308 Vs 30-30 ?

[jrbsr]

Whats the difference in reloading a 308 and a 30-30 ?

And can a 30-30 be loaded so it will perform like a 308 ?

Thank You

[charlie brown]

There really is no difference in reloading between the .308 and .30-30. They both have to be prepped the same, and the same techniques apply to loading each. I guess the one difference would be that if you are loading the .30-30 for a tubular magazine, then you would have to load flat nosed bullets only. The .308 can be loaded with spitzer type bullets.

As for your second question - I would say it is the other way around. The .30-30 lacks the case capacity to push bullets of the same weight to the velocites of the .308. Now, you can load the .308 slightly milder with the right powder and loading techniques, but I don't see a reason to do so. Either way, I don't think a deer will know the difference between being hit with a .30-30 or a .308.

[BigBob .30-06]

jrbsr,

Other than the fact that the same steps in loading must be performed, there is not much simularity in loading the two cartridges.The .308 may be necked sized. Due to the "spring" in the actions the .30-30 is usually found in, unless a moderate load is being fired IMHO, the .30-30 should be full length resized or you may have a problem getting a lever action to lock up on a expanded case.

Due to the weakness of a lever action as well as the thiness of the .30-30 case, it should NEVER be loaded to the same pressures that are normal for the .308. Attempting to do so may earn you a new nick name, The Patch.
Even in bullet seating "difference" rears it head. With the .308 you can use any bullet, the correct diameter, and seat it just about any way you want. The .30-30 requires a bullet with a cannelure so the case may be crimped and then the design should be a flat nose bullet. Spitzer bullets are out unless your rifle is a two shot that carries one in the chamber and the second in the magazine.

[mainehunt]

There is no comparison between the two, except that they are both .308 in caliber. The .308 Wnchester cartridgefires its bulletmuch faster, with greater energy and has a much flatter trajectory.

If I were to hunt deer with either, I would restrict the 30-30 to 150 yards or less. The .308 is good to 500, IF the shooter has the capability.

Kev

[eldeguello]

ORIGINAL: jrbsr

Whats the difference in reloading a 308 and a 30-30 ?

There IS a difference! The .30/30 has thin cases, so the brass is a lot more delicate, and must be handled accordingly. It also generally needs flat-pointed or fat round-nosed bullets so it can be used in tubular magazines where the tip of the bullet behind touches the primer of the round ahead.

The .308 takes a lot more powder, can use pointed bullets, and can be loaded to a lot greater power level than a .30/30!

And can a 30-30 be loaded so it will perform like a 308?
NO!! If it could be, there'd be no need for a .308, now would there?? The .308 isa lot closer to the .30/'06 in ballistic performance than it is to a .30/30!! The only rimless rounds I am aware of that perform likea .30/30 are the .30 Remington rimless and the 7.62X39mm Soviet.

Thank You