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Thread: 30-30 lead reloading ?

  1. #21
    Boolit Master
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    You are obviously shooting "cowboy" LR. Not the same as what most of us consider long range. But, welcome to the club!

    What you need are just above what we call "mouse fart" loads. These usually run about 1,000-1,400fps and use a shotgun-pistol powder such as RedDot or Unique. For your purposes, either #2400 or BlueDot will work without any need for fillers.

    I suggest you get the Lee 150gr FNGC mold and try casting them yourself. Get the Lee bullet sizer in .311" and lube with the Lee liquid Alox that comes whither the sizer. No need for a gas check under 1,600fps. Most any scrap lead will work, but range scrap mixed with tire weights will be best for your needs. The Lee 170gr FNGC is my second choice. It's a bit hitchy feeding due to nose length. The 150 casts to just under 160gr, the 170 to almost 180. I do like the 170 in .30/06 or .303Brit, however.

    You will absolutely need to trim the cases to same length, and flare the case necks.
    Start at 12.0gr and work up to 14.5-16.0gr of either powder. This will yield approximately 1,200-1,600fps. At the upper end, they kill deer handily to 120yds. For higher velocity you'll need to go with gaschecks and slower powders.
    Be REAL careful however.... you are plunging into an abyss. I started out casting with the sams basic equipment in 1976. I've now loaded/shot several million rounds of self cast bullets, won a few national titles in NRA PPC competition, to include several national records. It's addictive!!!

    There are several commercial casters that cast what you need but I can't recommend any as most of what I've seen are what I reject and throw back in the pot. Either way, for the Marlin, .311" is what I use. I get at or under 2" 5-shot groups at 100yds from my Marlin/Glenfield M30 at 2,200fps with an assortment of powders. My favorite is RELOADER15, with H4895 close, but IMR 3031 was what I had my first high velocity success with about 40yrs ago.
    For commercial suppliers try these three;
    Oregon, Meister, and Hunters Supply. MidwayUSA sells the Hunters Supply; some get low ratings. Buy them direct, and get at least 250 as shipping is included. The .311" 165gr flatnose is what you want.
    BUT, you can buy the Lee equipment for what 250-500 cost, and cast 2,000-3,000 before needing more lube!

  2. #22
    Boolit Grand Master popper's Avatar
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    If you can't find proper sized boolits, PC could help.
    Whatever!

  3. #23

  4. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by curator View Post
    You mean there's something better in the Marlin 336 than the Lyman #311041 sized .311 and cast of ACWW then loaded with 25 grains of IMR 3031? This load has been a hog & deer harvester for 30+ years here in SW Florida using several micro-groove marlin and H&R rifles. Accurate, feeds well, incredible performance, low recoil, shoots to the factory sights out to 75 yards. Rarely find a fired bullet but when we do it is classic "mushroom." No problem penetrating the grizzle-cape of large boar hogs or hitting large bones. As good or better than 170 grain factory "soft-points" at 1/4 the cost.
    Funny, I killed my first "small bore" cast deer with that exact load, except I added 2 ounces of 95/5 solder to a ten pound pot of wheel weights. Also, rifle was a Savage 340, but it worked great. The mold is an old single cavity Ideal.

  5. #25
    Boolit Mold Eyesa Horg's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GooseGestapo View Post
    You are obviously shooting "cowboy" LR. Not the same as what most of us consider long range. But, welcome to the club!

    What you need are just above what we call "mouse fart" loads. These usually run about 1,000-1,400fps and use a shotgun-pistol powder such as RedDot or Unique. For your purposes, either #2400 or BlueDot will work without any need for fillers.

    I suggest you get the Lee 150gr FNGC mold and try casting them yourself. Get the Lee bullet sizer in .311" and lube with the Lee liquid Alox that comes whither the sizer. No need for a gas check under 1,600fps. Most any scrap lead will work, but range scrap mixed with tire weights will be best for your needs. The Lee 170gr FNGC is my second choice. It's a bit hitchy feeding due to nose length. The 150 casts to just under 160gr, the 170 to almost 180. I do like the 170 in .30/06 or .303Brit, however.

    You will absolutely need to trim the cases to same length, and flare the case necks.
    Start at 12.0gr and work up to 14.5-16.0gr of either powder. This will yield approximately 1,200-1,600fps. At the upper end, they kill deer handily to 120yds. For higher velocity you'll need to go with gaschecks and slower powders.
    Be REAL careful however.... you are plunging into an abyss. I started out casting with the sams basic equipment in 1976. I've now loaded/shot several million rounds of self cast bullets, won a few national titles in NRA PPC competition, to include several national records. It's addictive!!!

    There are several commercial casters that cast what you need but I can't recommend any as most of what I've seen are what I reject and throw back in the pot. Either way, for the Marlin, .311" is what I use. I get at or under 2" 5-shot groups at 100yds from my Marlin/Glenfield M30 at 2,200fps with an assortment of powders. My favorite is RELOADER15, with H4895 close, but IMR 3031 was what I had my first high velocity success with about 40yrs ago.
    For commercial suppliers try these three;
    Oregon, Meister, and Hunters Supply. MidwayUSA sells the Hunters Supply; some get low ratings. Buy them direct, and get at least 250 as shipping is included. The .311" 165gr flatnose is what you want.
    BUT, you can buy the Lee equipment for what 250-500 cost, and cast 2,000-3,000 before needing more lube!


    That's some great info Goose, You're correct this is more on the Cowboy LR side and we're limited to 1600 FPS. I was able to get some 3031 and the Hunter bullets. Loaded 10 yesterday @ 22.5 grains per the Lyman book and hope to try 'em today! My first foray into reloading rifle cartridges. Now the experimenting starts! Dang these shooting sports a great! I used the Lee factory crimp die and they look pretty good, hope they shoot as good as they look! Will probably have to try the different weights as well. The gun always liked factory 170's better that 150's, but these will be the first cast bullets I've shot and they ran about 168 grs. give or take about 1/2 gr. The next batch I'll separate by weight to see if it makes a difference as well. Only ordered 100 to start, I see casting in my future. It never ends does it?!

  6. #26
    Boolit Grand Master popper's Avatar
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    I get 1300-1400 fps with a 175 gr PB & unique (10 gr) in my 336, decent accuracy but to get 1600 I use 2400 (16 gr is less $ than 21gr). You want a small FN, not the huge one on the 041. 1/2 gr. won't make any difference. I do have an unopened can of 3031, just not tried it. I assume you're shooting at steel targets.
    Whatever!

  7. #27
    In Remembrance w30wcf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Eyesa Horg View Post
    Much Obliged Salmon Eye---
    I double checked our club rules and I can go to 1600 FPS and gas checks are allowed. Range runs out 466 yards, but I don't see my eyes shooting stock sights at that distance, I can barely see the targets, so I figure about 200+
    What sights do you have on your rifle? Accuracy at 1600 fps with the right load can be good to at least 600 yards in my experience.
    Are you permitted to single load from the magazine?
    w30wcf


    Eyesa,
    you can do
    aka w44wcf
    aka Jack Christian SASS 11993 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
    aka John Kort
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  8. #28
    Boolit Buddy iplaywithnoshoes's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tar Heel View Post
    Either the Lee, Lyman, or RCBS 170gr GC bullet will do fine up to 2000 fps. My preferred propellant is IMR 3031 and loads between 1600 and 2000 fps work just fine. Use Lyman #2 alloy and whatever bullet lube you prefer. I use NRA 50/50 with no problems. And yes, use a fatter bullet for the Marlin. Have fun!

    Attachment 193484
    Very much agreed on this. It's working very well in my .308 using Lyman #2 at 2000fps. Also using IMR 3031 and tumbled lubing with LLA. You should get something very similar in your .30-30.
    le ebin physics man

  9. #29
    In Remembrance w30wcf's Avatar
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    "That's some great info Goose, You're correct this is more on the Cowboy LR side and we're limited to 1600 FPS. I was able to get some 3031 and the Hunter bullets. Loaded 10 yesterday @ 22.5 grains per the Lyman book and hope to try 'em today! "

    WHOA! those bullets do not appear to be gas checked. If they are not, then your 3031 load will likely be inaccurate.
    w30wcf
    aka w44wcf
    aka Jack Christian SASS 11993 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
    aka John Kort
    NRA Life Member
    .22 W.C.F., .30 W.C.F., .44 W.C.F. Cartridge Historian

  10. #30
    Boolit Mold Eyesa Horg's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by w30wcf View Post
    What sights do you have on your rifle? Accuracy at 1600 fps with the right load can be good to at least 600 yards in my experience.
    Are you permitted to single load from the magazine?
    w30wcf


    Eyesa,
    you can do
    Due to the incessant rain here, I haven't been able to try the loads I made up with 3031 & Hunter bullets. I will be using the stock iron sights to begin with at least.Going to use the currently mounted scope for group testing however. I was also under the impression that gas checks wouldn't be needed under 1600FPS. We'll see how it goes. Thanks everyone for your input, it's most helpful when starting a new game, Hope I like it!

  11. #31
    Boolit Buddy edadmartin's Avatar
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    Hey, i havent posted in quite a while ,had 3 surgerys and in fections all last year .all my shooting projects were put on hold.i had my 91 marlin 30-30 cerracast and it came out .3115.this reading was within about 30 minutes after casting. i had slugged it earlier and i read .312
    so i want to cast and reload for this marlin. I also want to powdercoat the cast booits.
    Should my mold be a .308 or .311? Powder coating will add two thou . I want to size after powder coating.
    My thought is to cast for .311 , powder coat and size to .312. This may be all wet what would you all suggest
    "Make things as simple as possible, but no simpler" Albert Einstien

  12. #32
    Boolit Grand Master popper's Avatar
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    My thought is to cast for .311 , powder coat and size to .312.
    Probably correct but I'd go larger. Soft alloy drops small. Measured at bore/groove or just throat? Custom mould or something for a 303? Problem with using PC for dia. is you then can't use other lube.
    Whatever!

  13. #33
    Boolit Grand Master

    Wayne Smith's Avatar
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    Eyesa, how old are you and how good are your eyes? A receiver sight might be a welcome addition and with the Marlin it is simply a screw on - already drilled and threaded.
    Wayne the Shrink

    There is no 'right' that requires me to work for you or you to work for me!

  14. #34
    Boolit Mold Eyesa Horg's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wayne Smith View Post
    Eyesa, how old are you and how good are your eyes? A receiver sight might be a welcome addition and with the Marlin it is simply a screw on - already drilled and threaded.
    I'm 63 and figger a peep sight might be nice in the future. Went to work at the club this weekend and folks inferred that they are shooting at around 1200+ FPS, so I think I'll be OK without gas checks. Range will be around 266 yards to begin with the lever gun. Still raining, so haven't tried my first loads which should be just shy of 1600 FPS.
    Thanks much for all the info Pards.

  15. #35
    Boolit Grand Master

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    I'm 64 and in trifocals. I'm going to receiver sights or scopes on all my rifles. I don't expect that my eyes will get any better!
    Wayne the Shrink

    There is no 'right' that requires me to work for you or you to work for me!

  16. #36
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wayne Smith View Post
    Eyesa, how old are you and how good are your eyes? A receiver sight might be a welcome addition and with the Marlin it is simply a screw on - already drilled and threaded.
    Receiver sights are not legal in cowboy action long range... but are in NRA Lever Action silhouette.
    Griff
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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check