Favorite 30-30 Powder

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm going to be loading both 150gr and 170gr bullets in the 30-30 but more 170gr bullets than the lighter ones. I'm looking for the best powder to load both but if you feel a powder will do a 170gr bullet better please suggest that powder.

I know every gun is different and I have A LOT of loading manuals too. I'm only asking because I want opinions from those who have already done it successfully.

Thanks in advance...

[cp1969]

I've loaded 150 and 170 gr. .30-30 loads but I did it with what was available (H4895), not what was best. I don't think the .30-30 is too particular about what you use, given it's intended purpose.

[Dragon88]

IMR-3031 for accuracy in my gun. BLC-2 for velocity.

[Skip Sackett]

My rifle loading has been focused on pistol calibers in lever guns, 30/06 and 35 Remington and 223. The 35 Rem has 200gr bullets and the '06 has had only 150-168gr ones the 223 uses 69gr for accuracy loads and 55gr for range fodder.

Tony, I wish I could help you with this but I guess I will just sit back and listen too! Good question.

p.s. The powders I used for the above loads were BL-C(2), AA2700 and Varget. FWIW

[336A]

My vote goes to H322. It is listed as either the Accuracy load or the Hunting load in the Sierra 5th edition manual. All velocities are right there with the other powders tested too. Brian Pearce did a article on the 30WCF a few years back in the Hand Loader magazine. In his load development he found that the loads using this powder was accurate in several different rifles across the board. He mentioned it again in another article as well. I don't have any yet but it is the next powder I'm buying to try.

As of late I've tried W748 & RL15 with dismal results. I don't know what exactly is going on, but this cartridge just gives me a giant case of the fits. I've never had any issues at all with any other cartridge I reload for. Another powder that is supposed to be really good and will work in the 30-30 is IMR 8208XBR. I don't think it is out on the shelves yet though.

[11e40]

i've loaded the 30-30 for years. tried several powders. best overall for me is imr 3031.

[imashooter2]

I like Alliant Reloder 7.

[bmcgilvray]

It is IMR 3031 for me when using a Sierra 170 grain flat nose bullet. Best velocity, accuracy, and with apparently reasonable pressures (muzzle velocity-2193 fps). Reloder 7 runs a close second (muzzle velocity 2063 fps). My .30-30 is a Winchester Model 54 carbine with a 20-inch barrel.

[Paul5388]

Tony,

I only load cast bullets for my single shot .30-30. It'll shoot either 170 gr or 150 gr very good. Here's a 100 yard 3 shot group using H4227 and a Lee 157 gr GC bullet (#90366).



I also use 16.0 gr of 2400, but looking back, I don't know that H4227 isn't shooting better.

[ArchAngelCD]

Hey Paul... I only see 2 holes in that target! You said you shot 3 rounds so I guess you totally missed with one, no??

But seriously, as soon as I get the jacketed bullets loads set I'm going to try some Cast bullets too. It looks like H4227 is the place to start. Good shooting and thanks for the info...

[Gutpile Charlie]

WW748 was always my powder of choice for the .30 WCF aka .30-30. Worked well with either 150 or 170 bullets.

[Paul5388]

If I remember correctly, the Lyman 311291 will shoot every bit as good.

Here are three of the molds (Lyman 311413, RCBS .30-180 FN and Lee C309-150-F) I have that will work in .30-30.



I never have gotten the Lyman 311041 to shoot as good as the 311291.

[LoboGunLeather]

BLC-2, or the very similar H335, have always worked well for me. My usual bullet is the Lee 170-grain RNFP-GC, which have killed quite a few deer for my family over the past 30 years or so.

[Homie]

I've had good luck with 4320, but don't shoot the '94 much these days.
In a very accurate 14" Contender I used 4198 w/125s and 130s.

Good shooting.