Need Lee 309-150GC 30-30 load data

[b money]

My dad just picked up an older micro grove marlin 336 in 30-30 and I bought a few Lee 309-150GC bullets to try out in it. I have never loaded cast in rifles, only pistols so far so I dont have a clue what powder to use, let alone how much. powders I have on hand are: AA5, Red Dot, Bullseye, Blue Dot, Unique, Hodgdon Clays, 231/HP38, H110, Tac, Varget, W748, H335, IMR3031, IMR4895, IMR4064, IMR4320.

I'm looking for a nice white tail load as that will be the main purpose of the rifle. Although if someone has a great load for micro grove barrels, cast or j-word's with any powder I'll listen.

[RickinTN]

Looks like you 'bout have it covered with your powder selection. Red Dot would be good for a plinking load but probably not for your stated purpose. Varget, 4895, 748, 335, 3031, 4064 should all make good loads for your stated purpose. Find published data to start and you probably couldn't go too wrong with starting loads for 150gr j-word bullets. Marlin micro-groove barrels usually like "fat" bullets (.310 to .311) in my experience and many recommend to cast the bullets hard in order to better "grip" the rifling. Add to this that Marlin 30-30 barrels are 1-10 twist and the hardness becomes even more important when trying to push velocities.
I'm sure there will be others who will chime in with favorite loads using the powders you have.
Good Luck,
Rick

[Lonegun1894]

My Marlin shoots 2.5-3" groups with this bullet and 28.0grs 3031, but only if sized to .311". Size them to .309" and I get a leaded bore and 8-10" patterns at 25yds. The 170gr Lee does even better at 100yds, giving 1.5-2.5" groups, but once again only if sized to .311"--and with the same powder load.

[b money]

Thank you I think I'll start around 26grns and work up

[380AUTO]

I have that same mold and shoot it out my 94. I use 25 grains of h335 and am happy at that.

[b money]

Ok so what would a starting load be? Or what manual has lee mold data?

[popper]

The 309 is going to be the problem. Try to get the RD copy (for Marlin, regular lube grooves) by NOE that drops 312, 311 Lee push thru sizer, Lyman 31R M die. The 041? style didn't do good in my 336. H4895, 335 from the Hodgdon load site, starting charge. COWW or #2 works fine to start. FTX, Corelok 170 also work fine in mine. Heavier seems to work better in the 1:10 twist.

[GooseGestapo]

I've got and have used that mould/bullet for over 35years.
(It was my first mould aquired in 1976)
I've used it mostly in the .30/30 for which is was tailor made. I've also killed a number of deer with it over the years. I actually use it rather than any jacketed bullet in the .30/30 now.

My favorite load is Reloader15 for about 2,200fps (30.0gr). I've gone as high as 32.0, but I now just use a measure that throws 30.0 for ease and simplicity.

I've also used most of the powders you have listed but also really, really liked IMR3031.
Back in the early '80's, I had a Savage M340 b/a in .30/30, and with 30.0gr of IMR3031 killed my first "cast-bullet" deer. However, 28.0gr is more accurate and would suffice for ANY use you might have for a .30/30.
I gave my first mould (single cavity) to my older brother back in the late '80's and bought a two cavity to replace it. My brother passed away last summer, and I got the original mould back from my sister-in-law.
I also aquired his .30/30 to go along with it.... He killed his last deer with it... hunting w/me. It was also the largest white-tail either of us have killed..... 200+lb 10pt, w/22" inside spread....

[aspangler]

I use 32.2 gr IMR 4064 behind J word or the Lee 150 gr cast with coww +1 % tin and water dropped. 1.5 to 2.0 at 100 yds. in my 336.