Choosing a .30 plain base for .30-30 and/or .308

[ryanmattes]

I'm shopping for a mold for starting into a new caliber, and weighing the pros and cons, and I think I'd like to try a plain base mold. I know that limits how fast I can push it, but for plinking and basic ranch purposes (coyotes and other pests at <100yds) I don't think I need them that fast.

I also would most likely coat with Hi-Tek. I've got that process down and it's been fast and effective, so I don't see any reason not to do it this time too. I have LLA, so I might try some of that too, and with the right mold I might also use a traditional lube. I'm not opposed to trying all 3 and seeing what works best.

Primarily I want to load for a '63 J.C Higgins model Marlin 336. It's not mine, but it's a beautiful rifle, and my brother-in-law's family heirloom, and I'd like to be able to put some nice cast through it. It won't be for competition, just shooting on the property, probably mostly 100yds or under. So, round or flat nose, for tube feeding.

If I can do double duty with this mold, that would be even better. I know my 308 likes a 168gr BTHP, I can get 1/4" groupings with SMKs and Hndy AMAX, but those are fairly high velocity.

I'm seriously eyeballing the MP .312 mold for the price: https://www.mp-molds.com/product/mp-308-hunting-solid-6-or-8-cavity-pb-or-gc-no-lube-groove/

It even says in the description that it comes with HP pins, but the mold itself is called a solid, so I'm not sure. No strong feelings either way, other than for the potential use on coyotes. I'd prefer to get 2 or 3 cheap Lee 2-cav molds to have some options (and maybe ream out the check shank), but availability being what it is...

I'm open to whatever molds people have had good luck with, if I can find one.

And I have a question: given the use and purpose, would you recommend a heavier slug in the 170gr range, or a lighter one in the 150gr range?

I'm not in a hurry, just thinking it out and shopping around to see what's available. I've read dozens of other .30-30 threads on here, and there are tons of great posts on the subject, but not too many on plain base.

Ryan

[USSR]

I cast from 2 separate molds for 30/30 and .308/.30-06. The 30/30 mold is a RCBS plain base bullet that with my alloy drops 147gr bullets, while the .308/.30-06 mold is one I designed and Tom at Accurate Molds makes https://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=31-187K that drops bullets made with Lyman #2 alloy at 184gr.

Don

[popper]

Marlin is the tricky one. 150 gr should be good for pests. PB doesn't have to be slow. I don't get more than 2 hole rifle moulds.

[dverna]

I would not get a no lube bullet design for a rifle bullet, unless I was prepared to powder coat as an option.

[GregLaROCHE]

I’ve always considered 180 grains the best all round boolit for 30-06 and should be the same for 308, I would think. 30-30 however, would probably be better with around 160 grains. If you want to stay with one mold, maybe a 160 grain would work for both. Better than 180 grains for the 30-30.

[444ttd]

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=31-170FQ

http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=31-165D

[jaysouth]

Arsenal makes very good mold:

https://arsenalmolds.com/bullet-molds?product_id=104

A little cheaper than Accurate and always available, vs. NOE

[Forrest r]

The "pope" style bullet is worth looking at, 311403/lyman.

Just got done selling a nose pour version of that bullet a couple months age. Super accurate, just didn't use it that much anymore.

[dverna]

Just a thought after reading this again. If your shots are at pests under 100 yards, why bother with a .30/30 load? A .22 is all you need.

I have about the same situation (max range of 135 yards) and have a scoped .22 standing by the front door. I have thought about replacing it with one of the .357 Mag lever actions, but think it will tear up a squirrel a bit too much. Our largest "varmints" are also coyotes and the .357 would be better for them. The .22 is more accurate so it makes the most sense for dealing with ground squirrels, chipmunks, and tree rats. I have not connected with a coyote yet, as they are easily spooked and trot away by the time spot me and I get the gun out.

[toallmy]

I use a NOE 165 grain plan base out of light 30 caliber stuff up close 50-60 yards , it's a hoot to shoot and cheap for plinking . The biggest expense of the loaded cartridge is the primer even at .03 .
Want a try some ?

[ryanmattes]

Just a thought after reading this again. If your shots are at pests under 100 yards, why bother with a .30/30 load? A .22 is all you need.

I have about the same situation (max range of 135 yards) and have a scoped .22 standing by the front door. I have thought about replacing it with one of the .357 Mag lever actions, but think it will tear up a squirrel a bit too much. Our largest "varmints" are also coyotes and the .357 would be better for them. The .22 is more accurate so it makes the most sense for dealing with ground squirrels, chipmunks, and tree rats. I have not connected with a coyote yet, as they are easily spooked and trot away by the time spot me and I get the gun out.It's not specifically a pest gun, and they have a .22 by every door and one in the shed where they keep the horse feed. This gun is an heirloom, from his grandfather, who had some beautiful stock work done for it. But if I got him some good, lead rounds for it, I'm sure he'd be tempted to get it out more and put it to use. Coyotes under 100 yds is probably the most challenging thing he might use it for. Plus, it's my excuse to have it for a month or two while I develop a cast load for it.

This is the rifle:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210317/af69b25099d8aad6e6e3ec70cac36214.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210317/f9309396ada2b4629c2f6d796d549690.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210317/a019fb816d9472f26a8471887b60759b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210317/2587b386670aa23229a674de20f97c34.jpg

[ryanmattes]

I use a NOE 165 grain plan base out of light 30 caliber stuff up close 50-60 yards , it's a hoot to shoot and cheap for plinking . The biggest expense of the loaded cartridge is the primer even at .03 .
Want a try some ? PM on its way.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[gwpercle]

I originally got the Lee C308-170-F for my 30-30 Win. model 94 for target's and tin cans ... just fun shooting with 10.5 grains Unique ... but the same boolit also works well in 30-06 Springfield , 308 Win. and even 7.5 Swiss .

Work up a velocity of around 1600 fps with charges of Unique or Red Dot (13.0 grs. Red Dot ... is famously known as "The Load" !) in the three larger cases ... accurate and fun to shoot .

Gary

[Krag1902]

311241

[GoodOlBoy]

Everybody has their favorites, and I am also going to state that you need to figure out what the gun likes. One of my favorites was the RCBS 30-150-CM. A flat base cowboy bullet mold. I just looked and Midwayusa still lists it, but it is out of stock AND a whopping $110. I can tell you the one I had didn't cost that, but that was a few years ago. At mild velocities it was VERY accurate in an older 336 marlin. It would drop a deer, coyote, etc without straining. In point of fact I loaded it a little slower and went a little softer on the lead back when because souping it up wasn't doing much other than puttin' deeper holes in the ground and trees behind the critters. It became quite pleasant as both plinkin' and light duty game round around our place just keeping it to cowboy velocities.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010271868?pid=452042
https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/Primary/452/452042.jpg?imwidth=2200

God Bless

Richard

[USSR]

Richard,

That's the bullet that I use for the 30/30 that drops from my mold at 147 grains.

Don

[GhostHawk]

My favorite for most of my 30's is the Lee .314 90 gr tumble lube truncated cone.

I size down to .311/,312 for .30-30, shoot as cast in my SKS or Mosin. Also works great in my .32sw long dbl action snubbie and shoots like gangbusters in the brass and load out of my Ruger NM Single Six. It has performed beyond my expectations in every caliber I have tried it in.

I do Ben's Liquid lube, essentially thinned alox, but I add 1% Carnuba wax to it. Hard shell, faster dry and my bores love it.

Just a few drops and tumble. I do 3 light coats for rifle, 2 for most pistol.

3 grains of Red Dot and the .314 90 makes a great plinking, varmint, rabbit squirrel load in the lever gun dirty thirty.
And it is dang cheap. Primers will cost more than the powder and lead combined.

[ryanmattes]

One of my favorites was the RCBS 30-150-CM. A flat base cowboy bullet mold. I just looked and Midwayusa still lists it, but it is out of stock AND a whopping $110.

RCBS has that one listed at $99 retail, so $110 for an iron mold isn't terrible these days. I'll have to give that one a try. If I can find a mold in stock, that is.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[GoodOlBoy]

Richard,

That's the bullet that I use for the 30/30 that drops from my mold at 147 grains.

Don

Don, I don't remember what mine used to drop at, but I remember it was one of the most consistent molds I ever owned. Never even had to resize from that mold. Just cast, lube, and load. :drinks:

God Bless

Richard

[GregLaROCHE]

It's not specifically a pest gun, and they have a .22 by every door and one in the shed where they keep the horse feed. This gun is an heirloom, from his grandfather, who had some beautiful stock work done for it. But if I got him some good, lead rounds for it, I'm sure he'd be tempted to get it out more and put it to use. Coyotes under 100 yds is probably the most challenging thing he might use it for. Plus, it's my excuse to have it for a month or two while I develop a cast load for it.

This is the rifle:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210317/af69b25099d8aad6e6e3ec70cac36214.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210317/f9309396ada2b4629c2f6d796d549690.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210317/a019fb816d9472f26a8471887b60759b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210317/2587b386670aa23229a674de20f97c34.jpg

Very impressive stock!

[PAndy]

I like the Lee 150 flat point, and am also shooting a very similar similar 'clone' design. mine are gas checked. But the nice thing is all my 30-30s seem to shoot them well across all speeds. Some guns have trouble stabilizing the heavier bullets at slow speeds under 1600 fps. results vary