good mold for 30/30

[twc1964]

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a mold for my marlin 30/30. my daughter found out that its a fun gun to shoot so i need to cast for it as factory loads get pricey. I'm looking for a 150-160gr flatpoint buy i have no experience with rifle boolits. I'm financially challenged so a lee may be all i can afford. any suggestions will be appreciated. thx

[StratsMan]

Lee 150 gr, made for 30-30... 90366 = 150 gr, 90367 = 160 gr, 90368 = 170 gr... The price is right, and they're in stock

http://midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690366/Double_Cavity_Mold_C309-150-F_

[twc1964]

Thxbud, i will check it out.

[Tatume]

+1 on the 170 grain Lee mold. The bullets are very accurate.

[UBER7MM]

TWC:

Lee makes two flat nosed 30 caliber molds:
http://leeprecision.com/bullet-casting/rifle-bullet-molds/bullet-mold-double-cavity/
.
I'd compare prices with Midway and MidSouth for the best deal. MidSouth lists a few dollars cheaper for the mold, but I believe Midway has cheaper shipping charges but a $25 minimum charge for the cheap rate. It's probably a wash in the end.

I hope this helps,

[44man]

In my experience, Midway charges more for shipping. But Midsouth has a $40 minimum order. Easy to get there if you need gas checks with a mold.

[Lead Fred]

For those that shoot Lee's soup can mold, ever tried this:

http://www.ranchdogoutdoors.com/bin/TLC311165RF/bullet/sketch.jpg

Gave my Lee away

[TCLouis]

I really like the RD 165.

In fact as soon as I run a batch of 357446s I have the RD mold out on the bench to run 20 pounds thru it.

[blikseme300]

I have and use the RD TLC-311-165 mold for my 30-30's. The advantage of this design is that a Lee push-thru sizer is all you need for sizing and 45-45-10 or Alox can be used for lube.

I use these boolits for plinking and hunting.

[twc1964]

Thx all for the replies. i will be looking into buying soon.gotta keep the youngster happy lol

[StratsMan]

I have the NOE version of the RD 311-165 also (not tumble-groove)... it shoots as well in my 30-06 as it does in my 30-30... the mold is a lot more pricey, so the Lee still looks best for the OP....

[Zim]

If you are plinking, look at the 32 pistol bullets. 98-120 grains and you will use less lead and powder. Well, I really can't say that because you will use more primers because you will shoot more. Marlins run big in the microgroove, so a 0.314" bullet won't be too big. You will want to slug your bore before you order so you don't order an undersized mold that may lead the barrel. A 0.315" round ball will be fine. smash it a little with the hammer before starting.

You can even shoot the round balls with a smear of vaseline on the outside. Keep your powder dry.

Something to consider. Enjoy the time with the daughter!

[TXGunNut]

I have on original RD 311-165 but NOE's versions would get my nod today, think he even has a PB version. TL is a nice feature, reduces boolit prep time and works great for plinking and even hunting loads. Don't overlook the 311041 and as Zim pointed out the 314008 et al make good plinkers too.

[jmort]

+5 on the RD 165 TL version

[twc1964]

Lots of responses and good ideas to head me in the right direction. thanks all and soon i will be making my daughter happy with lots of blasting fodder! now i just have to get her to slow down . guess she thinks she's a female rifleman lol.

[nagantguy]

Ranch dog 165 is hands down the best mold I own wish I'd a bought 2, its the perfect gift for a dear friend of mine. Never found anything that my thuddy thuddy likes better at any fps.

[turmech]

I have used the Lee 170 and 150 FP as well as the NOE copy of the ranchdog 165. All work well but I got the best results with the Lee 170. It would feed better for me than the RD and shot a little more accurate, although I admit the testing was limited. It also did a number on one deer this past season. One deer is hard to judge performance on but I was pleased with it none the less. Hard to beat for the 20 or so dollars.

I would check titan reloading for price. They typically have had the best price with shipping on smaller orders for me. When checking make sure you look at all the shipping options as USPS is typically the cheapest and listed near the bottom (easy to overlook).

[jetsfan-24]

sorry to go off the thread but I have a NOE 311041 and iv,e never casted for the 30-30 yet what can u al tell me bout the NOE 311041 ? thanks

[pls1911]

Not much to say on the NOE 31141... great design, great mold, should shoot well. The NOE mold will more likely cast and actual .311 than most Lyman molds which cast more like .309.
It was one of my go-to bullets before the Ranch Dogs came along.
It's accurate. well balanced, has a fair meplat, and shot well in most .30/30s I have.
It's been good for probably 100 years, and will remain so forever.
While I have a preference for the huge meplat of the RD, I've never had a pig need 2 shots with the 311041 either.