I would like to load cast boolits for my 30-30 lever action and I have a good mould for 180 grain RN, but am having a tough time finding good data for loading them. I can probably extrapolate from my old Lyman cast manual, but the velocities in it are anemic to say the least. I would like to put the 180 out at about 1800 - 1900 fps, which may be pushing it a bit. The 170 grain condoms come out at around 2200 though. Can anyone help with this or get me on the right track. I had some trouble getting the right question for doing a search for 30-30. Thank you.
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Reloading Cast for 30-30 Winchester
- Thread starter BCFred
- Start date
BCFred: you can basically use the same data for a similar weight jacketed bullet. Most likely you will find lots for 170 grain jacketed. Reduce it about 5 % below minimum for the 170 jacketed and work up from there checking accuracy and pressure. IMR3031 is always a good powder to start with if you have it on hand.
BCFred: a last thought. Jacketed round nose bullets usually contain pure lead which is soft. If you are using a hardened lead alloy be a little cautious. I have never heard of detonation within the tubular magazine that most 30-30's have from recoil using round nose but a flat nosed bullet would be a better way to go.
BCFred: a last thought. Jacketed round nose bullets usually contain pure lead which is soft. If you are using a hardened lead alloy be a little cautious. I have never heard of detonation within the tubular magazine that most 30-30's have from recoil using round nose but a flat nosed bullet would be a better way to go.
Thanks Stocker. I think I will buy a mould with a flatnose. There are so many 30-30's floating around there must be moulds made for it. Going to research it today.
BCFred: I have two RCBS moulds that work well in just about any 30 caliber including 30-30. If you are going to hunt big game with them it's hard to beat their 30-180FNGC which actually weighs over 190 grains when cast from the alloy I prefer. I also use their 30-150FNGC which is a useful range bullet and would handle deer with a bit of care. There have been a lot of moulds made for the 30-30, 30Rem., and a lot more that work well too that weren't specific to that cartridge. The heavier RCBS is a good bullet for most 30 cal. cartridges.
I'm in the same boat as you, just starting out at bullet casting.
I am casting 180 gr rn from a Lee .309 mold. When sizing and crimping gas check on I used a flat top punch which gave me about a 1/8" flat nose.
I loaded 30/30 ammo to standard length and crimped with Lee Factory crimp die. I used 24 gr of H335 which should give me about 1800 - 1900 fps. Depending on how it performs I'll likely work up to 27 grains.
I am casting 180 gr rn from a Lee .309 mold. When sizing and crimping gas check on I used a flat top punch which gave me about a 1/8" flat nose.
I loaded 30/30 ammo to standard length and crimped with Lee Factory crimp die. I used 24 gr of H335 which should give me about 1800 - 1900 fps. Depending on how it performs I'll likely work up to 27 grains.
