30-30 Handi - Finally

[PawPaw]

I finally found a load that will shoot in my .30-30 Handi, and I have to admit that the learning curve on this rifle has been interesting.

I had seen some tempting results using IMR 4895 and Reloder 15 powder, and had done a ladder test with those powders.

I suspected that I had scope problems so earlier this week I found a Nikon 4X scope and mounted it.  Then, I took the results of the ladder test and went out to the range for some quality time with this rifle.

It looks like this rifle is going to be a shooter.   Groups in the neighborhood of 2" with just about every load.  However, one load really shined with each powder.   I think I'm going with the RL15 load.  It turned in the smaller group.



I'll get out next week and put the load across the chronograph so I can work up a ballistic chart.  I did take the last two rounds of that load and ring the 200 yard gong with it.

[gendoc]

what distance are you shooting for that group ?

[PawPaw]

Ha!  I didn't put that on the target, did I?.  That was shot at 100 yards.

[gendoc]

you compressing a lil ain't ya ?   you should be around 2500fps  sounds like a good load !!

[PawPaw]

you compressing a lil ain't ya ?   you should be around 2500fps  sounds like a good load !!

No, I was using Remington brass and the charge came right up to the base of the neck (IIRC).  If I am compressing, it was very little.

It'll be interesting to get the scope dialed in with the load.  This is my first Nikon scope.  It's a ProStaff 4X that Nikon calls a rimfire scope, but it's very clear and parallax doesn't seem to be a problem.  I've got it mounted in medium Leupold rings and it sits very low to the bore.

[gendoc]

reason why i asked, i used the same load and projectile in my pre-64, 94 levergun. until i had better results with imr-4895. also used in my marlins and blr.

velocity in all are just shy of 2500 with rl-15

sounds like you got the handi.. go'n on !!!

[bikerbeans]

Pawpaw,

Your last post answered my question regarding the 4x Nikon Prostaff.  I like the fixed 4 power optics and have been wanting to try the Nikon 4X, but the word rimfire keeps coming up.  If it is working okay on your 30-30 then should work for what I have in mind.

thanks

BB

[HAMMERHEAD]

I'm a little leery of putting my 4X Leupold rimfire special on my 30-30 Handi. Let us know how that Nikon works out, I like the 4X scopes too. Right now I have my Trijicon Reflex sight on it (1X) because I know it can handle the recoil.

[44 Man]

I used that same Leopold rimfire 4X on my 30-30 for years and liked it very much.  Someone came along that wanted it more than I did and I sold the scope to him.  Then I went with a Tasco 4X, but now have a Bushnell Banner 1x4 on it and like that very much.  I'm shooting Quick's 125 gr Sierra Pro Hunter bullets over a max (Hodgen book) load of H4985.  It shoots great!  44 Man

This is at 100 yds.  I guess I should measure it sometime but it looks good to me!

[PawPaw]

Looks good, 44Man.  Now that I've got the scope issue resolved and some confidence in the rifle, I'm going to have to try Quick's 125 grain load.

Oh, woe is me!  I have to do some more reloading and shoot some more bullets.

[HAMMERHEAD]

Thanks 44 Man, maybe I'll put that Leupold on my 30-30 and move the Trijicon to the .357 barrel to help out the old eyes.
That group looks like about 5/8" to me, very nice.
Mine (30-30 Handi, 100 yds) did 1-1/8" with Federal 150 factory ammo and the 1X scope, I think it can do better with better glass and some handloads.

[bikerbeans]

You 30-30 guys are killing me.  I sold (2) 30-30 barrels to GBO folks and no longer have one and look at the groups you folks are posting.  Do you guys get a commission from BUDs everytime I order a new Handi?

BB

[myarmor]

Thats a very good group with a 4x at 100 yards! I say stick with it.





-Aaron

[Spanky]

Thats a very good group with a 4x at 100 yards! I say stick with it.
-Aaron

I like a good 4x scope on my woods guns. I even have a little 2.5x20 on my 32-20 handi.



Spanky

[gcrank1]

100 yrs ago the old timers thought a 4X was quite the long range and varmint scope (according to Ned Roberts, I believe).
My earlier post seems didnt make it in: I believe the only reason for the RF designation on those scopes mentioned is for the closer parallax free sighting/shooting distance for .22s. They are still good to 'infinity', the best of both worlds perhaps. With the proper mounts for CF you should be fine.

[myarmor]

Thats a very good group with a 4x at 100 yards! I say stick with it.
-Aaron

I like a good 4x scope on my woods guns. I even have a little 2.5x20 on my 32-20 handi.



Spanky

Me too. They are tough as well. But when shooting for tight groups it can be hard with a 4x

[PawPaw]

I've got a Marlin 336 (.35 Rem) that's been wearing a 2.5 Simmons since about 1974.  Great little scope.

My main bolt is a Savage 110 in .30-06.  It wears a fixed 6X Weaver, which I consider on of the best open country hunting scopes of all time.

Now this little 4X on the Handi, I am becoming more and more convinced that fixed power scopes are just dandy for hunting rifles.



I've still got a few variables around, but if someone would make a good fixed power 10X and keep the price at about $200.00 (hint, Weaver, Nikon, or Redfield), I might be tempted to sell my variables, or give them to the kids.

[gcrank1]

+1 on those old Weavers.
FWIW, Ive got an old Lyman 'All American' 10X on a Savage MkII, .22LR HB c/w Accu-Trigger that is a tack driver. You might find one used knowing what to look for.

[LaOtto222]

I think that a 4X or a 6X is plenty for hunting rifles. If you get to the point of it not being enough power, you are more than likely shooting too far. Even with a 10X you have to have a pretty steady rest to take advantage of it.

Speaking of 10X scopes, here is a pretty good 10X scope for just a little over $200. I have one setting on a 26" 221 Fireball and it is very nice scope for the money.

http://www.arcadian-sales.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=32-1040M&Category_Code=Bushnell_3200_Rifle_Scopes&Store_Code=AS