Powder choices for .223 and 30-30

[Mark74a1]

I have been looking up powders for loading 55gr 223/5.56 and 150gr 30-30 rounds and about the best compromise for the two so far is IMR 3031. It does well in both but is not a top performer for either. I am looking to load target and light hunting rounds in both calibers.

is there a better powder choice out there? Anyone ever try this set up?

[Calamity Jake]

4895 H or IMR, or AA 2230

[quilbilly]

5744, RE-7 should also work with either. I had difficulty with CB loads in my 223 with 3031 because my 1/12 twist rifle so far hasn't like loads giving much more velocity than 1900 fps. A load giving 2300 fps (18 gr) with 3031 shoots well with jacketed however.

[Mauser48]

W748 or imr 4064

[aspangler]

You might want to try some Alliant Varmint. Works well for me. YMMV

[Hick]

My CZ 527 (223 Rem) really likes CFE 223-- 0.4 inch groups at 100 yards and open sights. I usually use W748 or AA2460 for 30-30, unless I am using cast bullets at lower velocities, where I use 700X, W231 and/or HP-38 (loads derived from the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook).

[AggieEE]

I had pretty good luck with AA2520 in 223 my 30-30 didn't seem to like it but it is picky. I tried 3031 and it should be in construction as it really likes to build bridges Maybe somebody could tell me what I'm doing wrong. RCBS uniflow measure.

[Half Dog]

I just started working on a load for my 30-30. So far I have tried charges up to and including 34 grains of Leverevolution with CCI primers. I'm not sure if it will affect the grouping much but the primers have a $1.39 price tag on the package and the shooter (me) pulled a shot. Here is the result at 100 yards.

Attachment 177290

[Camba]

H4198
I use 22 gr for my 223 Rem with 55gr jsp bullets and 22gr in the 30-30w with Lee 150gr cast gc boolit. Both are accurate.
camba

[blpenn66502]

I'd go with H335 or BL-C(2). Don't think I've ever seen anyone using 3031 for 223 although there is load data for it. CFE 223 looks like it could have good potential giving near top velocities in both cartridges.

[Mark74a1]

Thanks for all the help. I defiantly try out a few of the suggestions.

[rhouser]

Hick, I am sorry to ask (don't want to hijack). What bullet are you using in your CZ-527 .223 to get .4" groups at 100. I am still fighting my way through. I am sizing to .225 and tried two different molds (37 gr and 52 gr). I have the newer CZ with 1-9 twist. It may be wound too tight.

On subject, I am working with SR-4759 for the cast .223 and cast in my 30-30. Ranch-dogs load data for his molds has some overlapping powders for cast bullets that came in a PDF. Lyman Cast bullet Handbook will give you the ability to pick some overlapping powders.

Just my two cents. thanks rch

[robg]

Ramshot tac meters well ,even give reduced loads in 3030 for lead boolits in their on line data .it also is clean burning .

[Mk42gunner]

I have used Reloader 15 for both cartridges. Was it the best for both? Maybe, maybe not; but it did work.

Robert

[gnoahhh]

I too am in love with CFE-223 for use in my AR, with jacketed 50-60 grain bullets. I'm also wondering about its application for use in stuff like .30-30, .303 Savage, .22 HiPower, etc., and am hoping too that someone chimes in with personal observations of such.

[clum553946]

If you're looking for one powder for both, Varget works. I have used it in 45-70 as well.

[KYCaster]

Another vote for Reloder 15.

I've had very good results with it in both the applications you mention.

Jerry

[Tenbender]

I have used Reloader 15 for both cartridges. Was it the best for both? Maybe, maybe not; but it did work.

Robert

Re 15 works for me in 30/30 173gr cast PC.

[woodman51jfk]

I have used Reloader 15 for both cartridges. Was it the best for both? Maybe, maybe not; but it did work.

Robert

I haven't found any data for RX-15, using a 55gr boolit in my .223.....where did you find it..../

[KYCaster]

I haven't found any data for RX-15, using a 55gr boolit in my .223.....where did you find it..../

Attachment 178296
Usta pick these up whenever I found them in the gun shops. Glad I did...lots of data not available any where else.

Attachment 178297
Not very good pics, but I don't know how to do it any different.

Jerry

Edit to add..........Loading data available online from the powder distributors really sux, especially Alliant. They only give you one recipe, but they have more available if you know how to find it.

Enter the info they ask for...rifle, 223, 55gr. FMJ and you get their one recipe.

Look at the tool bar at the top of their page, click on "products"....then "rifle". Select Reloder 15 from the list on the left, then click on "view all Reloder 15 recipes".

Still no recipe for 55gr. FMJ, but sometimes you get lucky.