Suggestions: 30-30 load development w/ H4895 & RD311165

[DeadWoodDan]

Going to work up some loads finally for a 1974 Marlin336 that I restored last winter, still has cheap-o scope that came with it. It was "well used" for a better lack of term, see my project at the Marlin site for details:

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/336/162911-bubba-project.html

After searching / reading as much as possible thought I would feel others out on suggestions. Not 100% on purpose of what load will be used for, just know I have boolit "x" and powder "y". Guess I'm wanting an accurate load out to 100yds! Taking advantage of this powders 60% reduced loads; Starting at 18gr and going to 30gr in 0.5gr increments.

Being that I want to shoot at 100yds should I work those loads up there or do you think 50yds will get me my answers?
Darcon filler needed for lighter loads or any?
Will two loads be enough or should I do more at each charge? this is a wide spread.....so trying to save components

Always hate to post a topic that is beat to death, but looking for any suggestions on what / how to do things diffently?

Alloy is most likely WW. Getting better at documenting these things.
H4895
Win. LR primer
mixed cases prepped with RCBS X-dies
Using NOE expander plug
Boolits are from RD311165 with traditional lube grooves / believe these are acutally from LEE 6cavity i had
Alum. GC
Bens Red lube I made

Thanks and hope to have some results after the new year
DWD

[Friends call me Pac]

Wish I could help but have only used 3031 & Leverevlution. Same bullet, lube & check. I have found out that 50 yards will be a good starting point for testing but 100 yards will really tell the tale. What shoots great at 50 yards may group badly at 100.

Can you work up loads at the range? I have a portable reloading station I built and take with me for this. I make 3 rounds of each charge & shoot at 100 yards. I use an 8" bull's eye target.

This is my portable reloading set up.

156271

[Hickok]

I use 28gr/Imr 4895 and Lee 309-170-FN or Lyman 311041 ACWW in my Pre-64 Model 94 30/30. No filler needed. Not the same boolit as yours, but pretty close. H 4895 is a tad slower burning than the IMR brand, so if you start lower, 24-25 gr and work up, checking for pressure signs and accuracy you should be OK.

[nagantguy]

With the Lee 170 grain mold gas checked and pcd my 30-30 winny94 rebuild/restore I found 4895 to be the most accurate powder by far, 18-25 grains. Three shot groups touching at 50 yards, and nice clover leaves at 100, opening up a bit at around 125. With the 24 grain load, took a nice heavy bodied 6 point, at under 30 yards, broke the neck pulped the lungs and destroyed the off side shoulder. A boolit not to diffrent than what you have in mind, I've never used any filler, the 30-30 maybe the perfect cast caliber.

[DeadWoodDan]

Pac,
I shoot right out my back door, so no need for portable loading bench. I can shoot out to 250yds...

[stubbicatt]

I've enjoyed this thread.Thanks to the contributors who have offered so much. I'm in the beginning stages of developing cast bullet loads for 30-30 and this has been helpful.

[tdoyka]

i really luv the 165gr ranch dog!!! i use it in my 1898 spr armory 30-40 krag. i get around 1 1/2 - 2" at 100 yards with h4198. i've been thinking of using my winchester m94 in 30-30 just for that purpose.

you can shoot it at 50 yards, but 100 yards is about perfect.

[TXGunNut]

Awesome boolit, DWD, but the powder is a bit slower than I like to use in the thutty-thutty. OTOH I load CB's in other cartridges with powder a bit slower than the norm so you may be on to something here.

[Hick]

The Lyman Cast Bullet loading manual shows H4895 for a lighter CB with a starting load of 24 grains, so your lower start point makes sense. I've been thinking of trying something similar in the spring.

[DeadWoodDan]

today was a good morning to do some load development, as you can see my attempt at a ladder load; pretty messy when you do two shoots with each charge. Definitely three areas that could be used for finer tuning. I am thinking a light load could be made around 19-21grs, but after thinking I want this load to be good out to 100yds.

Others groupings were 23-25gr and then big jump at 28-30grs. I am thinking of looking at these two spreads again and actually take it out to 100yds and not the 75yds that this was done at.