788 Again

[joatmon]

I have a 30-30 that I want to target shoot with cast only, am wondering a few things. I'd like mold for target only, which one? Which powder for this new mold and any idea on starting charges?
Thanks for your thoughts. Aaron

[oldblinddog]

Lyman 311041 (get the NOE version) and use 28.0 gr. H4895. Cannot be more simple than that.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

For target shooting with a bolt action 30-30, I would use a pointed bullet (less wind drift) in the 150-180 grain range, 311413 or 311332 or similar. I like and use 5744 and Reloder 7, H4198 also works well in moderate loads. 16-20 grains depending, if shooting 100 yards or less, a lighter bullet, 120 to 130 might work and keep recoil down while using less lead.

[Larry Gibson]

A Lyman 311466 or the NOE version is the best bet for a "classic" target bullet. The NOE 30 XCB would be a better choice though. All three will give better accuracy most often than will any bore rider. If a heavier bullet is desired there are some other custom designs that will perform as well such as the Eagan designs.

Larry Gibson

[atr]

my 30-30 bolt action savage 340 does real well with the Lee 312-180 gr RN over 28gr of WIN748. I get 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" groups at 100 yds. Pointed boolits don't seem to do well.

[joatmon]

Thanks for the replies, now I have my shopping list!
Aaron

[Scharfschuetze]

My 788 in 30/30 is very accurate using the Lyman 311041 bullet. The most accurate loads are with 34 grains of surplus 4831 powder although 27 grains of surplus 4895 will give that load a run for the money most any day. The 4831 load will hold just under 1 3/4 MOA at 200 yards for 10 shot groups. I've often shot 5 shot 1 MOA groups with this bullet at 100 yards. With it's 1 in 10" rifling twist, my most accurate loads with the 788 don't exceed 1,900 fps.

I might add, that my 788 hasn't really shot the 311299 (fairly pointed) bullet very well, although I really should try some different powders with it. Another point against pointed bullets is that the magazine is designed for factory length round or flat nose 30/30 bullets so unless you are single loading, the OAL of your round is very limited and thus the classic 30/30 projectiles work the best for all around use.

[dg31872]

Anyone ever change the 788 trigger to the Timney? If so, are you happy that you did?

[Wayne R. Scott]

Anyone ever change the 788 trigger to the Timney? If so, are you happy that you did?

Yes, I have. Yes I am glad that I did,mainly because the 788 that I bought in an on line auction had the factory trigger epoxied into an unworkable mess. The other two 788's that I own have very good factory triggers.

[bstone5]

Have used Timney triggers in several 788 rifles, has worked well for me.

[oldblinddog]

My 788 in 30/30 is very accurate using the Lyman 311041 bullet. The most accurate loads are with 34 grains of surplus 4831 powder although 27 grains of surplus 4895 will give that load a run for the money most any day. The 4831 load will hold just under 1 3/4 MOA at 200 yards for 10 shot groups. I've often shot 5 shot 1 MOA groups with this bullet at 100 yards. With it's 1 in 10" rifling twist, my most accurate loads with the 788 don't exceed 1,900 fps.

I might add, that my 788 hasn't really shot the 311299 (fairly pointed) bullet very well, although I really should try some different powders with it. Another point against pointed bullets is that the magazine is designed for factory length round or flat nose 30/30 bullets so unless you are single loading, the OAL of your round is very limited and thus the classic 30/30 projectiles work the best for all around use.

What scope is that on your 788? Looks like it grew there.

[Texas by God]

That's a Weaver I believe. It does look good there. I'm a Weaverite me self.

[Scharfschuetze]

That's a Weaver I believe. It does look good there. I'm a Weaverite me self.

Spot on Tex. It's an old 8 power K Series. It's fits the rifle's age well and was probably installed by the original owner. He did a good job of taking care of the rifle with the exception of some blood rust spots on the scope and rear left of the receiver. They're mostly on the scope, so the rifle escaped most of that oversight.

Shooting a 30/30 with a scope on it seems a lot like cheating!

[Texas by God]

I'm finding out the 30-30 cartridge is amazingly accurate in the right gun.
I've had Marlins post some great groups but not like a bolt action.

[oldblinddog]

An 8x on a .30-30! Who would have thought that!? I heartily approve!