simple to use.

My thoughts exactly, especially if you are trying to crimp a straight-wall case... ( 45-70 , 458 WM, etc., ) all too easy to bulge a case if one is a whisker too long......

 

[Kazman1960]

The Lee "Ergo" definately a best buy

Well I did go with the Lee set up . Also crimped the rounds . Gun shoots great , I did have a few issues with the first 3 or 4 rounds . I did like some said would happen . I buckled the shoulders on a couple but , as always , learned from my mistakes and re reading some of the great suggestions . Thanks to all who chimed in .