Powders for 30-30

[ButlerFord45]

I've used IMR 3031 for years and am not unhappy with it.  It's just that there are so many newer powders, I thought it might be fun trying out a couple.  Starting with 125 gr jacketed and 170 cast.  Anyone have anything they highly recommend?

[Joe Kool]

For any brand 150 gr bullet, use WW748. Be sure to use only Federal 210 primers with it. I don't know why, but the f210 primer will usually give sub 1 inch groups in most 30/30's. Any other primer with 748 will usually give groups in the 2 inch range.  

[jgalar]

I use Unique for my cast load. Velocity isn't very high, but it is very accurate and cheap.

[Nobade]

I've been getting very good results with the Accurate 2230-C currently available. It's not picky about operating pressure like many ball powders and works well over a wide velocity range, with cast and jacketed.

[Snowshoe]

I get 1" or less groups using H335 and a Remington 125g PSP in a bolt action Stevens .30-30. It travels at 2560 fps and is a good load for coyotes or whitetails. The next powder I want to try is BLC-2, it shows a little better velosity and less preasure. I have not seen preasure in my bolt action rifles, but I am getting a new to me model 94, and want to keep the preasure down. Reloader 15 is supposed to be good too.

[Tom W.]

Varget

[haroldclark]

I am currently working on a new load for a 16" TC Contender barrel.  

In my Marlin 336 Cowboy version, 20 grains of Reloader 7 with a 170 grain Remington round nose bullet and it is an absolute deadly charm.  Recoil is very mild.  I have not put it on paper and it also, hits all targets at the rifle Silhouette Range.  I have the scope mount elevated and Burris Signature Zee rings to get the needed elevation.

I have only recorded two with the #315 bullet & 20 gr Rel 7 with a 4 shot group with 3 shots in 0.87" and a flyer to 1.43".  The second group measured 1 7/16th" with 7 shots.  My buddy fire that one.

I also, use a Saeco #315 bullet (173 grains) and an Oregon Trail Bullet Company 170 grain with gas check.  The Saeco is more accurate, but either one works great out to 200 meters and further.

I have just tried 16 grains of Alliant 2400, 9.2 gr of IMR SR 7625 and the Reloader 7 with a Saeco #316 150 grain cast bullet with a gas check.    No definite results yet.  Range day for tomorrow is cancelled due to weather, so I must wait until Friday.

Harold

[ButlerFord45]

Well, of what you folks have listed, the only one my local dealer had was Varget, so I picked up a pound and a box of Sierra 125's.  I'm going to have to shoot a hundred or so this week to have some empty brass to load this in.  It looks like any other powder I try is going to have to be ordered.  I'd like to have at least two of you agree on a powder before I order it.  
Thanks for the suggestions.

[KYODE]

i highly recommend trying imr4198. especially with 125-130gr bullets. shoots great in my 30-30AI contender! i've had very good luck with imr 4198 more than once :wink:  course, it's not a "newer" powder, but highly effective nonetheless.  

[Carl l.]

ButlerFord45, I don't shoot the 30-30, but I had a friend that loaded for it. He  passed a way a few years back. He used 3031 with 150 gr bullets and he tried several different powders. He was a good shot with it. I hope you have good luck with the new powder and let us know how it works out. You can always go back to the 3031. I would still vote for the 3031 if I was going to reload for the 30-30. Carl L.

[Tom W.]

O.K. Varget, again. Send Hodgdon an e-mail, tell them what you need, and they will send you everything they have worked up for Varget in many different bullet weights, not just what you can find on the website.
 I asked not too long ago for a friend of mine who wanted loads for his .300 WinMag with Varget, and got a load for bullets from 100 grains on up.