Reloading 30-30
- Thread starter jklutes
- Start date
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
I've never seen a 30-30 chambered rifle that for example needed small base dies.
30-30 reloading, is simple, and technical all in the same breath.
Crimping is esential with a tube mag, and that means that trimming brass is critical too because standard dies crimp at the end of the bullet seating stroke, and longer brass will crumple, unless you use a LEE Factory Crimp die (collet) to do the job. (If you don't crimp, or don't use enough, your bullets will push back into the case)
30-30 brass is considerably thinner than most other centerfires, and neck dents, and crumpled shoulders are to be expected when you are a newbie, unless you do your homework.
Once you get those few wrinkles ironed out, reloading the 30-30 is simple.
As to the different brands of dies available, all are good. I have used three different types over the years, and currently use a Lyman set. I DO use the Lee factory crimp die in conjunction with the above to get uniform crimps.
30-30 reloading, is simple, and technical all in the same breath.
Crimping is esential with a tube mag, and that means that trimming brass is critical too because standard dies crimp at the end of the bullet seating stroke, and longer brass will crumple, unless you use a LEE Factory Crimp die (collet) to do the job. (If you don't crimp, or don't use enough, your bullets will push back into the case)
30-30 brass is considerably thinner than most other centerfires, and neck dents, and crumpled shoulders are to be expected when you are a newbie, unless you do your homework.
Once you get those few wrinkles ironed out, reloading the 30-30 is simple.
As to the different brands of dies available, all are good. I have used three different types over the years, and currently use a Lyman set. I DO use the Lee factory crimp die in conjunction with the above to get uniform crimps.
I have loaded 30-30 for a long time. As previously said it can be easy or hard. I haven't used small base dies but it depends on what rifle you are using and chamber size. If you are not using a Lee crimp die check case length. What rifle are you using? Go easy on case lube too.
i have not found crimping to be necessary if loading less than 7 rounds in the tube magazine, i typically load 5, then chamber 1. so there are only 4 rounds in the mag. i think it is the spring pressure more than anything that causes the bullets to back into the case.
my "load" is hornady 170 gr flatnoses in remington brass with 32 gr of IMR 3031 and WLR primers, velocity is almost identical in my rifle to remington factory ammo. i do not crimp and have no problem with bullets backing into the case when loading 5 round into the magazine.
my "load" is hornady 170 gr flatnoses in remington brass with 32 gr of IMR 3031 and WLR primers, velocity is almost identical in my rifle to remington factory ammo. i do not crimp and have no problem with bullets backing into the case when loading 5 round into the magazine.
Thanks.I shoot a Marlin 30AS and a Marlin 336 RC.Mostly they are hunting rifles but when I have time I like to shoot in some matches.I was told about the lead backing in to the case and that,s what I was wondering I guess experimentation is the key
