UtopiaTexasG19
08-30-2011, 11:07 AM
The powder chart corresponding with the Ranch Dog 30-30 mold and H4895 powder shows a maximum charge of 32.3 grains. Has anyone used this combination that knows a minimum powder charge? I need a range to test out and do not know where to begin to find the most accurate charge for my 336. Thanks...
I am dealing with multiple complications at the same time. I cast two batches of the Ranch Dog 30-30 with two sources of lead. Both batches cast great and the bullets from both batches weigh in around 165 grains. I loaded them (with gas checks) with the Ranch Dog chart with the H4895 at 32 grains. The chart on the Ranch Dog site lists 32.2 grains of H4895 as the max. but there is no minimum listed. I shot 12 rounds from each batch and found no leading in the barrel of my 336 with just a hint of powder residue in the barrel upon cleaning. After doing all this my hardness tester arrived and I found that batch 1 of my lead tested with a BHN of 8.6 and batch #2 tested at a BHN of 5! All the holes in the paper targets at 50 yards are perfect circles and I am amazed that the really soft lead stayed round at the target. At this point I'm trying to find someone who has used the Ranch Dog mold with the H4895 and has found a minimum charge. I have cast and loaded pistol rounds for years and have loaded manufactured cast bullets for the 30-30 but this is my first attempt to cast, use gas checks and load my own in the 30-30.
PS- My 336 is a 1974 vintage so I think that makes it a 1:12 twist micro groove set up.
I am dealing with multiple complications at the same time. I cast two batches of the Ranch Dog 30-30 with two sources of lead. Both batches cast great and the bullets from both batches weigh in around 165 grains. I loaded them (with gas checks) with the Ranch Dog chart with the H4895 at 32 grains. The chart on the Ranch Dog site lists 32.2 grains of H4895 as the max. but there is no minimum listed. I shot 12 rounds from each batch and found no leading in the barrel of my 336 with just a hint of powder residue in the barrel upon cleaning. After doing all this my hardness tester arrived and I found that batch 1 of my lead tested with a BHN of 8.6 and batch #2 tested at a BHN of 5! All the holes in the paper targets at 50 yards are perfect circles and I am amazed that the really soft lead stayed round at the target. At this point I'm trying to find someone who has used the Ranch Dog mold with the H4895 and has found a minimum charge. I have cast and loaded pistol rounds for years and have loaded manufactured cast bullets for the 30-30 but this is my first attempt to cast, use gas checks and load my own in the 30-30.
PS- My 336 is a 1974 vintage so I think that makes it a 1:12 twist micro groove set up.