Best all-around 30 caliber design? [Archive]

bruce drake

10-05-2015, 08:22 AM

I voted for the 311291 (170gr) as its the second of my top 3 for beginning caster/shooter for 30 caliber bullets. My personal preference for all-around cartridge is the LEE 155gr Spirepoint (my mystery-WW alloy drops them at 160gr) that they offer as a derivative of the classic C.E. Harrison designed 155gr bullet mold. I also think NOE make a version of this mold as well if someone wants a mold closer to the Harrison design. But for an economical mold that will last long enough for the new shooter to get his money's worth out of the investment, the LEE version is a good starter mold.

lotech

10-05-2015, 08:56 AM

Rcbs 30-180 fn

Shuz

10-05-2015, 10:44 AM

Rcbs 30-150fn

runfiverun

10-05-2015, 11:13 AM

ditto the 30-150 fngc.

one of the things I have found with 30 cal rifles is that they all seem to want something different depending on their age.
an 03A3, a 1917, your ruger 308, a savage 30-06, and your model 94 all will like something different
the rcbs does very well in all of them.

Outpost75

10-05-2015, 12:10 PM

Lee C312-155-2R "C.E. Harris" bullet

Larry Gibson

10-05-2015, 12:32 PM

+1 for the time proven 311041.

Larry Gibson

williamwaco

10-05-2015, 02:01 PM

+1 for the time proven 311041.

Larry Gibson

I agree. But the Lee 170 is virtually a clone.

runfiverun

10-05-2015, 03:07 PM

Lee C312-155-2R "C.E. Harris" bullet
yessir, this is another good all around works well in boutnearly everything design.

Aunegl

10-05-2015, 05:02 PM

Rcbs 165 sil

45-70 Chevroner

10-05-2015, 06:42 PM

Yes I like the Lee 155 also but it leaves all lever guns out of the picture except the mod. 99.

Vegas Vince

10-05-2015, 06:49 PM

Lee C312-155-2R. or Lee CTL312-160-2R design by "C.E Harris" sized to .308, shoots well

Lonegun1894

10-05-2015, 06:51 PM

Other here, cause I like the Lyman 31141, but the Lee 170gr shoots almost as well for me.

adkpete

10-05-2015, 07:07 PM

I like the 31141 also

Boolseye

10-05-2015, 07:45 PM

My most versatile shooter is the Ed Harris design TL312-160-2R. From the 91/30 to the Blackout, it does it all.

P Flados

10-05-2015, 08:25 PM

The Op included "greatest chance of success with a variety of 30 caliber cartridges" without specifying application.

He did not ask for "best performing for most applications", simply a "chance of success".

Although a round point or a spire point may be "better" for some applications, I know of no applications where 30 cal flat points do not work. Flat points are "just better" for tubular magazine lever guns and for some hunting applications. Therefore I would suggest that a flat point is more likely to better cover the full spectrum of possible uses.

For some guns, too much bullet out past the crimp groove will not work.

For some guns, too heavy just will not work.

This tends to push the choice down to the 150 - 165 range.

Heavier was traditionally better when thinking about getting "near full power" while limiting velocities, but given the success of PC and certain alloys, there are not too many cartridges where even the 150 is "just too light" to have "a chance for success".

Of the designs listed, the Lee C309-150-F seems to meet the OP parameters as good or better than any other.

With just a little bit better focus, any of the slightly heavier (165 & 170) flat points may become slightly better choices.

I have both of the Lee C309-150-F and the Lee C309-170-F. I see nothing "wrong" with these bullets and for most "new casters" cost is also a factor. I would suggest that spending less on the first molds and more on other needed items will improve their overall chances of having overall casting success early on.

Bottom line is the Lee C309-150-F unless some unstated reason points to the Lee C309-170-F.

Elkins45

10-06-2015, 08:51 PM

Well, if nothing else this thread cost me a few bucks. I saw that the NOE specials for this week included the 311047, which has been highly recommended in this thread. A four cavity is now on the way to me.

RustyReel

10-06-2015, 09:09 PM

308375.....one you don't see mentioned often but it has shot well in every 30 cal I have tried it in from a 30/30 bolt gun thru an 06. 168gr GC.

Boolseye

10-06-2015, 09:12 PM

I know of no applications where 30 cal flat points do not work.
They don't cycle too well in an AR. You're right, though–the spire points are dangerous in a tubular mag, unless hollow-pointed. I love that Lee 170 FP, too. Perfect 30-30 boolit.

oldblinddog

10-06-2015, 10:07 PM

Either 311041 or RCBS 30-180-FN. Both of mine are the NOE versions. Lubed and checked they are 185 and 200 gr. respectively.

A pause for the COZ

10-07-2015, 07:07 PM

Yup its by far the Lee C312-155-2R "C.E. Harris" bullet

Works in every 30 cal gun I have tried it in. including the Ruskie stuff.

Okie73

10-07-2015, 07:58 PM

I went with other. Lee C312-155

MT Gianni

10-07-2015, 08:14 PM

311466 with the Saeco 315 a close second.

adrians

10-08-2015, 06:25 AM

:arrow: 311041 [smilie=p:

GhostHawk

10-08-2015, 07:04 AM

I have had my best success in .30 caliber with my Lee .312 185 gr gas check. Works equally well in my Mosin's, SKS, and sized to 309 my .300BO.

fecmech

10-09-2015, 02:25 PM

I don't have a great deal of .30 cal experience, just an old savage 340 in 30-30. I don't push it hard because I don't like recoil so all of my loading is in the 1300-1600 fps range. The Lee 312-155 2R averages less than 2 moa@100 yds with no gc in the 1300 fps range, love that load and shoot it a bunch!

TXGunNut

10-09-2015, 11:01 PM

I have a variety of 30 cal rifles and a variety of 30 cal moulds. Seems every rifle has a favorite mould. I like the RD 165, actually have a couple of different versions. It seems to do well in my Marlin and maybe one Winchester. I like the NOE version of the 311-041 but haven't spent much time with it. My older Winchester's don't like the boolits that my more recent Marlins like. Not sure what my Savage likes, I hope it likes the mould Ranch Dog designed for it. I have one mould (NOE 310-164?) that doesn't seem to work in any of my rifles, apparently I don't have the right rifle yet because it is a very promising design. ;-)
In my limited experience the boolit's nose shape is critical in my rifles, older guns seem to have tighter throats. No idea what my '06's like, they're still shooting j-words...for now.
I'm not sure there is one mould that answers the OP but I'm pretty sure I haven't found it.

Yodogsandman

10-11-2015, 11:57 PM

I like to keep an eye on the Cast Bullet Association competition results for best designs. Powders, too.

10x

10-12-2015, 09:01 AM

You left out the Loverin bullets.
130 grain 311465
and the 311405
311407
Not to mention the 311466
I have yet to have a Loverin style bullet not shoot great groups.

lobogunleather

10-12-2015, 09:26 AM

Other: Lee C309-170 (flat point, gas check).

I have used this bullet very successfully for over 30 years in .30-30, .308, .300 Savage, .30-40 Krag, and .30-06. I cast these of 50% wheel weights and 50% linotype metal, Hornady gas checks applied with RCBS lubri-sizer and .309" sizing die, NRA formula Alox lube.

In all calibers listed I load these with 30.0 grains H335 or BLC-2, which just about duplicates factory .30-30 performance. These loads have put at least 40 deer in the freezer for us, almost all taken with a single shot.

Elkins45

10-12-2015, 06:15 PM

You left out the Loverin bullets.
130 grain 311465
and the 311405
311407
Not to mention the 311466
I have yet to have a Loverin style bullet not shoot great groups.

The 311407 is in the poll.

9.3X62AL

10-12-2015, 06:40 PM

My vote went to Lyman #311291. Lyman #311041 is a very close second (and is uber-favored in 30-30 WCF). Lee 309-200 is impressing me in early work in my Mauser 98 30-06 and its PERFECT 4-groove .300" x .308" dimensions and .3085" throat. All of my previous '06s have had sloppier throats (.310"-.311"), but still shot j-words and castings (if sized properly) very well. This Tale Of The Tape on the 30-06 has caused me to re-figure all of my pet loads in 30-06.

castshooter-too

10-13-2015, 04:55 PM

rcbs 180fngc or lyman 311284, both great designs

avogunner

10-14-2015, 06:52 AM

I voted the 311299 but I like a 170FP (Lee or Lyman) just as well. It was my go to for the .30-30 and my RIA 03 but since I'm a Garand guy, I had to go with the 200gr boolit!

Wolfer

10-16-2015, 07:27 PM

I don't have enough experience with different molds to make any suggestions. My first 30 cal mold is the 311041. I use it in 3 different 30-06, a 30-30 and 30-40 Krag.
I have seen no reason to change. Performance has been excellent on both paper and game.

Bigslug

12-24-2015, 10:14 PM

At this point in the game for me, 311299 - accuracy without effort!

unique

12-24-2015, 10:20 PM

Its silly to have a poll about the best 30 cal design without including the 311284 which is clearly the best.

Hick

12-25-2015, 01:30 AM

311291 170 grain

leadhead 500

12-25-2015, 09:45 AM

I load a lot of cast for 308 winchester and so far out of everything I have tried the Saeco 315 (Noe) version has produced some outstanding 100 yard groups. For the 200 yard and beyond The Rcbs 180 SP is a great one

10x

12-25-2015, 10:37 AM

At this point in the game for me, 311299 - accuracy without effort!

"accuracy without effort!"

Ain't that the truth!

6622729

12-25-2015, 03:16 PM

Lee C312-155-2R "C.E. Harris" bullet

That's the one for me!

Petro58

12-25-2015, 07:56 PM

Lee C312-155-2R "C.E. Harris" bullet
Just Got 1 of these for Christmas, my first Rifle Boolit Mold.

Pablo 5959

12-27-2015, 03:34 PM

Early this month, eBay emailed me a $50.00 credit coupon for I don't know why.
It gave me a few days to spend it. So I spent it..http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u543/Pablo5959/image.jpg1_zpsrc4nqhcu.jpg (http://s1321.photobucket.com/user/Pablo5959/media/image.jpg1_zpsrc4nqhcu.jpg.html)
So far I'm pretty happy with it.
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u543/Pablo5959/image.jpg1_zpsi0w2exr8.jpg (http://s1321.photobucket.com/user/Pablo5959/media/image.jpg1_zpsi0w2exr8.jpg.html)
Pablo

singleshot

12-27-2015, 07:50 PM

The Harris boolit is great in bolts and semis but won't feed my levers, so I went with the RD. Works in everything I've tried it in.

Butler Ford

12-27-2015, 08:17 PM

Other: 311041 with RCBS 30-180-FN running a close second

BF

rondog

12-27-2015, 11:48 PM

Forgive me, but I'm not familiar enough with mold numbers yet - I'm seeing 311041 and 31141, are those the same bullet or two different ones?

Butler Ford

12-28-2015, 09:25 AM

Forgive me, but I'm not familiar enough with mold numbers yet - I'm seeing 311041 and 31141, are those the same bullet or two different ones?
Same mould

BF

Elkins45

12-28-2015, 09:34 AM

Its silly to have a poll about the best 30 cal design without including the 311284 which is clearly the best.

Mine is WAY too fat in the nose to chamber in any of my rifles unless I shove 3/4 of it below the case neck--no exaggeration. I may eventually try it in my Garand, which just might have enough throat erosion to let it chamber. I have a whole soup can full of them I cast a couple of years ago when I bought the mold and they are just sitting on my bench taking up space.

Lonegun1894

12-28-2015, 11:18 AM

Forgive me, but I'm not familiar enough with mold numbers yet - I'm seeing 311041 and 31141, are those the same bullet or two different ones?

The things some mold makers do just to confuse you and me... :)

10x

12-28-2015, 11:56 AM

Forgive me, but I'm not familiar enough with mold numbers yet - I'm seeing 311041 and 31141, are those the same bullet or two different ones?

This should help

http://www.reloadingtips.com/pages/lyman-mold-reference.htm and this

should give you an idea.

http://www.three-peaks.net/bullet_molds.htm

Bullet mold numbers are not acronyms - they are a reference to a unique design and may change depending on the manufacturer of the mold.
Some bullet molds will have a name - like the 22 Bator or the design may have the name of the designer Loverin or Kieth

And bullet mold numbers on mold blocks may be misleading - the lyman 225415 mold has come out in several different weights depending on the machinist who cut the mold cherry.

z28z34man

12-28-2015, 09:01 PM

I am not really qualified to answer but I went with the 311041 for my 336 clone and will try it in my rem 700 30.06 and garand

Dapaki

04-07-2020, 09:36 AM

Lee C312-155-2R but in the TL design.

corbinace

04-07-2020, 03:45 PM

Still an interesting thread, even after 4.5 years. I like my NOE 316299 for my fat 303.

ABJ

04-07-2020, 04:50 PM

This thread was a bear trap. I voted before I looked at the date. oh well.
LOL
Tony

rking22

04-07-2020, 07:34 PM

Back in 15 I picked “other” 311041, 4 and a half years later, the NOE version of the Harris 155 is running close, like tied! If I had to those 2 molds could do my 30 caliber rifles. Glad I don’t have to. Some people collect string, I collect 30 caliber rifle molds.

Boolseye

04-08-2020, 06:22 PM

Have to agree on the Harris designs for sheer versatility. I have the TL312-160-2R and I can load it in every .30 cal that I own (a little pointy for a tubular magazine, but other than that...) Big enough for my oversized Nagants or size it down for .308, 300 AAC and others.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Maineboy

04-08-2020, 06:33 PM

I voted for the 311 291 because it has proven "pretty good" in every 30 caliber rifle I've tried it in but it hasn't been the best in any of them. It is a good mould to start with. The Lee 150 FN, which has been my favorite in 30-30 and 300 Savage, has been almost as good as an all around boolit. The 314299 has been best in my Krag and Finn M39, the 311284 in my M70 30-06, the 311407 in my Remington 03A3, and the Lee 155 SP in 7.5X55. The little Lee "soup can" is also a great boolit in many 30 caliber cartridges. Recently I've been experimenting with the Lyman 311644 and 311672 so my favorites may change in the next few months.

Boolseye

04-08-2020, 08:30 PM

The little Lee "soup can" is also a great boolit in many 30 caliber cartridges.
Have long been interested in that one, have not been able to track one down.
Are they in current production?

Maineboy

04-08-2020, 09:47 PM

Have long been interested in that one, have not been able to track one down.
Are they in current production?

I believe so because Lee has them listed on their web site. The correct designation is C309-113-F. I'm not sure who first called it the soup can but it is a good description of it.
Midsouth has it. https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690362/double-cavity-mold-c309-113-f

Boolseye

04-09-2020, 11:05 AM

I believe so because Lee has them listed on their web site. The correct designation is C309-113-F. I'm not sure who first called it the soup can but it is a good description of it.
Midsouth has it. https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690362/double-cavity-mold-c309-113-f

Oh yeah, that little guy. I was picturing a wadcutter.

Texas by God

04-09-2020, 01:58 PM

Whoever called the C309113F a soup can must have grown up just seeing damaged cans......anyway it's great in .30 Carbine. I'll go ahead and vote on the C309150F because it has shot well in everything and superb in some rifles. It's the first rifle boolit I ever cast and I haven't looked much farther.

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Forrest r

04-09-2020, 02:30 PM

lee 160tl-2r with the Eagan mx4-30a a close 2nd

skeet1

04-10-2020, 10:09 AM

Not mentioned on the poll is my 2nd favorite the Lee 312-185 sized at .311. I shoot this in my 03-A3 and is shoots equal to my 311299!

white eagle

04-10-2020, 10:31 AM

You left of my favorite 31141

mine too!

Boolseye

04-10-2020, 02:33 PM

Tracy

04-11-2020, 01:05 PM

31141.

Lloyd Smale

09-08-2020, 06:47 AM

i voted other. the hands down most accurate 30 cal bullet mold ive found is the 130 rcbs spitzer gas check.

charlie b

09-08-2020, 08:23 AM

I can't say that I have one that is definitely better than the others. I only have the Garand and .308 bolt guns. The Garand likes the Accurate 31-210E but it shoots well with the XCB also. It is limited because of my eyesight and the open sights.

The bolt gun shoots sub-MOA with the RCBS 165SIL, Lyman 311299, Lee C309-180, Acc 31-210E (Eagan clone) and the XCB. The Eagan bullet has a slight edge over the others but mainly because I have shot it more. I've refined the casting technique, nose and base sized to fit my barrel, and adjusted seating depths more with it than any of the others.

I'd use the XCB more in the .308, but, after powder coating it is a bit too fat for the short throat in that rifle. The gas check is well into the case when the bullet is touching the lands.