Wanted to get out and try out some test loads. My oldest son wanted to go with me, and he has finally gained enough patience and had a great time. So I didn't get out past 50 yards, as he was shooting iron sights on his 22 that was his great grandfather's. Will post so pictures later of my targets.

This picture links to a video.


Once he got aiming down, he was eager to put some rounds down range. The steel target is a great motivator, with the instant feedback.


Here is my first test load for 30-30 WCF, using Speer 170gr FN with 25.5gr of IMR-3031. First three shots on left in 8 ring, before I adjusted my scope for the next 2 shots next to bullseye.


Here is the target from my Remington 700 rather disappointing showing at a measly 50 yards. Called it a day after this target--getting too hot, and I wanted to be shooting at a longer distance.

Looks like it was a great day for you and your son.
Jim

Very cool! Even though my boys are older @ 23, 27 and 30 I still enjoy going out to the range with them, hitting the river with the fly rod or just sitting down having a cold one.

Nothing like good father/son time no matter what your doing

Nice outing...........
great to get out with the kids now and then.
Most of the time they have other things they would rather do.

I have lots of 22 ammo and a new scope to sight in.... just waiting for the grand daughter to give me the green light, to get out with her.

Nice groups with the 170gr.
I always thought the larger, slower 170gr was the "Best" bullet for the 30/30, if it would shoot in a weapon. Even though most of the deer have been dropped with the lighter 150gr bullet, probably.

Must have been karma for great range day. Daughter and I went yesterday. Had to wait about 15 minutes for a lane. Once we got on the range, she was in the groove. Switched to CCI standard velocity .22lr and at 7 yds she was doing one ragged hole with flyer or two out of my 70s era Mark I target. She even was shooting my model 10 with two inch groupings.

Got a chance to shoot a Smith M&P shield thanks to the nice couple in the next lane. I let them shoot the Mark, as well as the new Henry.

Everybody left happy. Range bag was a good bit lighter going home.

Quality time at the range with your kids is priceless. Regardless of their age.

Thanks Nevada Ed. These were my first 5 reloads for the 30-30, and first time shooting the gun, which I just put a Burris 2-7x E1 scope on. Greatful for my brother-in-law who bore sighted it for me as the first 3 rounds were right on for the 8 ring.

I've shied away from 30-30 lever gun shooting for years as my arthritis does not care for the kick and no recoil pads. Shooting from the bench with these light roads was a real pleasure. Also happy with he new Burris E1 scope which I mounted with a DNZ Bone Reaper 1 piece base. The optics are nice and clear and the turret style adjustments had a decent click when changing scope settings.

If you don't need a "Pretty" weapon, I think they still make the rubber slip on recoil pad boots for rifles and shotguns that will reduce the recoil even more if needed, without having to bring out the screw drivers.

Nothing like a old used, smooth working lever action. They are a pain when stiff and new. Wore out many a glove breaking some in along with some steel wool to speed things along.

I had one with a tip off scope but back then I had good eyes and liked iron sights out to two hundred yards. Even had one set up with a rear peep sight.

Have fun, the weather is cooling down and making things a little nicer, for shooting, at least out West.

Enjoy the father/son range time while you can. Mine are now 30, 34 and almost 36, and in New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas. The last time I had all of them with me on a range day was about 10 years ago. The banter and one-upsmanship, is one of my fondest memories.

The 30-30 group is impressive! My 83 year old dad still has a 1952 Winchester 94, with a Lyman receiver sight. In the late 60's I watched him nail a silver dollar at a 150 yards offhand and win $5 from my cocky older brother. Good times.

Ivan

As a bachelor, I've never had the privilege of taking a son to the range... so I have compensated by taking my nieces! One in particular is a very enthusiastic shooter, so much so that she can give her USMC rifle instructor husband a run for his money! Now they are both grown with families of their own and I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to spoil two grand nephews and two grand nieces in similar fashion.

Froggie

Made it back out to the range yesterday, this time with my father-in-law to sight in his rifle for deer season. Started at 50 yards to make sure his new scope was on paper. Here is the first 5 rounds of my reloads from above in 30-30.


Pushed the target out to 100 yards, and tried out my Remington 700 with some heavier charges behind the 180gr Nosler Ballistic Tips.
Knew it the instant I pulled the one on the bottom right. Found out I need to get more range time to be able to notice the difference in a ladder load. This is 41 and 42 grain loads of Reloader 15.

Nice shooting. I need to carry my .243 to the range and see if it still works.

Thanks Joe, I am just a plinker, and have been pleased so far with my reloads, and my limited ability to shoot them.

Sorry in advance for the not so great picture, but this is my Hostage target from Action Target (forgot the swinging hostage taker plate) tried out my rifle rounds on it from 100 yards. Have 22 shots splattered around as I was shooting open sights--and the front bead seem to cover the entire target. Oddly enough my starting load 30-30 rounds with 170gr FN (data shows 1700fps) made slight impression that I could barely feel with fingernail. The 180gr Ballistic Tips with load data showing closer to 2700fps left no impact marks but took a bunch of paint off (bottom left corner, and 1/4 way up center).