Suggestions for Hunting loads using the 165 grain Ranch Dog in 30-30

[Beagler]

Have been shooting put-put rounds so far using Unique. Its time to hop it up for the big critters. Does anybody have any solid suggestions? I do not have much for load data on this bullet. Have alot of the IMR powders and 748. RD has the load data sheets on the web site but says there only a basic guideline. Shooting them out of a Marlin 30-30 336W. I just put the XS Sight System Peep/ghost ring sights on it and love'em. Any help is appreciated.

[btroj]

I bet 748 would work well.
I used RE 15 a few year ago as I had ALOT on hand.
30-30 does well wi many, many powders. Those in the 4895 burn rate area do quite well.

Brad

[DLCTEX]

R=7 20 gr. - 1600 fps, 28.5 gr. - 2150 fps.

[Rocky Raab]

16.0 2400 gives me 1900 fps with a 170-gr GC bullet and very good accuracy. I also like 20.0 of A5744 for about the same speed. Going faster doesn't gain you much if anything.

[Larry Gibson]

28 gr 4895 always works for me. However, I've done quite a bit of loading with LeveRevolution powder under the 311041HP. I get another 200 fps (2200+ fps) with that 177 gr bullet out of my M94AE with less psi than most regular factory 170 gr j loads. If your interested I can post the data.

Larry Gibson

[Canuck Bob]

Larry, I am very interested in the LVR data. I am soon receiving my mold for a 32 Special and intend to work up J and cast bullet loads with that powder.

[Beagler]

Thanks for the info guys very helpful. My mother stopped by today with a surprise for me. She was raiding the garage sales last week and picked up a copy of LEES SECOND EDITION MODERN RELOADING BIBLE for .50 looks brand new. She said "I saw RELOADING on the cover and it was cheap so hear you go". Anyway it got some CB load that look good in it using H335 and Varget. Having both powders and other mentioned in above posts I will be plinking away after this Hurricane blows through. What a mess thats going to be.

[Larry Gibson]

Larry, I am very interested in the LVR data. I am soon receiving my mold for a 32 Special and intend to work up J and cast bullet loads with that powder.

Start at 34 gr with a 170 - 180 gr cast bullet and work up in 1/2 gr increments to cases capacity (40 gr with the 311041 in 30-30 cases). The psi's will be below 38,500 psi which is what some 170 gr j bullet loads do in the 30-30. I suggest 7 -10 shot groups at 100 yards testing for accuracy. With softer alloyed bullets pushing 1900 fps+ such as AC'd WW+2% Sn + 50% Pb I clean the barrel after each test group. Accuracy is usually the best for the 1st 5 shots through the clean barrel. Some times one fouler is fired though. I hunt with a clean barrel using these softer alloyed cast bullets at higher velocities. Figure if I've not got the deer in 5 shots i may as well go home and clean the rifle anyways.....

I've found that with harder alloys at 1800 - 1900 fps I can shoot all day long with a fouled/seasoned barrel. But with the softer alloyed hunting bullets at higher velocity cleaning the barrel gives best accuracy for the 1st 5 -8 shots. I find this to run true with most .30, .31 and .35 cal rifles with rare exception.

Larry Gibson

[jmsj]

Larry,
Thanks for the LVR data.
I too am going to start load development for the RD-311-165. The intent for this bullets is for black bear and hopefuly hogs.
I have two questions, how would you compare LVR to 748 and what do you consider "harder alloys"( ACWW's, WDWW's or other)
Thanks, jmsj

[Larry Gibson]

I consider "harder alloys" as those above 15 BHN.

748 is going to have the same type of pressure rise that normal powders do peaking with in the 1st 1/3 of the barrel length. LvR powder has a very gentle pressure rise and peaks at the 1/2 way point in the barrel. Seeming ly not much difference but enough to make the extra fps worthwhile. Comparing loads with 760 to LvR with the RCBS 180 FN cast bullet the LvR powder produce 200 fps more velocity at the same psi; 36,200 psi(M43). I haven't actually tested with 748 but would expect similar results.

Larry Gibson

[Canuck Bob]

Thanks Larry,

LVR sure offers some interesting performance for 30-30 and 32 Special.

[jmsj]

Larry,
Thanks for the additional info.
jmsj

[Bret4207]

It;s not Lever-lution powder ( or whatever they call it) but good old 3031 at 30-31 grs will get you in the 22-2300 fps range. I'd start down around 28.0 and work up and see if the combo works.

[Larry Gibson]

Bret

Yup, 3031 can get you there in a 24" barrel but the psi will be over the SAAMI MAP of 43,000 psi for the 30-30, been there, done that, got the T-shirt. The LeveRevolution powder will get you to the same velocity with 35 - 38,000 psi, well under the SAAMI MAP. Both powders cost about the same. That's the point; the higher velocity, just as good if not better accuracy (especially when pushing softer cast bullets that fast), the same cost and at much less psi which is gentler on the rifle and on the cases.

I've been a great fan and proponant of 4895 under cast bullets in the 30-30 for many years. However, sometimes "new" is better and I've switched to LeveRevolution powder in my hunting 30-30 loads, cast and jacketed. LeveRevolution powder just plain is better all the way around.

Larry Gibson

[atr]

Im a die--hard 4895 fan in 30-30,,,,but now you have me thinking....

[Larry Gibson]

Im a die--hard 4895 fan in 30-30,,,,but now you have me thinking....

I certainly was too until I tested LeveRevolution ........

Larry Gibson

[Bret4207]

Boy, I hate to fix something that isn't broke. I'll keep it in mind Larry. Truth is I only shoot maybe 3 shots a year with the heavy loads.

Whats the Lever-stuff in CUP (what I'm used to) if you know? I'm surprised it's that high with cast. Is that with jacketed maybe?

[frnkeore]

Larry,
Very impressive. I had never considered that powder.

It sounds like the powder for 180 gr RN jacketed in my 30 Remington pump or in 30/30's.

Is it ball or stick powder?

Frank

[Beagler]

chrony'd some Ranch Dogs today using 27 grains of H335 Avg. was just a touch over 1900fps and they shoot like a dream. Got my huntin load:Luvcastboolits:

[izzyjoe]

i can't wait to get a hold of some of that LVR powder, i'd also like to test it in the 8x57 with boolits, if that's feasable. :grin: