30-30 AI Questions

[nannyhammer]

Almost every time the 30-30 AI is mentioned, the conversation gravitates to everyone shooting them at dangerous pressures to get the claimed velocities. And yes I understand that some folks are shooting them at excessive pressures claiming 2600-2700FPS and higher with 125 grain bullets. I’ve been thinking about this for several days so I picked three rounds for a comparison that all have identical case head size and are factory chambered. The 30-30 Win is rated at 38K CUP, the 7-30 Waters at 40K CUP, the 375 Win at 52K CUP. So we can pretty much figure the gun is safe for the 375 Win so it should be able to handle the others. The last time I checked my 30-30 AI rounds I was getting right at 2450 FPS using Win 748 and 125 grain Nosler Ballistics Tips. A gain of approximately 150FPS according Sierra’s 30-30 Win info in my Contender manual. So how can the 30-30 AI be excessive firing a 125 grain bullet at 2450 FPS in a 14" when it is an almost direct match for a 7-30 waters with a 120 grain bullet. In my case I’m using less 748 than some book 7-30 waters loads from major reloading manuals. Not trying to poke anyone in the eye but just a question because to be honest I don’t see much difference between the 30-30, 30-30 AI and 7-30 pressures if you remain sensible.

[nekshot]

when all the fluff is laid aside I think most of us like the longer lasting brass effect and alittle extra speed to boot! When I need more speed I use 300 sav or 308 winny! If I shoot my ae94 30-30 to hot it tears the magazine tube off and I get tired of fixing that.

[Don McDowell]

Velocity is no indicator of pressure. Take a look at Hogdons web data for any cartridge they list using trail boss and see just how trying to equate velocity with pressure is dangerous folly at best.
The rule of thumb on the AI is to use up to 2 % more powder for any given powder and bullet combination in the parent cartridge. If I were to ever do another AI I would start with the gun and work up the best load with the slowest powder listed for the cartridge, then after the conversion start with that load and work up the 2% keeping an eye toward the target, and figure that if we hit 200 fps than prior to the conversation, that would be good enough.
I did my 30-30 AI thinking to use RX12 for the powder, but didn't do any load work prior to the conversion. What I found with that RX12 in my rifle I couldn't even get to the claimed velocity in a well respected load manual for the standard chamber.
Bottom line don't guess pressure.

[Mk42gunner]

I realize this is the single shot section, not the lever action, but not all factory guns chambered for the three rounds are equal. The Winchester Model 94 had its locking lug area beefed up considerably when they came out with the .375 Win., that version was the Big Bore 94 (IIRC).

I think the 7-30 Waters was in the regular Model 94, but I'm not 100% certain.

Robert