30 30 mold

[evodude]

Im using wheel weights in the Lee 150 grn. gas check and am clustering 5 bullets in a 2" circle at 50 yds. Thats with IMR 4198 at around 2100 fps. .309 mould, am quite happy with it.

[rintinglen]

311-466, sized .310 over 17.5 grs 2400 is excellent.

[rhouser]

I've told this story before. I have a Marlin 30-30 that would not shoot a 3 in group at 50 with ANY commercial cast (more like 6" groups at 50). I tried on and off for 2 years with about 10 different type/brand commercial cast and a bunch of different powders. This devils spawn just wouldn't shoot. I couldn't/wouldn't even sell it because it wouldn't shoot. I hated this rifle.

I finally bought a RD 311.165-RF bullet mold (my first time casting) and the darned gun printed the first 5 rounds at and honest inch. I had only successfully cast 30 usable bullets for that day (out of 150 that were culls), but, all 30 were used in shooting the center out of my target.

I now LOVE that rifle because it shoots the RD's like a champ.

That was a couple of years ago, but, it caused me to always advise people with Marlin Microgroove barrel 30-30's NOT to give up till after they tried the RD bullet. Turns out that Marlin Microgroove barrels are Ranch Dogs specialty.

just my 2 cents... rc

[jimkim]

I just cast my first from a Ranch Dog mold this past weekend and am very impressed so far. I have hated Lee molds in the past and swore I'd never mess with one again, but had never tried a six cavity and after the first pot, that thing is a joy to use.

The Ranch Dog design looks good. I mainly wanted a deer hunting bullet, and I'm sure it's terminal performance will be great, but if it's reasonably accurate, it may become my standard bullet in .30s.

I had the same opinion about most of the Lee two cav moulds. My mentor told me, "the six cav moulds are a completely different animal." So far he's right. I just wish they offered everything in a six cavity.

[TXGunNut]

I'm in on the GB for the 311041 but Michael owes some of you a thank you. I couldn't wait and ordered his 311-165 w/ all the extras. Just wish he carried gas checks. The 336 in 30-30 is aways down my project list but this thread has been fun. Thanks!