Smallest safe meplat for CB in lever action

[blikseme300]

I am working up loads for a Marlin 308 and have had poor results with the 2 boolits I use successfully in my 30-30's. Both are RD molds TLC311-165-RF & C311-170-RF. It seems that these boolits are not suited to this rifle and RD experienced similar results and he was working on a boolit for this rifle. Unfortunately he closed shop without him being able to get a mold into production as far as I know.

The only other candidate I currently have is the NOE 316-155G-FN mold but I don't know if it will be safe to load in the tube. Hence my question in the title. LRP diameter is .210" and the meplat of the NOE 316-155G-FN is .118".

Also, anybody have a recommendation of a current production mold that will cast boolits suitable for the 308MX?

[TXGunNut]

How fast are you trying to go?

[bearcove]

Some of the stuff Rem loads has a very small meplat. 35 Rem 150's for example.

[TXGunNut]

I think anything but a spirepoint should work safely, but let's not kill that horse again.

[Canuck Bob]

The Speer fn bullets for 30-30 and 32 Special are fairly small meplats. It seems lead makes a poor firing pin.

http://www.speer-bullets.com/ballistics/detail.aspx?id=108

[blikseme300]

How fast are you trying to go?

I am trying to get a load that will reach out further than the 30-30 so 2200fps would be fine. Accuracy is more important than speed though. For my hunting I have other choices for the hogs and deer but I am exploring the possibility that this rifle offers. For long range hunting I use a Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 but I like the lever guns more.

[TXGunNut]

That may be a bit fast for this boolit/barrel combo. Try working up from 1900 or so and see how it goes.

[badgeredd]

I am working up loads for a Marlin 308 and have had poor results with the 2 boolits I use successfully in my 30-30's. Both are RD molds TLC311-165-RF & C311-170-RF. It seems that these boolits are not suited to this rifle and RD experienced similar results and he was working on a boolit for this rifle. Unfortunately he closed shop without him being able to get a mold into production as far as I know.

The only other candidate I currently have is the NOE 316-155G-FN mold but I don't know if it will be safe to load in the tube. Hence my question in the title. LRP diameter is .210" and the meplat of the NOE 316-155G-FN is .118".

Also, anybody have a recommendation of a current production mold that will cast boolits suitable for the 308MX?

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=31-150B-D.png

Although Accurate isn't a "production" mold, this bullet might be just what you're looking for.

Edd

[Outpost75]

Factory Winchester Silvertip and PowerPoint softpoint rounds I have measured go 0.155", therein lies a clue!

HM .312-160-5 is also 0.155". Somehow I think Mr. Harris had this in mind when he designed the bullet. I have been loading these for my Winchester 94 .30-30, using a nominal "caseful" about 30 grs. of IMR4064, seated to 2.50" OAL, NOT crimping, because it is not necessary. Powder compression prevents the bullets from telescoping into the case under compression of the magazine spring, I get 2000 fps and better groups than factory loads. The CB is lightly engraved by the rifling upon chambering.

[blikseme300]

Thanks for the information gents and pointers to molds to be followed up.