30-30 and IMR4064

[aldar]

went through my reloading cabinet and found a pound of 4064 and thought I would give it try in my 30-30 Handi rifle. I had read that it was an acceptible powder to use when loading 150gr bullets. Here's the question.  you cant find much info on 150gr Remington corlocks (bulk) so I stick with using Hornady and Sierra loads out of my Loadbook usa manual. the max loads are similar, around 32.3grs using 4064 until you look in the back of the book! under the IMR powders page  it lists a max of  37.5 compressed! thats a big difference. I started out low and worked up to the lower "max" with terrible results. I then started in over the "max" and the groups were getting better in size. the last batch, all worked up at .3grs at a time, was 35grs and finally was getting good results, plus there no signs of pressure. the primers still have nice rounded edges and cases exjected with ease. anybody have an idea why the "max" loads are so different and why my groups got better?

[Lone Star]

My 1990-vintage DuPont Handloaders Guide shows a max load for the .30-30 and the 150 CoreLokt as 37.5 grains IMR4064 (compressed) at 37,800 CUP and 2350 fps.  The current Hodgdon's on-line .30-30 data shows the 150 Sierra FN over 33.3 grains of IMR4064 as maximum with 36,200 CUP and 2236 fps.  It is difficult to believe that the difference of 4.2 grains is due to the bullet brand.  Just another example to confirm that you should use current data.

The Handi can take far more pressure than an M94 so you can 'get by' with higher pressure loads.  Pimer appearance is a BS method of determining pressures, particularly for cartridges with maximum pressures under 40,000 CUP.   You have no idea what your pressures are, or if they are well above SAAMI maximum.


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[yooper77]

Take a look at the manufacture site, Hodgdon makes this powder:
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

You are way over maximum charge for IMR-4064 using a 150 grain copper cup lead bullet.

Use the best powder available for the 30-30 Winchester, not just what you have on hand.  I suggest IMR-3031 or BL-C(2).  Yes you can use IMR-4064, but don’t except it to give you the accuracy you desire.  That is the whole world of hand loading is about, finding the best, case, primer, powder and bullet recipe.  Your Handi will take the higher pressures, but the cases will suffer and you also might not continue to be so lucky.  Primers should never be used as a pressure indicator.

yooper77

[mauser98us]

I like H4895 in the 30-30 and like cartridges

[huntducks]

Take a look at the manufacture site, Hodgdon makes this powder:
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

You are way over maximum charge for IMR-4064 using a 150 grain copper cup lead bullet.

Use the best powder available for the 30-30 Winchester, not just what you have on hand.  I suggest IMR-3031 or BL-C(2).  Yes you can use IMR-4064, but don’t except it to give you the accuracy you desire.  That is the whole world of hand loading is about, finding the best, case, primer, powder and bullet recipe.  Your Handi will take the higher pressures, but the cases will suffer and you also might not continue to be so lucky.  Primers should never be used as a pressure indicator.
yooper77

That is why I have a cabinet full of slightly opened 1lb cans of powder just because it's in the book does not mean it will work.

I have to 2nd 4895 in the 30-30

[Siskiyou]

IMR4064 is listed as the accuracy powder for the 30-30 Winchester, 150-grain softpoint in the Lyman 44th Edition.  I have had very good luck with IMR4064 with 150-grain Hornady bullets in a 30-30 Marlin.  The only reason I switched to 4320 was I was given have a keg.  It proved to be outstanding.  IMR4064 earned the right to be my GO-TO powder for the 300 Savage.

I purchased a bunch of Remington 150-grain C-L, bulk packaging years back but have not loaded them with IMR4064.  I would not have any problem working up a load following common load development practices.

Originally IMR4064 was manufactured and distributed by DuPont.  The manufacturing and distribution has changed.  IMR put out handloader Guides in the past.  Five of the seven loads shown in the Guide I am looking at have compressed loads.  The maximum load shown in the Guide is 36.5 C grains.  This might be on the hot side.  I settled on 33.0 grains.

Before the election 30-30 ammunition was so cheap that I bought factory 30-30 ammunition for hunting and used my reloads for practice. 

I am now hoarding my IMR4064 for the 300 Savage, with the 30-30 being an option.  I loaded up the last of my IMR4320 and hoped to reinforce my supply of IMR4064 for the 30-30 and 300 Savage.  No such luck, so checking the numbers I purchased a pound of H335, I have not tried it.  I also purchased eight pounds of BL-C (2) to keep in business.  In a market place that is not offering a lot of options and if on I would have preferred to purchase IMR4064.

[Dee]

I have been reloading for the same Winchester 94 3030 since 1970 or 71. Years ago I tried the 4064, and did not like it. Don't remember why though.
3031! If it ain't broke, don't fix it.