30-30 Ackley Improved with Cast Bullets

[Dezynco]

Does anyone have a "pet" load for the 30-30 AI using RCBS 30-180 gas checked bullets?  I can't seem to get them to group too well, and I don't really have any load data for this particular bullet. I've been "interpolating" a load or two by starting with regular 30-30 loads and/or something close in AI loads and working my way up with the powder charge.

I've tried IMR 30-31, RL7, IMR 4895.  So far the best group is with RL7 @ about 3" groups at 100 yards.  Maybe I'm pushing them too hard.

[Slufoot]

I have a 1973 Model 336A Marlin which has a 24" barrel, that I had rechambered to 30-30AI. I'm very new to casting and have only cast one run of bullets from my LEE 170 grain Gas Check mold. The bullets with GC and lube weigh right at 180 grains. I've shot these bullets while fireforming brass and have gotten around 2" groups at 100 yards.
I tried 31.5 (Thirty One & Five Tenths) grains of IMR-4895 and this gave me about 2050 FPS.
I then loaded some with 32 (Thirty Two) grains of IMR-4895 and these run 2100 FPS and 2" groups @ 100 yards whith no leading.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

[Dezynco]

I may try hardening up my lead a bit to get the weight back down.  My RCBS 30-180 is actually weighing in around 190 grain with lube and gas check.  IMR 4895 looks promising.

[curator]

You don't post what kind of load and what rifle. Marlin rifles usually need a bigger bullet than .309-.310. Winchesters often need hard bullets (BHN22+) for full power loads. The only .30-30AI I have is now a custom sig=ngle shot rifle with a 1 in 10" rifling twist. It likes hard bullets and 180 grain bullet velocities that hover arouns 2200 fps. I make mine at .311 diameter of water-drop wheel-weight alloy and lube with LBT "blue". I get best accuracy with Reloder 12 (full to the shoulder) and standard WLR primers. I like the .30-30AI for slightly faster velocity at lower pressures but it never fed well in my lever actions.

[Dezynco]

Sorry, it's a TC Custom shop barrel that I just got from the classifieds here on GBO.  It's a 24" with a standard 1/10 twist.  I'm wondering if I am seating too deep, may need a slightly larger diameter bullet, or what.  I've tried .308 and .309 diameter sizing, about the same results with each.

[curator]

Sounds similar to mine: T/C Contender with a Brown custom barrel. Mine won't shoot with bullets smaller than .311. .308 & .309 diameters leaded like crazy. .310 didn't lead the bore but accuracy was nothing special. I seat them to slightly crush into the rifling origin when I close the action. I have several moulds that all give good accuracy at .311 diameter. One of the best is the Lyman #311291 (175 grain). The absolute best is the LBT .311/180LFN. This was cut to match the gun's throat slug and can shoot sub-moa at full throttle .30-30 velocities.