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30-30 Powder Choices

1.8K views 37 replies 21 participants last post by  RACWIN375  
I have used 2015, 2495, 2230, Bl-C2, H4895, IMR 4895, and TAC in the 30-30 from your list. I use 2015 in many places where 3031 works. 2015 is a very good 30-30 powder. 2495 is the Accurate version of 4895 and works well in the 30-30 as does H4895. TAC is a modern ball powder, much less temp sensitive and much easier to ignite than the older ball powders (Bl-C2, 748). For 'milder' loads i would select 2015, the Berry's bullet is rated for 2000 fps, so the 2495 and H4895 would also work well. I have used the Accurate powders for a very long, 1980's, and been very satisfied with them. I have used most of the powders in your list for the Stabil, Benchmark, Superpermance. Benchmark would probably also work very well in the 30-30. A casefull of either 4350 will work just fine but tothers are better. There are some other powders that also work well for your purpose, but are not in your list and have become hard to find/discontinued - 4198, Reloder 7, 5744, Buffalo Rifle, Accurate 2200.
 
I have used 2200 in the 300 Savage and 308 Win, with charges in the 20-26 grain range with 147 grain pulled bullets and 185 gr cast bullets. Results on target were decent, a bit of vertical stringing at 150 yards,2" horizontal, 4" vertical cases a bit sooty. Hodgdon/Western Powder has data that gives 27gr with 30 grain top for 150 jacketed in 30-30. I have used up to 35 grains with 150 grain jacketed bullets in 300 Savage, good accuracy. 2200 works very well in the 444 Marlin and 45-70 for heavy/high velocity loading. It is excellent in the 223 with 45-55 grain bullets. I believe it started as a 7.62x39 powder. Also works well in my 6.5 Grendel. I will be trying it in the 30-30 with 150gr cast gas checked lead bullets, I expect 16 to 20 grains should give good results in the 30-30. For pleasant loads, a filler to position powder, dacron or Ballistic Products buffer can improve accuracy out past 100 yards. I treat 2200 much like a 4198 speed powder. I have also used Tite-Group, Universal, Herco, Unique and HP-38 for mild loads in rifle calibers. 30 plus years ago, 2200 was very inexpensive, I bought a lot, now I am trying to burn it up, in rifles.