[Cherokeenation]

For you guys who have loaded for the .30-30 and used the 160gr FTX, did you trim the case by .010" like suggested. And if so, how would one go about doing that. I've always used the Lee standard case trimmers.

I am hoping to work up some loads in the next couple days and have decided to go with the FTX rounds since that's where I figured I'd end up anyways. Most of my shots here in Nebraska are between 75 & 200 yds, so I want the extra distance.

Thanks guys!

 

[rj308]

I reloaded some and trimmed my cases to standard max length. The rounds cycled fine through my '57 336 and my new 336SDG. The shot very accurately in the SDG but only so so in the older gun. Both are Micro-Groove rifling, but the older 336 has more/smaller lands and grooves. I am a fan of the FTX bullets. My handloads with them have also been accurate in my Marlin 35 Rem., Custom barrelled .357 Mag T/C Contender Carbine and my Ruger 77/44 Carbine.

 

[Halwg]

For you guys who have loaded for the .30-30 and used the 160gr FTX, did you trim the case by .010" like suggested. And if so, how would one go about doing that. I've always used the Lee standard case trimmers.

I am hoping to work up some loads in the next couple days and have decided to go with the FTX rounds since that's where I figured I'd end up anyways. Most of my shots here in Nebraska are between 75 & 200 yds, so I want the extra distance.

Thanks guys!

No, standard length works fine. The only rounds with short cases are the 444 and 450 Marlin. The 30-30, 35 Remington, and 32 Special work with standard length cases as long as they don't exceed the specified max. length.

 

[biggog]

I haven't loaded 30/30 but my 35 rem. handloads didn't work out for max. length. If I left them at max. length the neck of the case wasn't in the cannelure so they couldn't be crimped. I had to set them deeper to 2.525 OAL.

 

[308/338]

I just check in two reloader books Hornady #8 and Speer #13 . HDY. has 2.039" and Sp. has 2.0395" for max. case length. Trim to length HDY. 2.029 and Sp. is 2.0295. These measurements seem to be standard. I don't have a Lee fix case trimmer so you are on your own using that tool. But Lee precision make good products and I trust them and use them too. It wouldn't hurt to get a caliper too.

TO NY
Edit
The Hornady book #8 is their latest reloading manual and it includes the 30 30 160gr.FTX bullet #30395 with a C.O.L: 2.535"]. I'm assuming you are new to the these FTX bullets so make sure when loading the 30 30 you use 30 30 160gr. FTX parts number #30395. The other .308" 160gr. FTX is for the 308Marlin express and shouldn't be use in the 30 30.

 

[GJinNY]

I have trimmed to standard length in both a 336A and my 336SS. No problems.
LE powder under the 160gr FTX gets me < 1 1/2" group at 100 yds.

 

[Cherokeenation]

Thanks, folks!

I was just curious as they (Hornady) had posted a note about it on their website load data page here http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ftx_load_data/30-30_win_ftx.pdf.

Just makin sure I don't have problems right out the chute.

;D

 

[308/338]

Thanks, folks!

I was just curious as they (Hornady) had posted a note about it on their website load data page here http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/ftx_load_data/30-30_win_ftx.pdf.

Just makin sure I don't have problems right out the chute.

;D

Yes I read it and the suggested trim is 2.029" If it were me I would trim the cases with the Lee trimmer if it's what I have. Assuming the case is full sized and trimmed I would make a few dummy rounds by seating the bullet then checking the C.O.L., check to see that the case can be crimped in the cannelure, then put a dummy cartridge by hand into the chamber and gently close the action, if the action closes without a problem. Then crimp the dummy rounds load the dummy rounds in the mag. and cycle the action. If all is well then I would load my cartridges and go to the range. END OF STORY.


TO NY

 

[EROY]

FTX just plain don't shoot in my rifle. It's only 3 years old 336ss. Factory or reloads 5-7 inch groups at 100 yards. Federal 170 GN loads shoot excellent. So, don't be disappointed if you can't get them to shoot, not all 336 like them.

 

[GJinNY]

FTX just plain don't shoot in my rifle. It's only 3 years old 336ss. Factory or reloads 5-7 inch groups at 100 yards. Federal 170 GN loads shoot excellent. So, don't be disappointed if you can't get them to shoot, not all 336 like them.

EROY, have you tried the new LE powder? 35.2gr does pretty nice in my 3 yr old 336SS.

I have used 32.5gr of Reloader 15 with the 160gr FTX too, CCI primers. both of these get me 1 1/2" groups at 100yds from a bench.

 

[EROY]

GJinnNY, No I haven't tried the new powders. I have three pounds of 4895 I have to use up first. I spent so much time and money trying to get a load to shoot that I got completely discusted with the FTX bullets. I found that my gun likes the 170 GN federals so I'm tryin to get a load now that duplicates that. I have a box and a half of the FTX bullets left that I'd like to get rid of.

 

[45l]

I use the hornady 170FN with 31 grains H-4895 in my 81 Texan and get good groups.My last time out I measured three 3shot groups together they went 1 inch for 9 shots at 50 yards.I shoot 3 shot groups and let the barrel cool and shoot 2 more the same way,that way the barrel heat doesn't have any effect on the groups.The first 3 count the most anyway.There is very little left right to the groups,just vertical like most leverguns.I think it would do under 2 inch at 100 yards and that would probably be vertical also.I'm going to use H-4895 for this rifle.

 

[GJinNY]

GJinnNY, No I haven't tried the new powders. I have three pounds of 4895 I have to use up first. I spent so much time and money trying to get a load to shoot that I got completely discusted with the FTX bullets. I found that my gun likes the 170 GN federals so I'm tryin to get a load now that duplicates that. I have a box and a half of the FTX bullets left that I'd like to get rid of.

H4895 and the FTX do NOT get along, I was just as frustrated. Reloader15 or the LE powder and the FTX will make you friends with the FTX again. If you want something that really is amazing with H4895, try the Sierra 110gr HP Varminter with it. 35.4gr H4895, CCI primer, 2.55"OAL , 1" groups at 100 yds. I think that is near max so work up to it.

 

[308/338]

H4895 & FTX gets along with my 336xlr-35r & 356w

T ;D NY

 

[GJinNY]

H4895 & FTX gets along with my 336xlr-35r & 356w T ;D NY

oooops I meant to add to my statement " H4895 and FTX dont get along in either of my 336A or 336SS, both 30-30". 100 yd groups are terrible.

Glad it does well in other calibers.

 

[EROY]

Thanks guys for the input on the FTX. I may try again but even the factory stuff shoots terrible in my rifle.

 

[GJinNY]

Funny you mentioned that.....factory ammo was so-so too.....

 

[Mannheim Bob]

No, standard length works fine. The only rounds with short cases are the 444 and 450 Marlin. The 30-30, 35 Remington, and 32 Special work with standard length cases as long as they don't exceed the specified max. length.

.45-70 is also trimmed .010 short. Standard length brass loaded with FTX WILL NOT function in my 1895XLR.

Thanks!

 

[BillyHill]

I've never tried the factory leverevolution ammo but I got a chance to try my handloads today. I tried 170 Federals for comparison because that was the best load in my last Marlin. One load was very accurate but it wasn't the maximum load. All the other loads shot as good groups as the federals but point of impact was 5" higher than the Federals with the same aim point at 100 yrds. I was shooting over the new LVR powder and did get all the way to 37 grains without ant problems but the best group was at 34 grains. I will try to fine tune it from here. As far as trimming I used once fired cases and did not need to trim. I went with the max COL. of 2.535". I did check the bullets for comparison with the Federal ammo. Just above the cannelure ring the thickness of the federals was .303" while the Hornadys were .308" measured at the same spot. I guess the reason the FTX loads need to be this length is due to the lack of taper they could contact the rifle lands at a shallower depth. I think as long as your cases are in spec length and you maintain max 2.535" with a good crimp you should be OK.

 

[GJinNY]

+1 seems that way here too on the 30-30