Best all-around 30 caliber design?

[Boolseye]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I went with other. Lee C312-155

[MT Gianni]

311466 with the Saeco 315 a close second.

[adrians]

311041

[GhostHawk]

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]

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]

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]

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

[10x]

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]

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]

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]

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]

rcbs 180fngc or lyman 311284, both great designs

[avogunner]

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!