SASS Cowboy Rifle side match lead ammo only

Tuco Pike

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Hey guys,

I want to start shooting these long range rifle side matches. The rifle used cannot be a main match rifle and needs to be rifle caliber (so no 45 Colt, 44 mag or 44-40 are named as out). I want to get a 45-70 or 30-30 which are named as allowed, and permitted guns are available from a couple manufactures.

Problem is I don't reload, and you must use lead ammo only. No problem if I was in the USA but here in Canada I can't find any factory loads in lead.

Anybody know who brings in lead ammo for 30-30 or 45/70?

Thanks for any help.
 
I've never seen any lead factory loads in Canada. Unless you can get somebody who makes remanufactured ammo (Wolf Hoffman ???) to make you up some, I think you're going to be looking at getting into reloading. Probably easier to find lead bullets for the 45/70. It's really not very complicated, and a Lee setup is not going to run you a lot of money to get started.
 
Thanks. As an individual I cannot supply others with my reloads for those matches which is why I am looking for a source. There must be some, there are a bunch in the USA, all we need is one here.
 
Go with the .45-70, you will be able to reach out and touch steel at 500 meters with it. .30-30 won't knock down at that range. Reloading is reletively cheap to get into if you just buy the basics.
 
Howdy Prestwich:
You don't say where you are, but you may try M.T.Chambers and/or the Bullet Barn for cast lead bullets.
I also suggest you start loading. You don't need much to get started: i.e. Primers and Powder, a loading manual, a good scale, a priming tool, dies and just a Lee hand loader can get you started.
You can upgrade later.
 
Howdy Prestwich:
You don't say where you are, but you may try M.T.Chambers and/or the Bullet Barn for cast lead bullets.
I also suggest you start loading. You don't need much to get started: i.e. Primers and Powder, a loading manual, a good scale, a priming tool, dies and just a Lee hand loader can get you started.
You can upgrade later.

I am in Ontario, but would get shipped from where ever. I may have to look into reloading but would prefer to be able to get the gun and use it right away for matches, not have to go through a whole bunch of steps.
 
I think that the 38/55 would be ideal for cowboy side matches which are usually 100 yds. or so, less expensive to reload, less recoil, etc.
 
find out if side matches are scored on paper or steel or steel that falls over

30-30 is a lot less money to reload for or a cal similar(32 35) than the 45-70
and the 30-30 is A lot lighter to carry around
beginners to the sport will also find the 30-30 quicker to get comfortable with
 
Well, you COULD sort of sneak into the reloading idea. Get a little hand press and a set of dies. Buy some lead bullets from the Bullet Barn. Then carefully twist out the bullets from factory rounds and push the lead bullets back in using the seating die.

But frankly the others are right. Setting up for basic small scale reloading isn't all that big a deal.
 
I think that the 38/55 would be ideal for cowboy side matches which are usually 100 yds. or so, less expensive to reload, less recoil, etc.

Actually I find very little price difference in loading for .38-55 & .45-70. I have a couple of plinking loads using Unique (10.0gr/ .38-55 & 13.0gr/ .45-70) that with reach out an touch (gently) at 300 yards. Bullets that are chosen is the only difference in cost.

.30-30 is a "Johnny come lately" cartridge, both the .38-55 and the .45-70 were chambered in rifles back in the 1880's!
 
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