Reloading Question

[retrieverman]

Has anyone used over 170 gr bullets in their 30-30?

I am just getting into reloading and am actually very happy with LeverEvs, but I am planning to start loading for my 30-30 soon anyway.

[Pumpkinheaver]

Look in the reloading section further down the main index. Lots of good info there.

[retrieverman]

Thanks! I have been here awhile and didn't even know there was a reloading section.

[Bob A]

Retrieverman,

If you use the search function and look in the reloading and 336 forums, you'll find a lot of good info - including proven loads with 170 gr bullets.
Lots of people use the 170, lots use the 150, some use heavier and lighter bullets, more and more are using the new 160 leverevolution - but that bullet isn't available for hand loading. Best advise is to pick one are start loading.

Have fun,

Bob A

[pacmule]

To answer the question you can load with heavier bullets. My 336 is now an akley improved chamber but I have only reloaded with it using 180gr. RN. It really likes the hornady's. Search the net and you should come up with lots of info. You do have to seat the bullets deeper to meet O.A.L. but that does not seem to cause any problems. I have not loaded any cast bullets, but that leaves even more options.

pacmule

[swany]

I have found that the 30-30 shoots up to 200 gn bullets real well. A friend back in the 70s was an avid black bear hunter and wanted a little more punch from his marlin and asked if I could reload something heavier. I loaded some 180s and 200s and took them to the range. The 200s seemed to have an edge on the accuracy dept, the the 180s were grouping under 2 inches at 100. The 200s would do an inch and slightly over most often. I was using IMR4064 at the time for both bullets, cannot remember the exact charges. I started by going 10% under for the 180s and 15% under for the 200s of what was used for the 170s.

Far as OAL was concerned I did not have any problems back then. If it was a concern with the crimp on the 200s and I wanted to use them today I would simply shorten that ample 30-30 neck until I was within OAL parameters. Though that would make a need for a special crimp die, I do believe one could easily be made from a shortened .308 win seater.

[white fox]

I once pulled some 190 gr. bullets from some old 303 Savage rounds and loaded them in my .30-30. I found all the data and the Idea in a book from gun writer Sam Fadala. He is quite the .30-30 user. It has been a long time ago I did this so can't remember the powder or charge. Never shot anything with them but were accruate. He loaded them for large game. I think now that I am back into .30-30's I should go to the Library and check out his book. You don't find .303 Sav. rounds anymore but sound like a good yard sale item to shop for this summer. Old gun shops too.

[retrieverman]

white fox

Unless you just want to shop for bullets at yard sales, there are some pretty good looking round nose 180-220 gr bullets available on MidwayUSA.

I really want to reload for my 30-30's, but I am having a hard time justifying it with the performance I am getting out of the LeverEvs.

I apologize for posting this thread in the wrong section, but I appreciate the input.

[3030man]

I've been loading 170's for my 3030 for over a year now. Reloader 15 has worked best for me along with the Speer 170 flat nose, under 1" at 100 yards
6 shots. All the 170 bullets shoot well for me. I just recently had my rifle re-chambered to 30-30A.I. By the way that load and grouping, was with me using a Lee Loader. I know you hunt hogs and deer so the 170 will be perfect for you.

Remington Brass
CCI 200 primers
Reloader 15
Any 170 grain bullet

Guaranteed to get the job done.

[retrieverman]

30-30man

Thanks for the info.