170 gr .30-30 bullets in the '06

[New Hampshire]

I recently came into some 170 gr Sierra flat points.  Ive been toying with the idea of redued power loadings to match the .30-30, and since I have these I figure "why not."  But I cant find data for these bullets under the 06 data, let alone any data for the 170 weight so I can try and match velocities.  So I was thinking of just using straight .30-30 data, but can anyone tell me if the extra case capacity will cause velocity deviations from the .30-30 data?  Or should I get about the same listed velocity (of course I know all being relative....Im just shooting for a "close" match or slightly higher velocity.)  If I use this for anything other than punching holes in paper it would be closer shots on deer (say 75 to 100 yards max.)  I would even be happier with slightly higher velocities considering its a heavier bullet and the intended distances.
Thanks,
Brian M.
P.S. I cant chrony (let alone shoot,) much right now thanks to the weather and (another) impending fight with a local land developer who is theratening a full closure of our only acces to the gun club.  So any help would be appreciated so I can at least prep for when I CAN get out and shoot/chrony (still got me some 165 gr Nosler Part. Loads for the 06 to try out and chrony.)

[John Traveler]

New Hampshire,

Some 30 years ago, a friend loaded .30-30 bullets into .30-06 cases for maximum velocity.  He shot a deer and killed the animal, but it needlessly suffered a lingering and painfull wound.  LOTS of meat was bloodshot and ruined too.  He still remembers that experience and swears he won't repeat it.

.30-30 bullets are designed for much lower velocity and should be used only in their intended velocity range.  If you insist on downloading, you CAN safely use the faster powders such as IMR 3031 and IMR 4895 in reduced charges to duplicate .30-30 velocities.  A powder charge designed for the .30-30 case will give (surprise) almost the full velocity in the larger .30-06 case, but ignition may be erratic because of the airspace.

Be sure to AVOID downloading with the slower burning or ball type powders.  That combination can be UNSAFE and is not recommended by the loading manuals.

As for as suitable loads, you can use .30-06 starting loads for 180 grain for your 170 grain bullets.  Notice that the velocities will still be a couple hundred fps faster than the same bullet in the .30-30.

John

[Rick Teal]

Years ago, I did some experimentation with 170 grain bullets in my 30-06, but with the development of ballistic tips, I switched to them for my deer and moose hunting.

I started with data for 165 grain 30-06 bullets when doing my load development.  

I didn't use a loading book at that time, so most of my testing is lost, however, I did enter one load in my book once I set it up.  This is 46 grains of IMR 4895 pushing a 170 grain Speer bullet at 2357 fps.  I used Winchester large rifle primers and Imperial brass and shot it through my Remington 742 with a 22" barrel.  The components issue wouldn't be critical in a load this light.

I never shot anything with this load so I can't give you performance info.

[ricciardelli]

http://stevespages.com/308_8_170.html

[New Hampshire]

Thanks for the replys.  First I want to state that I would in no way do something irresponsible like try to push a .30-30 bullet to 06 velocities on deer.  Thats why Im only looking for an average velocity of about 2000 to 2100 fps with a MAX of 2300 fps.  Thats about the average according to the Speer manual.
I was wondering if there would have been a noticable drop in velocity due to the extra case capacity of the 06 (extra case capacity, lower pressure slower velocity....or so I was worried.)  I guess Ill just have to hope the club dont get shut down again so I can get out and do some good chrony work.  If Iowegan is checking in here maybe he can tell me if the filler tip he gave me for my pistol loads will work in the Bottleneck 06 to take up the extra airspace (and hopefully provide more consistant ignition.)
Thanks ricciardelli.  I had your page bookmarked but didnt even think to check there.  At least its a starting point.
So I guess there are a few more wrinkles to iron out before I get too serious with this idea.
Brian M.

[BCB]

New Hampshire,

I sure can’t see why a “30-30” bullet (whatever that is) that weighs in at 170 grains wouldn’t work in a 30-06 rifle.  Hornady lists a 170 FP bullet for use at velocities of 2000-2500 fps for medium/medium-heavy game.  There is plenty of loading data for the ol’ –06 and the 168-170 grain bullet at 2500 fps.  You could probably shoot it at a lesser than 2500 fps and it still would do the job.  After all that bullet doesn’t know if it is being fired from a 30-30 or a 30-06—does it??

I shoot a Lyman 311041 cast bullet (173 grains FP) from several different 30-30’s and two other .308’s.  Velocities for both cartridges are right at the 2000 fps mark.  Both perform well!  If you make a good hit with that 170 grainer, the critter will not be able to tell 30-30 or 30-06!!!  Good-luck…BCB

[BruceP]

New Hampshire, my Speer#11 manual lists a reduced load for the 180 gr. bullets at 2000 fps with 30 gr. of IMR 4198. It also lists loads using Hodgdon H380 that run from 2118-2599 fps. Starting charge of H380 is 50 gr. and max charge is 54 gr. Since the bullet weight is heaver than what you want to use there should be no problems if you just work up as you should anyway.
Bruce P

[New Hampshire]

Thanks again guys, this is ust the ticket.  I had thought about reduced loading for the 06 since even before I got it.  I like having all that power, but in reality it is waaaaay more than I need.  I dont intend to use this as my primary hunting load, at least not until Ive done some serious developing.  But all this buzz lately about "Managed Recoil" loadings being offered lately just got me pushed towards this direction.
Again, Thanks.
Brian M.