Started Reloading .30-30 Winchester

[ArchAngelCD]

I have been loading LVR powder with a 160gr FTX bullet and AA5744 with a 150gr and 170gr cast bullet. I don't care for the FTX load but I do like AA5744 with a 170gr cast bullet. My eyes are getting food so I'm using a 4X scope now. I get about 1.5 MOA @ 100 yards.

There are many good powders for the 30-30 including 4198, IMR3031, AA5744 and a bunch of pistol powders like 2400, Unique and others. Even the slower rifle powders work like Varget, 4895, W748 and more. Like said above, it's hard to find a bad load for the 30-30.

 

[hotshot357]

When I went to the LGS I was shocked to see he was so low on his components. I grab his Hodgdon Annual Manual. His selection was limited. I grab some Benchmark powder, the bullets were 125 gr. HP/FN (all he had) and some Federal primers. With the "starting load" of 27,7 grains, that .30-30 was a tack driver. I let a friend of mine shoot it and he nailed everything he aimed at!!!! He had a grin on his face from ear-to ear !!! The rifle is a post 64 (late 92/early 94 DOB). He said he had "a old one he got used 25 years ago and never shot it. I shot him a offer to trade. He's going to get me the serial #. Here's hoping it's a "pre 64".

 

[old tanker]

4759 is what I use in my 30-30's with cast. I bought up several kegs when I learned of it's planned obsolescence...

I started loading for my Model 94 with a Lee Loader and the Lee C309-170F bullet when Nixon was still Vice President. I used IMR-4895 'cause that's what scoop came with kit recommended.

SR-4759 came later, and is my favorite cast bullet powder in .30-30, .30-06, .375 H&H and 7x57 Mauser. Been buying whatever I find whenever I find it.

 

[DwayneV]

Loads with 110 gr. 30 cal. carbine bullets are good for cheap practice.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Well...*

I think the old 30-30 still holds the record for the most deer killed by a rifle.... ?
It was very popular in the 1800's back East and even mother could knock off a deer from the porch, if meat was getting low.

You will have many happy days ahead with just standard loads.

I have heard for years... Decades? That more deer were killed by 22lr than ALL other calibers... COMBINED!

Almost as many as killed by motor vehicles..?

Cheers!

 

[RobertJ.]

If you're not ready to cast your own, try Rim Rock Bullets in Polson, Montana. They have a decent selection, and internet sales over $120 get free shipping.

I recently tried their 165 gr. Flat Point over 8 gr. Unique in my 94. Excellent results. In the neighborhood of 1200 FPS, and my groups averaged just under 1.5" at 50 yards. These are both 3-shot groups!

Oddly, my 10" Contender didn't care for this load, and key-holed half of them. I'll stick to Speer's 130 gr. HP for that one.

 

[zeke]

Sometimes the accuracy of 30-30 rounds can be enhanced by exploiting the headspace on rim feature. Some dies act as sb dies, and can be backed off considerable while still allowing easy chambering, and getting the bullet ogee further forward.