.30-30 powder--your favorite with cast boolits

[Shuz]

What is your favorite powder for use in the .30-30 Winchester lever action rifle with cast boolits, and why?

[dg31872]

Marlin 336, I use 4759, because it just works! And I have it on hand.

[Baron von Trollwhack]

Varget works nicely for my Marlin with the 31141. BvT

[Loudenboomer]

AA2230 for full power with the ranch dog 165 gc. 7 gr AA#5 for plinking with a 130 pb

[izzyjoe]

I use unique for target loads, and 4064 for hunting loads.

[UNIQUEDOT]

Unique for target because it performs well and is extremely economical. 2400 is another favorite and 2495 works well in reduced loads for lead and jacketed. 3031 is my favorite for jacketed hunting loads. I've used just about all suitable powders for this cartridge though those above are my mainstay.

[aspangler]

30.5 gr imr4064. 170gr gc Lee cast to 16.5 BHN. No signs of pressure accurate and same POI as my 150gr Jwords.

[imashooter2]

Alliant 2400. Excellent accuracy, moderate velocity, low charge weight.

[OverMax]

I cast for target purposes only. Hunting I use a totally different rifle. (270) Rem Mtn bolt shooting Over Max pressured jacketed.
Range choice this month has been a pre-64 model 94 30-30. A 1936-37 saddle carbine shooting Lyman's 311-291 G/C. A hard-cast sized to .311 over Accurate 2230. The perfect 30-30 rifle for the purpose of keeping its owner (me) occupied while at the range. And that's all I look for it to do. Just (pleasure shooting) with its open barrel sights.

[snapshot]

Winchester 748 in the ole 1894 and because when you find something that works why change in other words if it aint broke don't fix it.

[bangerjim]

6gn + dacron of Titegroup for plinking.

Full loads.......XTerminator 22-28gn depending on weight of boolit.

bangerjim

[pls1911]

Reloader 7, 25-27 grains for cast bullets 160-185 grains for velocities around 1800 fps.

[TXGunNut]

I think that's part of what makes the thutty-thutty special, it does well with a variety of powders. Mostly plink with mine so 2400 works for those loads, keeps the cost down as well. Hunting loads would get 3031 or Rx7 because that's what I have and they will produce enough velocity and accuracy for that purpose.

[Bushwacker Berg]

My best loads were with Reloader 7 for 170 gr FNGC out of two Marlins and two Winchester 1894's.

[Trinidad Bill]

Unique and 3031.

[loaded303]

3031......

[labradigger1]

Guess im the oddball here, for reduced loads w/ 309-150's i like 9 grns herco.
Lab

[koehlerrk]

For cast in the thutty-thutty, I use good old 2400. For j-words, Varget is my go-to powder for everything from my 204 Ruger to my 45-70.

[duckey]

I have RL-15, I can use it in all my rifles, that's the plan anyway. Haven't shot any yet so we'll see.

[C. Latch]

I have used IMR4227 and H2400 for plinking loads. I'm going to try working up towards some of Ranch Dog's data (IMR4895, since I have it on hand) for his bullets, since I'm using one of his bullets (NOE 311165). I say 'work up' but in reality, if I start 10% below his stated max loads, I'll already be at the velocity range I want to be at.

[osiek]

3031 for hunting unique or herco for plinking

[Maineboy]

For light loads I use Green Dot because it works and I was given 2 pounds of it. I've been using 748 with the RCBS 180gr FN boolit for hunting loads.

[williamwaco]

Unique for plinking and targets, 3031 for hunting. ( Cast Bullets )

If you can't get Unique, Herco is also good.

[Bardo]

Suprised no one has said LVR i have gotten great accuracy with more velocity with it.

[atr]

115058full power with 180 gr cast I use a case full of win748

[Newtire]

AA2015 or Win 748/H-335. They seemed to work well is why. Actually it really depends on what weight bullet. Got a whole slew of loads for .30-30 and .30-30 AI.

[Huntsman]

IMR 3031, Lee 170 GC
Why? Because I have lots and it works!

[Loudenboomer]

Bardo. Last year I worked up to a load with LVR and a 150 gr Jack bullet. Fast and Accurate

[Bardo]

Ya i have really liked it. Messing around with a new NOE mold right now.


Bardo. Last year I worked up to a load with LVR and a 150 gr Jack bullet. Fast and Accurate

[Shuz]

Thanks for all the replies!--I've been playing around with some WC 820 and the MP-311440HP because I have lots of that powder and the mould is a 4C. Results have been less than spectacular with velocities around 1740 fps, but ES in the 100 fps area. SD has been 30 to 34. Accuracy is 2" at 50M and about 4" at 100 yds. I'm trying to find a load that doesn't require heat treating and is in the 1700fps area. I also enjoy the 16g arena on the WC 820 powder charge. At the lack of availability of powder these days, I'm trying to get more bangs for the buck!

Bardo et al--For a real accurate barn burner I use 34g of LeveRevolution and the NOE 311165gc, but I have to heat treat those boolits because the velocity chrono's at 2283 fps with an SD of 7.

[44man]

3031 or 4895. Forget the shotgun powders. 3031 has proven best. Made 5/16" at 100 with it and my cast boolit.

[358 Win]

Shuz, try 16.0 grains of Alliant 2400 powder under any 170 to 180 grain cast bullet (I like mine with gas checks). I do not use any filler but do use the Federal 215 Magnum primer for positive ignition no matter where the powder lays in the case. My velocity has been right at 1650-1700 fps and great accuracy. Also, if you have or can find any, 20.0 grains of XMP-5744 with a standard primer works well at 1700 fps also (again, no filler used). I use the Lyman 31141 boolet which weighs 178 grains lubed and checked using my alloy of WW + 2% tin.

358 Win

[cwheel]

3031 with my last run of 150 cast with gas checks. Got a pound of LVR stashed, and will get a new mold that throws 170 gas checks for the next run, try to somehow duplicate what Larry Gibson did in his fine post on the subject. I'm pleased with what I have now, but I think Larry proved beyond any doubt that in hunting loads, much more is there to be had with some workup. Will be awhile before these cases become available to try something else.
Chris

[Shuz]

358 Win--Thanks for the info on 2400 and 5744. I have plenty of each in stock. It will be interesting to see how they compare to the WC 820 loads. I'll stick with the MP-311440HP (approx 152g) for awhile and if accuracy doesn't improve, I'll try some NOE 311165GC's or Lyman 311291's or RCBS 30-150FN's.

[loaded303]

I load 160gc with 28 GN 3031 gets me right under 1950.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

With 170 grain cast bullets like Lyman 311291 or 311041, anything from 25 to 30 grains of 3031 will do a good job, depending on exactly what loading your particular gun likes. Never tried with 150 grain bullets so can't comment on that. LLS

[MT Gianni]

Shuz, try slowing that 820 down to 1550-1600 fps and your groups should tighten up and stay tight out to 250 yards.

[quilbilly]

5744 because my rifle likes it best.

[Bill*B]

.30-30 will satisfy with many different powders, but if I had to pick just one - it would be H4198. Reason: most consistently accurate with my 175 - 180 grain bullets in a M94 Trapper carbine.

[jh45gun]

2400 works great.

[Shuz]

Shuz, try slowing that 820 down to 1550-1600 fps and your groups should tighten up and stay tight out to 250 yards.

MT--Have you any experience with WC 820 in the .30-30 with less than 15.8g? I worry about S.E.E. with light charges with ball powders.
As others have suggested, I think I'll try some 2400 with the 311440HP and see if I can get to your suggested 1550 to 1600 with that, or perhaps 5744.

[Huntsman]

Bardo. Last year I worked up t a load with LVR and a 150 gr Jack bullet. Fast and Accurate

That's my Marlin load. 38.5gr and Speer 150gr. And same, fast and accurate.

[MT Gianni]

MT--Have you any experience with WC 820 in the .30-30 with less than 15.8g? I worry about S.E.E. with light charges with ball powders.
.

Ray, I have started at 15.3 as I read an article in a gun magazine showing 15.5 gr of AA9 and a 170 gr cast bullet grouping well. IIRC, the velocity was listed @ 1575 fps. I have not chronographed it but it shot well in my 20" 94.

[Shuz]

Ray, I have started at 15.3 as I read an article in a gun magazine showing 15.5 gr of AA9 and a 170 gr cast bullet grouping well. IIRC, the velocity was listed @ 1575 fps. I have not chronographed it but it shot well in my 20" 94.

Great! Thanks!
Ray

[Rodfac]

SR4759, 4227, & 4198. All are good but about 21.0 gr of 4198 and Lyman's 311291 gc sized 0.311" WW alloy will do less than 2" for 5 shots at 100 thru my Marlin Texan 336. It's nearly as good in a model 94.

[shredder]

I really like 4198 for my cast hunting loads in 30-30. I am very surprised at the long list of powders here. We touch all the bases but hardly a mention of 4198. Ask your rifle what powder it likes best. After tasting a few your rifle will undoubtedly give you an answer!

[searcher4851]

Red Dot or Unique for plinking and 3031 for when I used to hunt with it.

[dlbarr]

Like several others here: Unique for fun, 3031 for serious work.

[colt1960]

Unique, 3031, 2400 and reloader7. One of these should do a good job in your 30-30.

[Huntsman]

I really like 4198 for my cast hunting loads in 30-30. I am very surprised at the long list of powders here. We touch all the bases but hardly a mention of 4198. Ask your rifle what powder it likes best. After tasting a few your rifle will undoubtedly give you an answer!

IMR 4198 (38grs) is my load for cast 405gr for my 45/70

[waco]

2400, and SR4759 work best for me in a Marlin with 311041 at around 1850fps

[Quiettime]

Just shot some NOE 247 HP's over 9 gr of Trail Boss out of micro groove 336. Nice consistent load, super quiet and they seemed to stabilize fine. Trail Boss is becoming one of my favorites for reduced cast loads.

[Shuz]

I recently shot some nice groups with a 265g Ranch Dog look-a-like, but it is actually a PB version of the Lee 310g that has had the gas check shank milled off the mould giving a resultant weight of about 270g. The load is 8.3g of Green Dot and a Winchester WLP primer. Velocity is 1222 fps. 2" high at 50 yds, 6 inches low at 100yds and 18" low at 165 yds. The LARGEST group was on an IHMSA turkey at 165 yds and it was only about 5"! This is a good deer hunting load as long as the rainbow trajectory is taken into consideration, and compensated for by "holdover".

[leveraction 45 colt]

sr4759 with a gas check bullet, but am about to try some 165gr plain base bullets from Missouri bullet company for my 30-30 using greendot and sr4759! I'm using these in a old Winchester model 94 top eject I am curious too see how it likes these bullets? :veryconfu

[smkummer]

Nothing really new here so I am using about 10.4 grains Unique behind lyman's 311291 170 RN cast with aluminum gas check for about 1500 FPS. Cheaper than what scalpers are wanting for 22LR and it approximates the old 32-40 loading. Hitting a 16" metal plate at 200 yards. Fun and cheap. My gun will chamber .311 sized bullets. Recoil would be on par with a .357 fired from a rifle. Everyone (even recoil sensitive shooters) like shooting it, need I say more?

[Shuz]

I recently shot some nice groups with a 265g Ranch Dog look-a-like, but it is actually a PB version of the Lee 310g that has had the gas check shank milled off the mould giving a resultant weight of about 270g. The load is 8.3g of Green Dot and a Winchester WLP primer. Velocity is 1222 fps. 2" high at 50 yds, 6 inches low at 100yds and 18" low at 165 yds. The LARGEST group was on an IHMSA turkey at 165 yds and it was only about 5"! This is a good deer hunting load as long as the rainbow trajectory is taken into consideration, and compensated for by "holdover".


OOPS! I forgot that this thread, that I started, was about the favorite powder for the .30-30! The above quoted post #53,praises Green Dot in my .44 mag Trapper, not a .30-30. Sorry!

[helice]

This was a great post. Isn't the 30-30 a wonderful tool? We use every thing from RedDot to Re-15 in it. That's quite a spread. Come to think of it- we do that in a lot of rifles. Maybe its the fact that we CAST OUR OWN BOOLITS that allows us such options. Dang but I like this forum.

[rintinglen]

3 favorites: 8.0 Herco with a 311-245; 17.5 grains 2400 with the 311-465; 34.0 grains of WW-748 with the 311-041. I have had good results with other powders, but these are my favorites.

[oldfart1956]

Finally got time to get to the range today. Marlin 336 in 30/30 using the Lyman 311041 sized at .311 from WW + a bit of tin. Lube was Felix. Crimping in the supplied crimp groove kept the rounds long enough I could just feel it engage the rifling on closing the action. Worked with 2400 and TrailBoss today. At 75yds. 14gr. of 2400 and Dacron kept a tidy 1 1/2in. group not counting the 1st. shot. That one went 3 inches high. I was puddy happy! Then tried the TrailBoss load at 8 grains. (no filler!) Carp. That load shot a 1 1/4 inch group with 5 shots touching. (I'm shooting 10 shot groups with all loads by the way.) Why the angst? I hate TrailBoss. I own 3 good powder measures...none of which will drop that powder with anything resembling consistency. At least with these smaller charges. That means weighing every charge. GAAAH! Tried increased loads of both powders and groups opened up a bit with either charge. (2400 and TrailBoss) At 100yds. the 14gr. load of 2400 held a 2 inch group, 15gr. of same was a smidge larger. TrailBoss kept dropping them right in there, actually beating the 2400 loads. Albeit now falling 4 inches low. The velocity difference between the TrailBoss and 2400 is huge of course. I need to get that old Tasco Banner scope off and put the Leupold scope on...this is like looking thru milk glass at 100yds.! Then....sigh...I get to do it all again. :) Audie....the Oldfart..

[Quiettime]

My Lee perfect does a pretty good job with the Trail Boss. One of Lee's best products imho

[trapdoor1873]

Winchester 748. Good groups and meters nice.

[Balta]

Must ask, i am out of USA
See that many use a Uniqa powder , for rifle and pistol? Same kind type,of powder ?

[Shuz]

Must ask, i am out of USA
See that many use a Uniqa powder , for rifle and pistol? Same kind type,of powder ?
Balta--"Unique" is the name of a powder manufactured in the US by a powder company with the name Alliant. It is used by many folks for rifle and handgun reloading. It is a flake powder and is very stable, by that I mean I have never heard of any "Unique" named powder deteriorating with age. Hope this helps.--Shuz

[rexherring]

I've had good luck with 5744 and H4895 and use Unique for fire forming my .30-30 AI cases and light plinking.

[GabbyM]

26.0 grains of Aliant Reloader 7 under a Saeco 150gr FN in my Win 94 AE in 30-30 caliber. Gives me everything I look for in the little rifle.