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View Full Version : Sometimes - jacketed factory are a blessing



sthwestvictoria
06-14-2014, 11:41 PM
I have been tearing my hair out with getting a Savage 340 in 30-30 to shoot. Now I know these are not tack drivers by any stretch but this rifle was just throwing them everywhere. I did work out there was a shot scope on it, so that got changed. After trialling 150grain, 170grain and Ar2205 (H4227), AR2206H (H4895) and AR2208(varget) I was about to throw the rifle in the creek, thinking it must be a bedding/barrel band issue or the sheet metal side scope mounts. Then I thought - I have never actually shot jacketed factory in this rifle. I had some Winchester silver tip 150grain and although the first shot of six was thrown the subsequent five shot a 1 2/8 group:
http://i60.tinypic.com/ej66hc.jpg
So some faith in the rifle restored. Reading the group I got thinking about that first shot as flier and the rest grouping, this had been shot just after some lead and a fairly fast load of 170grain ACWW, 29.0grains Varget for 1902fps. I realised I am likely leading, and that first jacketed was a cleaning round or I am just pushing the alloy too hard. It had worked in a 1894 however I thinking I need to go back to basics, start low and work up again or heat treat my WW.
So sometime jacketed can restore faith!

RPRNY
06-14-2014, 11:56 PM
I no longer have one in 30-30 but used to and still have a 340B in 222 Rem that I quite enjoy.

My later 30-30 liked .311 cast. And it particularly liked 17.3 grs 4227 with the Lyman 311041 GC. It leaded with .310" cast and less, would handle as big as .312" happily. I recall it having a big long throat. It liked 4227 and was almost as happy with H4198. Try a .311 CD bullet in the 1550 - 1650 range and see if things improve.

Hope this helps.

44man
06-15-2014, 10:05 AM
30-30 Marlin, home made mold, 187 gr with 26 gr of 3031 and 25 gr of 4895. 100 yards. One out with 3031, think it was me but 4 in 5/8". Then 7/8" with 4895.
4227 sucked big time as did a lot of other powders. 107839
Don't fear slow powders and jacketed bullet loads. My Marlin was so hot for the last group I burned my thumb on the barrel.
Boolit is .311, Felix lube or Ben's red, both work. Never found AA powders to work. I have those you listed and went to IMR.
There is no need to use shotgun or pistol powders with cast.