Cast bullets in the NEF .30-30 or .30-06 What's the diff?

[mag41vance]

OK, if I can load a .310 180gr gas check hard cast bullet to speeds up to 2100 fps in the .30-06, why not just load it in the .30-30 case to achieve the same speed ? Whats the difference? Certainly the NEF action is strong enough, or perhaps is there some other problem. :?

[JPH45]

Well, that is the difference, it takes less powder in the 30-30 to get there but in theory more pressure, since we are burning a smaller of amount of powder to get the same velocity. This could play hell with trying to get an alloy to balance with the pressure, but the two great advantages of the 30-30 for cast are 1) the long case neck and 2) obtainable velocities in the 30-30 are just about the maximum practicle velcoities for a cast shooter anyway. There are a few who may dispute this, but for the average cast shooter 1800 fps is far more common than is 2300.

Be warned though, my Handi barrel has a bore diameter of about .305. The bore rifer of the Lee 180 at .300 fallsinto my bore and won't shoot worth a hoot. I would highly reccomend a bullet of full groove diameter if you are going to use a Handi (one of these is on my wish list)

[Leftoverdj]

Vance, JPH is pretty much on the money. The .30-30 is actually a little easier to work with since the appropriate charges pretty well fill up the case. Nose support is important, but I think I gave some of those pointed Lee 155s. They should be about right in the nose. If you don't have any, I'll get you a batch.

The Lee 185 for the .303 Brit also looks good to me. The nose should be just fat enough to make up for the shallow Handi rifling and the body should still take sizing to .310 or .311.

[mag41vance]

That's about what I figured.
So I guess the only good reasons to load cast in the .30-06 is you have a good shooting rifle, or you don't have a .30-30.

 Thanks JPH, and DJ