I am new to loading lead (like never). Thanks to input from Forum members who provided many options for bullet manufactures I've decided to give Oregon Trail Bullets a try. I first want to load their 170 grain for my Marlin 30-30. They provided me load data but was wondering if any member has an "experienced" load they could provide me using the Laser-Cast bullet. Further, should I consider using Lyman "snap ons"? Still learning about gas checks. Best to all.

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Gayland Rogers

What purpose will you be loading for.. plinking at cans.... serious hunting loads or something in between?

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Old paratrooper in NC

It used to be that there was a difference in Lyman and Hornady gas checks. Lyman's were press on and Hornady were crimp on. Lyman now just re-sells Hornady gas checks. The bullet mold needs to be designed for gas check use and the checks are applied at the time of sizing. Ivan

The Oregon Trail bullet you are looking at is basically the Lyman 31141 (either weight). In spite of being pictured without a gas check on their web-site this is a gas check bullet and comes checked.

The first thing you need to know about gas checks is that they are only used on bullets designed for them. All commercial bullets that require gas checks come with them unless you specifically order the bullets bare, which hardly anyone does except for a very specific reason. Gas checks require sizing equipment to install them.

To learn about using cast bullets the best way is to buy one of the Lyman loading manuals, the "Handbook of Cast Bullets" would be the better to learn from.

FWIW, Oregon Trails gas checked bullets are listed as .309 and their non gas checked bullets are listed as 0.310.

As per the OP, would be interesting to hear from actual users.

JohnG

I would load the 170 for a non-hunting load. Their data for the .310 was not tested gas check, but they say I could use gas check Lyman "snap ons". I need to expand my knowledge on the subject and will order the above mentioned book. So, I would imagine I would go forward with the .310 170 and not use the snap ons. Not sure (yet) why I would do that. Thanks for the help so far, any favorite recipe would be appreciated. If no recipes come forward I think I will use Unique powder and follow Oregon Trail start charge data. Best to all.

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Gayland Rogers

Let us know how they work for you. I have some old 303 Savages I've been thinking about trying cast bullets in as well.

I have used the Laser-Cast bullets in the past with good results at lower velocities, but found a locally-offered bullet that shoots better, so that's what I feed it now. I settled on a load of 7 grains of Power Pistol with the 165/170 grain bullets for a soft-shooting plinker load that gets a shade over 1100 fps and shoots like it's laser guided. This is a typical 5 shot 50-yard group.

I called IMR when I got my first laser cast bullets as I had an original Marlin '93 and a 1948 Marlin 336. I bought 165 grain RNFP and 170 grain RNFP GC. They suggested a start with 25 grains of 3031 in the '93 with the 165 grain bullet and the same in the 336 but with the gas check bullet. The '93 liked those 165 grain bullets, 3 into 4inches over open sights at 100yards. Had as good or better with the other bullets in the 336, at 25.5 grains. Go slow, be careful...life is good

I shot lots of my 170 gr. cast GC ahead of 10 grs. of Unique in my old Win. 94 in years past.

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S&W Accumulator