Just wondering if there is a consensus standard go-to powder for the .30-30. Really just the usual 150gr and 170gr pills. Not thinking of hot loads. Thanks.
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Just wondering if there is a consensus standard go-to powder for the .30-30. Really just the usual 150gr and 170gr pills. Not thinking of hot loads. Thanks.
IMR 3031 the gold standard for 30-30
Yep, IMR3031 is the best.
Imr 3031
I've tried a few, but keep coming back to 3031 and the RCBS 170 RN cast.
3031 is an excellent 30-30 powder and use it for all my reloads
Published testing data ( https://stevespages.com/308_9.html )recommends these powders:
150gr bullet ... N-135 From 26.2 grains to 32.7 grains
170gr bullet ... H-322 From 24.0 grains to 30.0 grains
I have not done any comparisons so have no data
Another vote for IMR 3031.Robert
LeverEvolution.
IMR 3031 is all I ever use.
Most convincing vote I have seen in quite some time... thanks!
For the shorter 16 inch Trapper barrel, has anyone seen a solid preference for the 150gr or the 170gr?
170 grain bullets are preferable regardless of barrel length far as I'm concerned. While I use 3031, I haven't used it enough to say I prefer it over w748, which I've found to be excellent.
Nothing I have tried works better than IMR 3031.
3031 is a good powder for the 30-30, been around a VERY VERY long time, I used it from 1965 for many years. Changed to Accurate 2015 when it became available, measured much better, worked as well, was cheaper, recently switched to Leverevolution, more velocity and a ball powder, so measures very precisely and a few bucks cheaper. Nothing wrong with the 'OLDER' IMR powders, but things do improve/ have improved for most technology. I don't pay much attention to cost of powder, just an added benefit. Historically, ball powders tend to have a longer shelf life than the single base 'stick' powders. I have always preferred 170 grain bullets, or heavier. The NOE 311-199-FN GC (RCBS 311-180-FN clone) is my preferred hunting bullet for the 30-30 and 303 Savage.
I have to vote 3031 also. It works for me with both jacketed and cast.
Me too on the 3031. I mean my gosh it is almost named after the 30-30!
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I really go out of my way NOT TO MEMORIZE load data, but 30grs. of 3031 for my .30-30 just gets stuck in my head.
3031 here too.
I have in my notes that 32.0 gr of W748 powder and 170gr bullets is the Winchester factory load.
I have had good luck with that load on paper. Haven't taken any game with it yet....hopefully, this Fall.
redhawk
in my friends marlin ler action it's 26.5gr 3031 with the lyman 311291 165gr; in my savage 340 bolt action its still 26.5gr 3031 but with the 311413 spire point or NOE 311-165 ranch dog. either way IMR 3031 is the 3030 powder
I’ve been loading WW748 in the 30-30 for decades. 34.5 grains for 150’s and 32.0 grains for 170’s. Winchester brass and primers, with whatever 150 and 170 grain j-word projectiles I could find. Accurate and reliable with normal pressure signs.
I've used 3031, Accurate 2015, 4895 and 4350 depending on what I'm doing. I've loaded 100,110, 125 and 150 grainers.
90% are with 3031 and a 150gr jacketed Spitzer boat tail unmentionable or 150 flat nose/round nose depending on lever vs bolt action.
I might as well throw in my 3031! Lol
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25 gr of 3031 does everything that I need the rifle to do
2400 with cast.
I am working up 30/30 cast loads now for a Contender Carbine. And went to 30/31 first trying 2400 now.
But as mentioned and for about thirty years, 748 was my 30/30 powder with Hornady 170FP Jacketed. I much have 300+ loaded in 100rnd MTM boxes. Great shooting recipe no doubt!
Reading the comments with interest! So far its shooting my cast 1.5-2” @ 50. Looking at heavier bullets for 16-1800 fps. Hoping for as good accuracy as the gun shoots jacketed. Been waiting on the NOE mold to get cut from the group buy. Its a RD style 178g HP. Hi hopes here. (Plus for my black outs)
CW
Guess I'll be the odd duck and say 4895 the imr flavor
Another vote for 3031 and as a backup Winchester 748. Then unique for cast bullets.
While it might seem like 3031 won the vote here, someone said the election was hacked and so IMR4320 should be declared the winner.
For me , I look at the data for the boolit I will load for and then see what powders that is listed for that weight of boolit and then see what powders I have on hand and then make up 5 of each of the powders I have start at the min and see what one group the best and then the one that dose work on that one and till I get what i want after.
3031 for me too. But, I will say my latest experiments with CFE-223 has me itching to stock up on that powder.
I started with 3031 back in 1969 and haven't seen reason to change.
1969 to present is a pretty good run.
Years ago I read some place that it was named after the 30-30, but then recently on this forum, someone said it was named after the 303 brit. They are probably right and I am probably wrong, usually am. Still it made a good story. I loaded with 3031 for years, but in my old age have become a real wuss, and have started using trail boss. IMHO, 3031 really is the classical power for the 30-30.
I seem to remember reading that 3031 got it's name from the initial load recommendation, 31 grains in the 30/30. A quick look on my computer, I have a document of 30-30 loads. It shows 31 grains with a 170 grain cast bullet. I don't know the source but it does reinforce my memory somewhat.
I've been partial to 16 grains of 2400 under the Lee 170 grain RNFP.
I also like the same boolit over a case full of Trailboss. It hits to the point of aim at 100 yards.