Favorite 30-30 load
 

Getting ready to load up for my 30-30. I rarely shoot the thing and rarely keep ammo around. So I figure my old lady might like shootin it. So got me some dies and ready to go.

I remember it didn't like 150gr loads very much. So I picked up some 170gr hornady FP. I really don't want to pick up more powder as I am pretty well at my max of powders sitting around. But I have Varget, IMR4198, 3031 and 4064 layin around. Figured I might load up some 29-32gr of 4064 to start. I have looked thru all my manuals and data for 170gr bullets varys greatly like my 45-70 for max loads. Hornady I think lists 31.6gr max, while some like my lymans I think list it up to 34gr.

Well see, let me know your favorite.

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

My Lyman manual list 30.5 as Max for 4064. I have used 28.0 of 3031 also. Thats about the only powders I have used much in the 30-30. I also use the 170 Hornady FP. In my Nef however I like the 125 balistic tip.

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

Thats why I said "I think". Thanks for the load data.

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

bigcountry, I have an older Winchester that every once in a blue moon I like to take over and blow the dust off of. I've found that mine certainly doesn't like the 150's either. I've been stickin with the 170's but haven't really stumbled on a really good load for those either. Just haven't played with it enough.

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

It might be silly of me to put alot of effort into it. I got liek 3 guns I have fine tune thier loads that I will be using alot this year. But it was in back of the safe staring at me. And figured why not.

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

at one point i was tinkering with some varget loads in my 30-30 I was pushing 150 grain power points with 34 grains varget. they would shoot decent 50 yard groups with iron sights in about the 1 inch range.

Then I got a wild hair when I saw the youth loads on hodgdon's website using H4895 in reduced loads I checked out the load data available but nothing for 150 grain and heavier bullets so I called hodgdon and asked them what would be the minimum charge and/or start charge for a youth load using a 150 grain bullet which they told me was 20.5 grains well I played with 20.5 grains for a bit which was pretty fun it turned the 30-30 into a puky little gun I had alot fun plinkin with it though accuracy on paper was horrible as I pushed the load up a bit the accuracy got better I think I stopped at 22 grains. later I started loading some varmint loads for my 223 using 25 grains h4895. Now I just use the same 25 grain charge for both the 30-30 and 223 makes it alot easier on me less brain work dialing in the powder throw for different charges.

I have my women shooting the 25 grain load I have yet to chrono it but Im thinkin it will have enough juice to take a deer which the lady is wanting to get into deer hunting since she started shooting the 30-30 and realizing its recoil really isnt bad at all.

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

I can't comment on the powders you want to use but the 30-30 is still my go-to gun for whitetails and I load for it. In an older Marlin, 170gr. Hornadys with IMR4895 are by far the most accurate when pushed to factory speeds. And, they are lethal...Biggest problem with loading the dirty-thirty is that the brass length has to be kept equal for proper and consistant crimping. I know that's always important but very much so on this round if you are looking for small groups.

Doug

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

with my cases I allow up to a .005 variance in case length and use a lee factory crimp die and seem to get a great results.

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

I load 150gr Winbullets over 35gr of 3031 in my marlin. It's .5gr under the listed max in the load data I have. It chonos about 2500fps and I get 1.5" 10 shot groups at 100 yards with it. I too use the lee factory crimp, it works great. This load worked so well I never tried the 170's. I even took a deer this year at 150 yards with it, one shot DRT.

I am interested in getting some of the Leverevolution bullets to try when they become available for reloaders.

Good luck on your quest for loads.

RE: Favorite 30-30 load
 

my question is "why load for the 30-30"??? :DFirst off you wont ever hunt with it....(you always use your shotgun anyway) and secondly you can go to Walmart and get a box of Win for like $8 ......you know I reload for like 8-9 guns but the 30-30 is one I will not reload for it just doesnt make sense!!! :D:D:D

p.s. you got more important things to worry about over the next 2 months then worrying about reloading anyway!!!! ;););)