Heavy Cast bullets in 30-30

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seabreeze133 posted this 19 September 2008

Anyone tried 200 + gr bullets in the 30-30..........successfully?

 

Don

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linoww posted this 19 September 2008

Anyone tried 200 + gr bullets in the 30-30..........successfully?

I have shot them with 14-16.0g of Allient 2400( single loaded) with very good luck.Guns uded were a Savage 99 and a Remington 788. Both barrels were customs with 1-10” twists.Accuracy was in the 1” range with both guns.These guns were throated a bit so it may not be fair comparison to an average levershucker.

I have a bullet similar to the 311284 but with a FP i plan to shoot in my 30-30 Marlin microgroove.I have some loaded with 12.0 of 2400 and will work up.I will report back next week on the results.

 

George

"if it was easy we'd let women do it" don't tell my wife I said that!

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seabreeze133 posted this 19 September 2008

I am thinking of my Savage 340. 1/12 twist and it seems to be short throated as while the magazine will take up to 2.62 easily, bolt has difficulty closing, so I am just going with 2.55 OAL.

 

Kinda thinking the 1/12 may not work w/the long bullet, plus deep seating required may be a hinderence to accuracy.

 

Don

 

I have a Lee 311041 clone and have ordered a similar 6 cavity w/out the gas check.

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linoww posted this 19 September 2008

I shoot the RCBS 180 FN in my Marlin with 10.0 of Unique and it goes about 188g (in soft metal) .It is a bit longer than the 31141 and i have never had a problem stabalizing it.A load of 13.0 of Blue-Dot is also a good one i am using lately with that bullet.

George

"if it was easy we'd let women do it" don't tell my wife I said that!

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w30wcf posted this 19 September 2008

Many years ago, in the early 1980's, Frank Marshall wrote of using Lyman's 311284 in the .30-30.  In w.w. + 2% alloy that bullet weighs 220 grs.  Since reading that, I have shot a number of heavy bullets from my .30-30's over the years....mostly at distant steel silhouettes.....rams @ 500 meters and “Homer” the steel buffalo @ 1,000 yards.:}  

In a 12” twist barrel, the 220 gr. 311284 is stable @ 1,500 f.p.s.  In addition to the 311284, other favorites are 311299 (208 grs.),  311644 (202 grs.) and Old West 198 (205 grs.). 

For a levergun, the Old West 198 (205 grs.) is ideal. It has a flat nose and when crimped over the front driving band the .30-30 cartridge length is 2.56” (#3 below).  I like W760/H414  with all of the above bullets as did Frank. 4350 works well also.

I use 35 grs. / H414 under the Old West bullet. It runs 2,080 f.p.s. from my 1894-1994 Winchester Centennial's 26” barrel.  I had that load lab tested for pressure and it produced less than 36,000 CUP or 2,000 CUP less than SAAMI MAP.  SInce different lots of powders = different results,  reloaders should reduce 10% to start.  

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big boar posted this 20 September 2008

In a Win 94 30-30, using the RCBS 30-180 FN will leave an OAL in excess of the 2.550” required to feed from the magazine tube, if the bullet is seated to the base of the neck.  Will using a soft alloy, BHN 12, give poor accuracy, if the base is seated below the neck?  I'd like to try some of the loads from the forum ie. 7gr. 700X, 14gr. 4227 and perhaps the 35gr. H414 Mr Kort suggested. Also would 50-50 WW-Pb be to soft for those loads? Thanks BB. 

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w30wcf posted this 22 September 2008

big boar,

With a 12 BHN 180 RCBS seated to function through the magazine, 12-14 grs. of 4227 should work AOK even though the gas check is below the case neck.

In my experience, the 35/H414 or W760 or 4350 is a bit too much for a 12 b.h.n. bullet for continued accurate shooting. You may get several shots before accuracy starts to deteriorate....at least that's been my experience.   A 16-18 b.h.n. would be much better.   

50/50  W.W./PB would be too soft, unless you heat treat, then it would work aok even for the 35 gr. loads.

w30wcf

 

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seabreeze133 posted this 28 September 2008

w30wcf wrote: As I don't have a chronograph, any suggestions for starting loads would be appreciated.I have 2495, H4895, H4227, 4759, RL7, H335 at the present time.ThanksDonMany years ago, in the early 1980's, Frank Marshall wrote of using Lyman's 311284 in the .30-30.  In w.w. + 2% alloy that bullet weighs 220 grs.  Since reading that, I have shot a number of heavy bullets from my .30-30's over the years....mostly at distant steel silhouettes.....rams @ 500 meters and “Homer” the steel buffalo @ 1,000 yards.:}  

In a 12” twist barrel, the 220 gr. 311284 is stable @ 1,500 f.p.s.  In addition to the 311284, other favorites are 311299 (208 grs.),  311644 (202 grs.) and Old West 198 (205 grs.). 

For a levergun, the Old West 198 (205 grs.) is ideal. It has a flat nose and when crimped over the front driving band the .30-30 cartridge length is 2.56” (#3 below).  I like W760/H414  with all of the above bullets as did Frank. 4350 works well also.

I use 35 grs. / H414 under the Old West bullet. It runs 2,080 f.p.s. from my 1894-1994 Winchester Centennial's 26” barrel.  I had that load lab tested for pressure and it produced less than 36,000 CUP or 2,000 CUP less than SAAMI MAP.  SInce different lots of powders = different results,  reloaders should reduce 10% to start.  

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Bluehawk posted this 02 October 2008

I have been shooting the 180RCBS-FN  for several years now. I shoot mostly with 94 Winchesters   but have tried them in one 336 Marlin and in One H&R single shot .

  Mine come out to about 195   WITH lube and GC using wheel weights with 50/50 Bar solder added to bring tin up to approx 2%. I have  EXTREMEly good accuracy  for Peep sights and 20 inch barrel at 1 to 1.25 inch groups off the bench   at 100 yds with 30 Grains of Varget and either Fed210M or CCI BR2 Primers .  I have  shot up to 31.5 Grains of Varget in several of these guns with out  bad pressure signs  but have backed off to 30   for better accuracy and approx 1900 + velocity  ( One shot prior to the Chrony breaking ) .  H4895 is very close to Varget and you could work up loads that should be close .  I would start with 27.5 grains of H4895 and go from there.  OOPS thats with WW cases too ! THis load is  WAY over max in FEderal cases  so be careful  in starting way down with Fed cases .

     

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seabreeze133 posted this 03 October 2008

OK. Now I am also interested in a single shot 30-30 for a reaonable price. Is there anything in the $500 to $600 range that a person could find.

 

:o)

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jimkim posted this 03 October 2008

I don't know about out there but you can find used H&R 30-30s for $150.00-200.00 here.

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CB posted this 03 October 2008

You can get a Marlin 336 in that price range, new.

I agree with George on using the heavier bullets in a lever gun, 180 grn bullet with about 10 gr of Unique (new manufacture) will work well.

Jerry

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jimkim posted this 04 October 2008

You should be able to find a used 336 priced anywhere from $150.00-250.00.

I found a link I had forgotten about. Here is an excerpt from the article. I think the author is Paco? I want to think the .5-.75gr load is a misprint.

"NEI makes a number of excellent molds for the 308/311 caliber. I have their 220 grain round flat nose. What a fun bullet. Cast dead soft over ½ to 3/4 ths of a grain of Bullseye it is almost silent from the 24 inch barrel...a loud pop from the 20 inch barrels. And it gives the power of a snubby .38 special 158 gr round nose load. I have eliminated a number of problems with these silent loads. And this 220 grain gas checked bullet over 38 grains of H450 gives near 2000 fps and is a killer of even large game....but you need a hot primer with this powder. Cast Performance Bullets make so many wonderful .308 to .311/2 hard cast bullets, you just want to test them all. And ol'Kelly Brost owner and honcho will send you a mixed sample for FREE!"

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/3030varmint.htm>http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/3030varmint.htm

 

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CB posted this 04 October 2008

I have known of Paco Kelly for many years, he was a part of the CBA about 20 to 25 years ago, when we had a month newletter/magazine, no websites or forums.

If your going Marlin 336 in 30-30 try Ranch Dog Molds, they are designed and tested by a sportsman in a Marlin Rifle and are reasonable priced. You can find out all about these bullets and the processing of them at the Ranch Dog Outdoors website.

Jerry

 

 

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jimkim posted this 04 October 2008

Paco Kelly. I must be getting tired. I think that is a good article. Some of the loads seem a little HOT but altogether I would say it is an excellent article.

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ktw posted this 04 October 2008

seabreeze133 wrote: OK. Now I am also interested in a single shot 30-30 for a reaonable price. Is there anything in the $500 to $600 range that a person could find.

Thompson Center Contender Carbine.

-ktw

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cityboy posted this 04 October 2008

Can anyone suggest a load for the 30-30 using the Lynman 311291 and  either H4227 or IMR 4227? Alloy is either ww or 30-1 lead-tin. The one source I have gives 14 grains.

Cityboy 

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jimkim posted this 05 October 2008

Start at 16.5gr(1575fps) and work up to 22.0gr(1959fps) Lyman 48.

I went coyote hunting and realized I forgot something. This is for IMR-4227.

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seabreeze133 posted this 26 October 2008

Well I went to the range to test a bunch of 30-30 loads in the Savage at 25 yds and ended up having to go to 100. 200 gr Lee. Nothing worked well w/4227. 311284. Ditto.

Went to 16 gr 4759 and best group was 2” wx1.5” h. Minute of bambi. Tightened up a little w/16.5 gr and the lee bullet, but by that time I was pooped. Late in the day. Will try 16.5 gr again and then 17 and 17.5 as there were no signs of excess pressure w/the 16.5 gr load.

 

Good news is the Williams FP340 came in and is excellent. BTW all shooting was w/the new sight and the funny std Savage front. Funny in that it is a woven wire horizontal w/a black dot. Methinks I am going to like the combo.

 

WW brass. WLR primers. Lee 190 that casts 200 w/WW. sized 309 in a 308 bore. Liquid Alox.

 

Have a 311041 Lee GC 6 cavity mold I need to try next. Will try 3 PB w/1 WW to get the weight up and try water cooled.

 

Cheers.

 

Don

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seabreeze133 posted this 26 October 2008

Gentlemen

 

Apologies to all but the Lee mold is actually their 200 gr mold that is often in the closeout pile for $14 or so for a single cavity.

 

Don

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seabreeze133 posted this 28 October 2008

OK I give up on the heavy 30-30 bullets. Went to the range w/loads to test and had OAL to fit in the magazine, but none would chamber. Any shorter OAL and the GC is below the neck and when I attemped to pull the bullets, have a new case w/powder, GC and no bullet. AAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH.

Next step will be the 311041 which should chamber.

But.....the 311284 over 26 gr RL7 shows promise in the 03A3. Will try different “jumps” and see what happens. Best 10 shot group at 50 yds was 1.49” H x .75 W w/as cast bullets, water quenched WW, RP cases and WLR primers.

I will need to replace the sourdough front site w/the bronze insert w/a globe site as the sun on the insert reflected too  much light. Plus I am cranked almost all the way up on the Redfield receiver sight. So I will order a lower 2 step base from Champions Choice and a Tompkins globe sight wherever I can find the best $$$.

Did not get a chance to check the Lee 200 gr bullet w/same load, but that's on the list.

Sigh, too many loads to check and not enough time. :o)

 

Don

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jimkim posted this 28 October 2008

I know it isn't common practice, but have you tried seating the bullets deeper? Just because they are below the shoulder doesn't mean you will have problems. Some people do this and don't have any trouble at all. Just a suggestion.

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JimmyDee posted this 28 October 2008

seebreeze133 wrote, “...and the GC is below the neck and when I attemped to pull the bullets, have a new case w/powder, GC and no bullet."

And jimkim responded with. “...have you tried seating the bullets deeper? Just because they are bellow the shoulder doesn't mean you will have problems."

I'm wondering, “If the gas checks come off when pulling bullets, what keeps them on when burning powder?  Gas pressure on the base of the GC?"

Anybody?

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seabreeze133 posted this 28 October 2008

JimmyDee wrote: seebreeze133 wrote, “...and the GC is below the neck and when I attemped to pull the bullets, have a new case w/powder, GC and no bullet."

And jimkim responded with. “...have you tried seating the bullets deeper? Just because they are bellow the shoulder doesn't mean you will have problems."

I'm wondering, “If the gas checks come off when pulling bullets, what keeps them on when burning powder?  Gas pressure on the base of the GC?"

Anybody?

Seating deeper could theoretically cause gas cutting of the lead. Some folks have no issues w/gas cutting. I have issues. Good thinking but can cause accuracy issues...........IMHO.

It is my understanding that the pressure caused by powder burning helps keep the GC in place. In fact the old (and maybe the new?) Lyman GC were designed to drop off once clear of the barrel. I had an interesting phenomina in the early 80's when shooting IHMSA sillywetts. I was using the 429215 220 gr gas check bullets for chickens, pigs and turkeys w/good results, but the bullet would take off in another direction all it's own between the turkeys and rams. My spotter  could see the bullet wash on a clear day. Never knew whether it was the Lyman GC coming off or possibly the front driving band(real thin) cracked when hitting the forcing cone and a chunk came off causing the oops. BTW the load was 24 gr IMR 4227, WW brass and fed large pistol primers. Chrono read 1550 fps from the 10” SBH. Very manageable recoil and accurate. same load w/429244 was great on rams and mule deer.

 

Solved the problem of pulling the bullets by cutting off the nose of the bullet w/sidecuters enough to chamber. Will try “pulling” the bullets tomorrow.

 

Also loaded up some 200 Gr Lee w/the 26 gr RL7 and will check the load.

Seated the 311284 about .005 deeper so they will chamber w/out force and will check them.

 

Cheers

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w30wcf posted this 28 October 2008

seabreeze133,

Sorry that I have been away from this thread for awhile. Of the powders you listed, I would try 24/4895 which will go around 1,600 f.p.s. or so with the 311284.

Regarding the bullets seated with the g.c. below the base of the neck (#3 &#5 in the pic),  I have only used slower burning powders H414, 4350, etc. which produced very good results with no leading of any kind.  I am not sure how 24/4895 would work with deep seated bullets but it just may be ok.

Good luck,                                                                                                                   w30wcf

 

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Mike H posted this 29 October 2008

Seabreeze 133,

I shoot RCBS 180 spire point gc in a .308 BRNO 601, which has a short throat. My loads are back into the powder space of the case. Have seen no problems. Powder load is 30 grains of 2208(varget). I do crimp the case neck into the bullet with a Lee Factory Crimp Die. If I do not crimp, the bullets will move back into the case.                

The same bullet, without the gc, shoots well, 1400 fps or lower.

Mike.

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JetMech posted this 30 October 2008

Back in the late 70s / early 80s, before I took everything so seriously, my only rifle was a Marlin 30-30. I used to shoot Lyman 311284s w/4759 regularly at about 1300fps. Single loaded, against the lands, I wouldn't call it a spectacular performer, but it sure was fun throwing those big chunks of lead down range.

Bill

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44 Flattop posted this 04 November 2008

I like heavy bullets, but when I found out how accurate the 311041 is in my 30-30's, I just stayed with it.  Out of WW's with the CG in place sized and lubed, mine weigh 180.5 grs. 

44

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