Load info needed for 30-30 and 30-06.

[drew23]

First off I want to say this is a great site that I have been roaming through but I would like to ask a couple of questions.

I am currently getting ready to start loading 30-30 and 30-06. The question I have is this. If loading for a lever action 30-30 and, (loading one in the magazine only) will I have any trouble with the OAL affecting the cycling from the magazine?

My brother-in law and myself plan on trying some coyote hunting, and this is the bullet we would like to use. I also have a H&R 30-30 single shot to use these in as well. We do understand the problem with using BTs in a tube magazine but can assure you it will be no more than one in the magazine at a time if any.

Basically what is a good 30-30 and 30-06 load for Nosler 125gr. BTs?
What if any would be a good powder that could be used for both, or what is a recommendation for powder?

[Savage]

Go to Nosler's website for load data for their bullets. Check Hodgon/IMR or other powder manufacturer's sites as well. Getting load data from other than reliable sources is risky business! Never use data you can't verify by published loading manuals or powder/bullet manufacturer's websites.
Savage

[Larry Gibson]

I've used the Nosler 125 BTs in both cartridges with very good success on coyote's.  Here is what I use and I suggest you start low and work up to make sure they are safe in your rifles.

In the '06 I use LC cases in the '06, Primers are WLRs.  I use 50.5 gr of H335.  Velocity is right at 3100 fps out of both my 24" barreled '06s.

In the 30-30 I use WW cases.  Primers are WLRs.  I use 41 gr of H335.  Velocity is 2775 fps out of my 24" barreled M96 AE.  (caution - not a load for older M94s - for AEs only).  BTW; the use of the 125 BTs in the M94 makes it a two shooter which is fine for varmint shooting.

I have pressure tested both loads with an Oehler M43 and they are safe in my rifles.  Both loads are also within older Lyman book specs (those were current when the loads were worked up).  Again; these are top end loads so drop 10% and work up.

Larry Gibson

[drew23]

 Thanks, I looked on the nosler site and it lists a 30-30 125gr. load but, they call it a pistol load. I understand that they may call it a pistol load so people don't use it in a tube magazine, is this the case? Would this work for the H&R and the Lever action. Here is the link.http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=30cal&s=80

 What about the powder, H4895, H4335 or ?

[Larry Gibson]

You really don't want to use pointy bullets (Hornady's FTX being the exception) in tube magazines unless you restrict yourself to one in the chamber, one in the magazine making them a two shooter.  The pointy bullets work fine in the single shot H&Rs.  Some single shot handguns allow for higher pressure than the lever guns.  I'd suggest if loading for a lever gun you stick to lever gun data. 

Larry Gibson

[Savage]

Drew,
For what it's worth, I had good success years ago loading a 125gr bullet in the 30-30 using IMR 4895. Just so happens IMR 4895 works pretty well in 30-06 as well with the 150-165 gr bullets. Never loaded anything lighter in the 06.
Savage

[Steve P]

I have a couple of loads using the old 125 gr flat point and near max load of Rel #7.  Was accurate in both model 94 and Savage 340.  Never did get a coyote.  Got lots of rock chucks though!!

Steve

[drew23]

Ok, I obviously need to get some real manuals and not just the free ones. I think I am going to go with IMR or H 4895. New question is, my local shop has no WLR primers only Federal 210. Will the books show data for the Fed 210? I can wait if I have to to get WLR but it is about a 45min. drive away, Do I need to make the drive or just need new load data? Thanks in advance.

Justin

So far the plan is 125gr Nosler BT, IMR or Hogdon 4895 but what do I need to do on primers?

[Dand]

If you start at the low end of the powder range I believe you will be fine to use the Federal Primers instead of WLR. I use WLR and CCI standard rifle almost interchangably but usually back off  1-2 grains and work up if I'm at the upper ranges of the powder weight recommendations. At this stage I have shot a lot of 30-30, 30-06 and 300 win mag loads in my guns and have a good idea what to expect. I get more careful when I open new powder or fresh brass, especially in the 300 win where I usually operate at the upper levels of pressure. I weigh new brass and compare to the batch I have been using. Try to cull out extra hi or extra low wts so the 20-40 I'm using are closer to the average. And if that average wt is higher than what I was using I'll drop down a few grains and work up. For the 30-30 and 30-06 my favorite loads are in the mid range so I'm a little more relaxed about switching primers or bullets - but I usually spend some time comparing loads and components in my 15 or more load books. Also pay attention to Handloader and this forum if I hear new batches of powder are faster or slower than older batches. Its caused me to drop down a grain or so on a few loads just to be safer.