I have been loading my cast 185gr gas checked bullet for years for my old 03. The load that I have used for the last 15 or so years has been 38.5 grains of 2230C, very accurate and decent velocity. I would like to try the old Lyman 165 gr. 30-30 bullet for a little less recoil to maybe interest my kids in a high power rifle. Just not sure what I should load them with. The rifle is an old "brittle" Rock Island that has had maybe 4 or 5 thousand of my cast loads over the last 30 years. I do not shoot full house jacketed loads (do not like the recoil, rotator cup issues) in this gun, but I also do not worry about the action. It is a 4 groove barrel and seems very accurate. The barrel slugs at .3092-3, is very smooth, does not lead and has plenty of meat left in the rifling.
As an aside, my 14 yo daughter will shoot fairly stiff cast 30-30 loads in the old Winchester. My 10 yo daughter is stronger and tougher than the older one but just does not like any recoil.
Thanks guys.