Savage 340A and first 30 cal cast boolits

[TheCelt]

I've been casting for 45 cal pistols and rifles for quite a while and decided to see what I could do with 30 cal. I bought a 311401 2 cavity mold, a PM 30 cal GC maker, couple of rolls of 0.016" x 0.5" aluminum and went to town. I cast a couple hundred boolits from "Mystery Metal", sized to 0.311" and applied the gas checks then pan lubed with a combination of 2500 and SPG. Loaded them in front of 26 grains of Varget (~1800fps) and headed to the range with my new (Old) Savage 340A in 30-30.

To say I was pleased would be an understatement. Had 35 rounds in a 4" circle at 50 yards which for my tired old eyes is great. Heck, the bead covered more than that!!

I'm sold. Next I'm going to try them in my Howa 1500 .308 to see if I can improve the group. My eyes are just not good enough anymore for iron sights past 50 yards so with the scope at 100 I should get a better idea of the boolits performance.

[Hang Fire]

Congratulations on your fine shooting. At 73 I know what you mean about old eyes.

When done right, the Stevens 325 and Savage 340 bolt actions can be extremely accurate with cast boolits. The .30-30 cartridge with it's long neck is ideal for shooting cast.

[nanuk]

I'm currently working on getting a 325... they sound like a fun gun

[TheCelt]

Congratulations on your fine shooting. At 73 I know what you mean about old eyes.

When done right, the Stevens 325 and Savage 340 bolt actions can be extremely accurate with cast boolits. The .30-30 cartridge with it's long neck is ideal for shooting cast.

Hang Fire I am mighty pleased with the Savage/Stevens 325/340 series of rifles. I was concerned about the unusual method of securing the barrel/reciever to the stock (screw in recoil lug and a strap around the barrel) but it works well. You are right about the 30-30 too......seems like a perfect cartridge for cast bullets especially those with gas checks. This 340A does not have provisions for mounting a scope but I may try a reciever sight on it for a little better resolution.

I think the fact that I had what I consider to be pretty good luck at casting 30 cal boolits my first attempt is more a testament to the rifle than the shooter!!!

[TheCelt]

I'm currently working on getting a 325... they sound like a fun gun

You won't be disapointed Nanuk!!!! Rifle shoots better than I can!!!

[kbstenberg]

I agree, my 340 is a good shooter also. The only problem I am having is that I have to size the cases differently than my 94. The 340's chamber is tighter. its not a problem, i just have to keep the cases separate.
Kevin

[TheCelt]

I agree, my 340 is a good shooter also. The only problem I am having is that I have to size the cases differently than my 94. The 340's chamber is tighter. its not a problem, i just have to keep the cases separate.
Kevin

Seems like you could shoot rounds in the 340, neck size/reload them and shoot in the 94, then full length size and back to the 340!!! I imagine it'd be tough keeping all that sorted out though, probably best to do it your way and have seperate cases for each rifle.

[Hang Fire]

This 340A does not have provisions for mounting a scope but I may try a reciever sight on it for a little better resolution.

I think the fact that I had what I consider to be pretty good luck at casting 30 cal boolits my first attempt is more a testament to the rifle than the shooter!!!

Williams makes a receiver aperture sight, IIRC without looking, think it is model FP340. I have it on my 325 as it is not D&T for scope either. I have yet to correct the problem of shooting high which requires a higher front sight. On my 325 front sight there is no dovetail and solid steel sight/ramp is retained by screws in the barrel.

With that aside, it groups beautifully with cast and for now I just abide the 6'' inches high at 100 yards.


And hey, don't be discounting your shooting ability in the equation.

[Char-Gar]

I am very glad you are happy. A Savage 340 bolt gun in 30-30, will deliver 1" groups with good cast bullets loads at 50 yards with ease.

[TheCelt]

I am very glad you are happy. A Savage 340 bolt gun in 30-30, will deliver 1" groups with good cast bullets loads at 50 yards with ease.

Hehe, mine probably could to if I could see well enough to shoot that well!!!! I am tickled that I got a 4" group at 50 yards! I'm gonna try a reciever sight on it to see if I can shrink the group a little but 4" at 50 yards just made this rifle my main "meat gun". It's light, compact and has enough power to get er done with the small whitetails we have around here, I'm looking forward to next hunting season!!!

[Char-Gar]

I picked up a Lyman peep on Ebay for my rifle. Mine was one of the later ones that was not drilled and tapped so I did the deed.

I picked up mine in a pawn shop for $120.00.

[TheCelt]

I picked up a Lyman peep on Ebay for my rifle. Mine was one of the later ones that was not drilled and tapped so I did the deed.

I picked up mine in a pawn shop for $120.00.

$120 for the sight or the rifle???? Man, $120 for a 340A is a bargain!!!

[MGySgt]

Williams makes a side scope mount for the 340's. They are drilled and taped on the left side of the receiver down by the stock. You might have to remove some wood for the mount to clear.

There was an older beat up scope mount on mine when I bought it. Not much room for the scope turrent so I bought a new weaver one.

By the way mine will shoot sub inch at 50 with the NOE clone of the RD 311165 with 17.5 grains of 2400. MZ Vel is about 1850.

[Char-Gar]

$120 for the sight or the rifle???? Man, $120 for a 340A is a bargain!!!

The rifle was $120, and the sight was $15 plus postage.

[TheCelt]

Williams makes a side scope mount for the 340's. They are drilled and taped on the left side of the receiver down by the stock. You might have to remove some wood for the mount to clear.

There was an older beat up scope mount on mine when I bought it. Not much room for the scope turrent so I bought a new weaver one.

By the way mine will shoot sub inch at 50 with the NOE clone of the RD 311165 with 17.5 grains of 2400. MZ Vel is about 1850.

Thanks MGySgt, believe I'll give that load a go to see how it shoots in this 340A. Loaded some 311413 169gr spitzer bullets (16 gr Varget like before) and they shot better than the 311041 FP bullets (about 2" at 50 yards)!!! I enjoy shooting this rifle more than any other I have! Seems like it will shoot anything I put in it well. I wish Savage would build a 110 in 30-30, seems to me that the 30-30 is tailor made for cast bullets what with the long neck on the cartridge.

Thought about doing what you suggest and having a scope mount added but decided to stick with the reciever sight (which should be here this week). Don't get any shots much past 50 yards in the woods of NW Florida and If I can get my groups to 2" at 50 yards consistently I'll be good to go. Thanks again for the load data Master Gunny.

[MGySgt]

That load is:

17.5 gr 2400
CCI LR Primer
WW or Frontier cases

Cast from wheel weight and air cooled, Hornady GC and LBT Blue lube.

Each powder charge was weighed. No visiable flaws on the boolits.

[richhodg66]

Thanks MGySgt, believe I'll give that load a go to see how it shoots in this 340A. Loaded some 311413 169gr spitzer bullets (16 gr Varget like before) and they shot better than the 311041 FP bullets (about 2" at 50 yards)!!! I enjoy shooting this rifle more than any other I have! Seems like it will shoot anything I put in it well. I wish Savage would build a 110 in 30-30, seems to me that the 30-30 is tailor made for cast bullets what with the long neck on the cartridge.

Thought about doing what you suggest and having a scope mount added but decided to stick with the reciever sight (which should be here this week). Don't get any shots much past 50 yards in the woods of NW Florida and If I can get my groups to 2" at 50 yards consistently I'll be good to go. Thanks again for the load data Master Gunny.

I'm messing with the Ranchdog bullet in my 340 now as well, this morning's shooting with it didn't do so hot (26 grains IMR 4895), I think I will move to a faster powder and slow down the velocity a bit.

Mine shoots the Ideal 31141 pretty well. I killed a deer with that combo last year, and want to try and perfect a cast deer load in my several .30-30s. The 340 is a fun, fun little gun and it points and handles so well. Mine is the Sears version with the birch stock and impressed checkering, it's so darn ugly it's actually kinda cute.

By the way, there's aguy on Ebay selling good machined aluminum side scope mounts for these that I like a lot better than the stamped steel ones I've seen. It bolted right on mine which had four holes already there and has a rail on top that allows for a lot of fore and aft movement of the scope. Turns out that even though it isn't an "iron sighter" type of mount, I can see the sights under it, so I think I'll zero those for a plinker/squirrel load and keep the scope for deer.

[MGySgt]

Williams also makes an aperature sight for the 325/340 Savage rifles. It is a Williams FP 340 - you can google it to find vendors. They run between $60 and $70 and if you have a 325 you will have to have it drilled and taped (like my 325 that hasn't been done yet - just shooting the 340).

[MGySgt]

I haven't shot the 311 41 HP yet in the 340. I did cast up about 120 of them (original Lyman SC HP mould).

God that is SLOW work.

They will be for my Grand Daughter to hunt with this fall so I have plenty of time to get the hunting load worked up.

[TheCelt]

Williams also makes an aperature sight for the 325/340 Savage rifles. It is a Williams FP 340 - you can google it to find vendors. They run between $60 and $70 and if you have a 325 you will have to have it drilled and taped (like my 325 that hasn't been done yet - just shooting the 340).

That is the sight I ordered last week, am hoping it will get here this week. My rifle has provisions for mounting the reciever sight but is not drilled or tapped for a scope mount.

[TheCelt]

Mine shoots the Ideal 31141 pretty well. I killed a deer with that combo last year, and want to try and perfect a cast deer load in my several .30-30s. The 340 is a fun, fun little gun and it points and handles so well. Mine is the Sears version with the birch stock and impressed checkering, it's so darn ugly it's actually kinda cute.



I agree richhodg66, they are "homely" looking rifles but but it is the most fun I've had shooting in a while!!! It's kinda like a 22, shoot it all day pretty inexpensively and have a lot of fun!!!

[MGySgt]

That is the sight I ordered last week, am hoping it will get here this week. My rifle has provisions for mounting the reciever sight but is not drilled or tapped for a scope mount.

Is yours a 340?
Does it have 4 holes low on the left side of the receiver? If it has the holes that is where the scope mount attaches to the 340.

[TheCelt]

The rifle was $120, and the sight was $15 plus postage.

Man, that is a LOT of gun for a little bit of money!!!!!! Ya just can't do any better than that!!

[TheCelt]

Is yours a 340?
Does it have 4 holes low on the left side of the receiver? If it has the holes that is where the scope mount attaches to the 340.

No holes on the reciever for the mount (2 holes forward and two aft), just two at the rear of the reciever for the reciever sight. I believe this rifle was a very early version (early 50s). It doesn't even have a SN on it!!!! Do the 340A rifle usually come drilled and tapped for the scope mount???

[MGySgt]

Mine came with a Mount on it and it is a Westpoint 842. Made by Savage for Montgomery Wards if I am not mistaken.

[EMC45]

My 340 (no serial number) is outfitted with a "vintage" steel tube 4X Weaver. I have only really shot it with 160gr. Lee RN GC bullets over 10gr. Unique @ 25-30 yds. It shot into a ragged hole. I am pleased with it.

[MGySgt]

I haven't seen any 340's (or 325's) with a serial number.

[TheCelt]

I haven't seen any 340's (or 325's) with a serial number.

I did not know that they weren't numbered......I figured ALL guns had a SN and I don't believe I've ever seen one before without one!!! Well, I guess this is not so unique after all.

[MGySgt]

SN's were not required until some time in the 60's. Most of these Savages were made in the 50's.

They were a rudumentary rifle made by Savage for the masses of farmers/country folks that couldn't afford the higher priced guns. The higher priced guns had serial numbers that way the manufactures could keep track of what they made in each year.

Someone here said they had a vintiage Weaver
scope on thiers.

Well - mine had the Savage mount and a Savage 4X scope on it when I bought it. I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were from the same time frame as when mine was built.

Someone on this board will pipe in as to when it became mandatory for SN's to be on all firearms.

[Char-Gar]

The Gun Control Act of 1968 is when serial numbers became mandatory.

[Hang Fire]

Williams also makes an aperature sight for the 325/340 Savage rifles. It is a Williams FP 340 - you can google it to find vendors. They run between $60 and $70 and if you have a 325 you will have to have it drilled and taped (like my 325 that hasn't been done yet - just shooting the 340).



My Stevens 325 was factory D&T for receiver sight and the FP340 fit perfectly.

[MGySgt]

I was pretty sure it was the 68 GCA.

My 325 is not D&T.

Shouldn't be hard to get it D&Ted by a gunsmith - not the parts replacer that is close to me that calls themself a gunsmith.

[TheCelt]

The Gun Control Act of 1968 is when serial numbers became mandatory.

Well, I guess that narrows down the non-SN 325/340 rifles to the 1950-1968 timeframe. I am amazed that a "low end" rifle would still be such a fine shooter so many years later. The chamber, bore and rifling in my barrel are a 9+. I guess that's more a testament to it's previous owners care and feeding of the rifle.

[MGySgt]

Wrong - how about 1947 - 1958.

A link with some info:

http://www.wisnersinc.com/additional_info/Savage_340.htm

[TheCelt]

Wrong - how about 1947 - 1958.

A link with some info:

http://www.wisnersinc.com/additional_info/Savage_340.htm

Like the link Master Gunny, but according to the site Savage took and manufactured the rifles starting in 1950. So if the Savage 340A doesn't have a SN it had to be manufactured from the time Savage started building the rifles in 1950 to the date that SNs were required which was 1968. Am I missing something here??

[6.5 mike]

Stevens made the 325a,b c, & d's before savage started making the 340's. The 325 run was from 1947-1950, IIRC. Not the prettist girl at the dance, but one of the best preformers, & just plain fun to shoot.

[TheCelt]

Stevens made the 325a,b c, & d's before savage started making the 340's. The 325 run was from 1947-1950, IIRC. Not the prettist girl at the dance, but one of the best preformers, & just plain fun to shoot.

Got it......thanks 6.5 Mike and Master Gunny, lightbulb is on!

[MGySgt]

Like the link Master Gunny, but according to the site Savage took and manufactured the rifles starting in 1950. So if the Savage 340A doesn't have a SN it had to be manufactured from the time Savage started building the rifles in 1950 to the date that SNs were required which was 1968. Am I missing something here??

Darn dsyphlyxa (or what ever it is called/spelled) I read 85 as 58!!

Right - SN's would have had to be added in 68.

[TheCelt]

Darn dsyphlyxa (or what ever it is called/spelled) I read 85 as 58!!

Right - SN's would have had to be added in 68.

I'm with ya!!! BTW, thanks for the load data....gonna shoot some Saturday.

[MGySgt]

That load data is actually from the Lyman book. I substatuted the NOE 311 165 for the Lyman 311 41 that is the same weight and configuration (seated to the base of the neck).

Not a MAX load but stiff enough for a practice load.

[atr]

Celt,,,,the post by MGySgt is right on.....be especially careful of how large of a diameter the scope bell is as the 340's have a very limited clearance when the bolt/handle is rotated.

I am getting very good results with mold #311291 / 180gr RN / sized 0.309 and with
28 grains of Win 748
consistantly shooting within 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 at 100 yds using an older Weaver scope with post reticle

[Nazgul]

Excellent thread. I have a Savage 340 also. Have not had much time to work with it. Recently bought a Uberti single shot high wall in 30/30. Fired a few cast through it and is very promising.

Don

[EMC45]

Here's mine....


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=123657&highlight=Savage+340

[TheCelt]

Here's mine....


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=123657&highlight=Savage+340

NICE Rifle!!!! It looks good with the scope mounted, and your 180 gr targets look a lot like ALL of mine!!!!

[oksmle]

This post was from several years ago when we were discussing this same topic. Thought you might be interested in the loads & I didn't want to be bothered with pulling a bunch of old targets to copy the info....

I currently have a Springfield Mod. 840 in .30-30 cal. This is the "cheap" version of what you have. The barrel is 18 1/2" & all the load data listed below is from this carbine. If you have the longer rifle the same loads should clock a little faster for you. I have made a .38/55 & a .35/30-30 from previous Mod. 340s. Works just fine. I would not attempt the .375 Win, even though mechanically it's as easy as the .38/55. It is equipped with a 2 1/2x Burris scope that is probably decades older than the carbine. BTW, I purchased the carbine in 1983 for $25.00 in front of a Pawn Shop after the Pawnbroker refused to give him anything for it due to a broken stock. Then I traded a Beagle puppy for the scope & mounts to a "best friend" & enjoyed training & hunting with the Beagle for the next 15 years. But that's another story. Here's a mess of loads. Be aware of the #311284 when it comes to OAL. The magazine in my carbine is such that I have to adhere to the 2.55"OAL. This means the GC is sticking below the shoulder when loaded. Dosen't hurt a thing. You might get away with a bit longer. I eventually modified the #311284 to a top pour mold, & while doing so I made the cutoff sprue into the size metplate that would allow me to seat the boolet out a bit. The rest of the loads present no problem.
Remington cases dedicated to this firearm. Fireformed & neck sized only. Remington LR Primers. Boolits are straight WW.

1. #311284 (unmodified) 210.0 grs. 33.0 grs IMR 4350 - 1786 fps.
2. #311284 (modified) 200.0 grs. 33.0 grs IMR 4350 - 1802 fps.
3. #310195 Old West 195.0 grs. 34.0 grs IMR 4350 - 1871 fps.
4. #313492 (wadcutter) 93.0 grs. 4.6 grs Unique - never cron. this load. 5 shots in one ragged hole at 25 yards.
5. #311291 185.0 grs. 33.0 grs IMR 4350 - 1818 fps.
6. #311291 185.0 grs. 33.0 grs IMR 4831 - 1727 fps.
7. #311291 185.0 grs. 34.0 grs IMR 4831 - 1825 fps.
oksmle

[EMC45]

NICE Rifle!!!! It looks good with the scope mounted, and your 180 gr targets look a lot like ALL of mine!!!!

Thanks! I like it. It is a neat rifle and one I had been looking for one for a while.

[richhodg66]

This post was from several years ago when we were discussing this same topic. Thought you might be interested in the loads & I didn't want to be bothered with pulling a bunch of old targets to copy the info....

I currently have a Springfield Mod. 840 in .30-30 cal. This is the "cheap" version of what you have. The barrel is 18 1/2" & all the load data listed below is from this carbine. If you have the longer rifle the same loads should clock a little faster for you. I have made a .38/55 & a .35/30-30 from previous Mod. 340s. Works just fine. I would not attempt the .375 Win, even though mechanically it's as easy as the .38/55. It is equipped with a 2 1/2x Burris scope that is probably decades older than the carbine. BTW, I purchased the carbine in 1983 for $25.00 in front of a Pawn Shop after the Pawnbroker refused to give him anything for it due to a broken stock. Then I traded a Beagle puppy for the scope & mounts to a "best friend" & enjoyed training & hunting with the Beagle for the next 15 years. But that's another story. Here's a mess of loads. Be aware of the #311284 when it comes to OAL. The magazine in my carbine is such that I have to adhere to the 2.55"OAL. This means the GC is sticking below the shoulder when loaded. Dosen't hurt a thing. You might get away with a bit longer. I eventually modified the #311284 to a top pour mold, & while doing so I made the cutoff sprue into the size metplate that would allow me to seat the boolet out a bit. The rest of the loads present no problem.
Remington cases dedicated to this firearm. Fireformed & neck sized only. Remington LR Primers. Boolits are straight WW.

1. #311284 (unmodified) 210.0 grs. 33.0 grs IMR 4350 - 1786 fps.
2. #311284 (modified) 200.0 grs. 33.0 grs IMR 4350 - 1802 fps.
3. #310195 Old West 195.0 grs. 34.0 grs IMR 4350 - 1871 fps.
4. #313492 (wadcutter) 93.0 grs. 4.6 grs Unique - never cron. this load. 5 shots in one ragged hole at 25 yards.
5. #311291 185.0 grs. 33.0 grs IMR 4350 - 1818 fps.
6. #311291 185.0 grs. 33.0 grs IMR 4831 - 1727 fps.
7. #311291 185.0 grs. 34.0 grs IMR 4831 - 1825 fps.
oksmle

Wow, the 340 has a twist rate that will stabilize the 311284? I love that bullet in my '06. I think I have that same wadcutter mold we've been using in plinking loads for the .32 H&R.

Thanks for this info. I'm going to try some heavy bullet loads in my 340 when I get around to it, but right now, I want to get a load that shoots well through all my .30-30rifles.

[Rich/WIS]

Local GS has one, metal has been duracoated and the stock refinished, looks like someone shortened the forend as the profile doesn't look like posted pics I have seen. With a scope mounted he wants $200, am thinking about it, and what I am reading makes me think it might be fun. Already cast RCBS 308-165 SIL for use in my 06 bolt guns, and my buddy has a set of 30/30 dies in his collection he doesn't use. Of course it never fails, just traded off almost all my 30/30 brass, just kept 50 or so mixed. Not sure of bore condition but may have to take a second look.

[Hang Fire]

Wow, the 340 has a twist rate that will stabilize the 311284? I love that bullet in my '06. I think I have that same wadcutter mold we've been using in plinking loads for the .32 H&R.

Thanks for this info. I'm going to try some heavy bullet loads in my 340 when I get around to it, but right now, I want to get a load that shoots well through all my .30-30rifles.



I tried the 311284 in my Stevens 325 30-30. with short throat and mag well, to function had to set the boolit way down past neck/shoulder junction.

Some say setting the boolit that deep has no negatives, but I am not yet convinced and have never tried shooting one.