Author Topic: 30/30/ Performance?  (Read 759 times)

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Offline Greysky

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30/30/ Performance?
« on: February 16, 2005, 06:46:22 AM »
I've decided to purchase another Handi. This time in 30/30 Winchester.

I have a few questions for those of you who handload for this vintage caliber:

1.  What particular bullet provides optimum downrage performance for you?

2.  What powder do you prefer?

3.  What particular primer do you use?

I'm more interested in achieving downrange accuracy than power.  

I prefer Sierra bullets. Then Speer.
If at first you don't succeed, by all means try again. But if this doesn't work, give up, because there is no sense in making a darn fool of yourself.

Offline mag41vance

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30/30/ Performance?
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2005, 06:57:01 AM »
For accuracy I've found the 150 gr .308 Sierra Spitzers over 36 grains of IMR4350 with a Fedral GM210M primers to be very accurate, but the bullet speed is around 2000FPS on average.
 My last 5 shot group was 1.213" @ 100 with 3 of the five in a .34 inch hole.


  I've also achieved good groups with the 125 gr Nosler Balistis tip with H335 at around 2350 fps

 Good luck
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Offline Chainsaw

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30/30/ Performance?
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2005, 08:05:57 AM »
Greysky, I have worked up data that takes the 130 Barnes XBT to 2600 fps with great accuracy as well.

I use mainly W748 but have also done ok with BLC-2.

I have used mainly CCI 250's but Rem 9 1/2M have worked well also.

The Barnes is the most accurate bullet I have tried so far, but have not used Nosler BT's or any match type bullets. I have used both the 130 gr.SSSP Hornady and the Sierra 135 gr. pistol bullet as well. Both were ok but nothing like the Barnes. I am currently starting to work with Barnes TSX and the VLC's in 130 grain.

When working up loads for velocity watch the weight of your brass as certain WW's and Federal are heavier in weight and easily give excess pressure signs while my WW super cases and RP's weigh around 130 grains empty and operate with little or no pressure signs when top loads are approached in my two handi's...................Chainsaw

Offline JPH45

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30/30/ Performance?
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2005, 12:00:33 PM »
It probably ain't real sexy, but the single most accurate load that I have shot from my 30-30 so far is the plain jane Remington 150 SP. Mine shoots this ammo into 3/8" and less at 50 yards. I have done a fair bit of shooting both plain base and boat tail bullets and have found that my rifle shoots the plain base bullets at nearly half the group size of the boat tails. I use 33.7 grains of a surplus powder WC846 that is very like H335/BL-C2. the load gives me from 2260-2375 with bullets weighing 150-180 grains. The factory Remington load clocks a flat 2400 from my rifle. I would suggest buying 100 or so of the Remington bulk 150 and trying some loads with it. It has a terrible BC, but more than makes up for it with accuracy. At the 150 yards and less that most folks shoot game with the 30-30, the trajectory differences from pointy bullets to this brick just don't make a lot of difference.
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Offline OBXPilgrim

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30/30/ Performance?
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2005, 12:37:55 PM »
Chainsaw -  

what kind of groups do you get with that 130gr XBT?  That sounds like a pretty interesting load, especially the 2600 fps.  

I don't normally like lighter bullets for deer hunting, but, the Barnes is different.

Are you seating it out near the throat, or just normal OAL?

Offline Chainsaw

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30/30/ Performance?
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2005, 12:49:51 PM »
Quote from: OBXPilgrim
Chainsaw -  

what kind of groups do you get with that 130gr XBT?  That sounds like a pretty interesting load, especially the 2600 fps.  

I don't normally like lighter bullets for deer hunting, but, the Barnes is different.

Are you seating it out near the throat, or just normal OAL?


My best groups are under 1 inch with 1/2" groups for three shots if I do my part and don't get the shakes.

I have a 1994 NEF model and an older pre-bancrupty H&R with the slim line barrel that take very different loads (3 grains of powder different) I seat one rifle at .050 and the other at .030 from the lands as far as I can tell. OAL are 2.725 and 2.782

I also have driven the 140 Barnes XBT to 2575 with W748 powder in the NEF offering I own. You can get good accuracy wityh this load as well. Hope this helps..............Chainsaw

Offline OBXPilgrim

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30/30/ Performance?
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2005, 01:56:54 PM »
Swwweeet!

I can't wait to get a few extra barrels & some range time!

Offline Greysky

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Light Verses Heavy Bullets
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2005, 01:57:44 PM »
With a 1 in 10" twist, does the 30/30 Handi achieve a higher degree of accuracy with heavier bullets?

I'm curious to know how well 110 grain spire points work.

Is Varget a good powder for the 30/30?

I really appreciate the information you fellows have provided so far.
If at first you don't succeed, by all means try again. But if this doesn't work, give up, because there is no sense in making a darn fool of yourself.

Offline Rustyinfla

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.30-30
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2005, 06:54:14 PM »
There is also an article in the latest Handloader (Wolf Pub.) on shooting cast bullets in the .30-30. There are some cast loads listed with Red Dot under an inch. I think I just might order my .30-30 from Wally World today.
  The article starts of by saying that it makes little sense to shoot jacketed bullets in a rifle that doesn't go over 2000 FPS anyway.
  If you can cast your own your rounds must be pretty close to the same cost as a .22 LR.

           Rusty <><
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