Author Topic: Shooting "heavy" with the 30-30 Part 1 & 1 1/2 (update) (Read 1533 times)

wcf3030 · « **on:** July 13, 2007, 08:17:56 AM »

Just got my samples in the mail from the "Bull Shop".
I had asked for a few 200-220gr cast bullets for my H&R 30-30.
He sent 4 of each.
I've already checked the 220gr Egan for "fit" in the H&R. Perfect.
Can't wait to try them out.

Should be able to test run in a few days will report back.

Dusty Wheeler · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2007, 09:02:36 AM »

I have an old Lyman mold that throws a bullet that looks like that. Had good luck in an '06 but never tried it in a .30-30. I now have a Handi .30-30 so I may have to cast some and try them. I have tried .310 round balls with LLA lube that works fine for short range backyard plinking. I bought but haven't tried yet a 93 gr LEE .311 6 cavity mold, again for short range. Keep us posted on your progress!
Tim

cascadedad · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2007, 09:24:46 AM »

Dan does an EXCELLENT job. I buy all my MLer bullets from him. Just wait until you get an order of 500 from him. When I get an order of 500 460 grainers, the postman usually asks, "What's in this box, LEAD?". The answer is, "Yup."

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:36:50 AM »

I really like the idea of a heavy lead bullet for the 30-30.

I like the thought of a slow heavy bullet for hunting (for short distances of course). I would think that the 1 - 10" twist would stabilize them OK at 1500 FPS or so. I know that large bore guns do well with blunt heavy lead bullets. I am curious about how these bullets will perform on deer. I am sure they will punch through, but will they have much shock power with the pointed tip? I would think they would have to hit bone to upset (if then). Will they tumble after hitting? If they did, that would do some damage. Do they have to be seated deeply into the case for a Handi? Will they have enough powder capacity to achieve 1500 FPS? Now that you brought it up, we are going to NEED a full report, please.

wcf3030 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:45:23 AM »

Quote from: LaOtto222 on July 13, 2007, 10:36:50 AM

Will they tumble after hitting? If they did, that would do some damage. Do they have to be seated deeply into the case for a Handi? Will they have enough powder capacity to achieve 1500 FPS?

I pressed the 220gr bullet into the empty case and seated and crimped in at the groove(pictured).
It slipped into the chamber without a single rifling mark.
From the looks of where the bullet is located in the case, I'd have to guess you could get 27-30gr of powder(IMR 30-31-Varget) in there.
I will be investigating for a safe starting load.

Bob A · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:48:23 AM »

I've never heard of the "Bull Shop". Is that the real name? How do you contact them?

Bob A

wcf3030 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:55:30 AM »

Quote from: Bob A on July 13, 2007, 10:48:23 AM

I've never heard of the "Bull Shop". Is that the real name? How do you contact them?

Bob A

http://bullshop.gunloads.com/prices.html

cascadedad · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2007, 11:10:59 AM »

Guys, Dan does an awesome job on casting bullets. He is a stand up guy and his prices are fantastic. I have received lead conicals for my White muzzleloader sized to .5040 and .5045. I have measured a BUNCH of them and they are all on the money. Shipping from Alaska is very reasonable as long as you go with a big order.

His statement on the front page is relatively new. My experience is that he gets them out in a very timely manner. You send him a check and when he receives the check, he will get busy. I think the longest I have waited for him to ship back is a couple weeks. Like he said, if you want something yesterday, he probably isn't your man. Anyway, this is my experience, but yours could be different.

Personally, I think he just kind of got tired of emails every day, "When are my bullets shipping, when are my bullets shipping?" He cant answer a thousand emails and cast at the same time. But that to is only a guess on my part.

I too look forward to report on how these shoot for you.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:11:02 PM »

"I pressed the 220gr bullet into the empty case and seated and crimped in at the groove(pictured).
It slipped into the chamber without a single rifling mark."

I did not think my barrel had much free bore that is why I asked if you seated the bullet deep. After reading your post; I measured my 30-30 barrel and it does not have much free bore, unlike my 223 and 357 barrels. I used a Stoney Point OAL gauge and there is only about 1/10" freebore. I used a Hornady 130 grain SP Pistol Interlock bullet for measuring and the OAL was 2.642". That is way shorter than you have in the picture. Is the cast bullet under size in the front part of the bullet to ride on top of the lands? Do you have a different vintage barrel? Mine is about 2 years old with an ejector.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:22:23 PM »

Those are likely bore riders, my 30-30 has a fairly long throat in it, the 150gr Nosler PT touches at a COL of 2.713".

Tim

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:26:47 PM »

I kind of thought they had to be "bore riders". Even with the generous free bore that H&R gives us in a lot of rifles, that is a lot. I was hoping he could give us a diameter for that part of the bullet.

wcf3030 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:35:19 PM »

Quote from: LaOtto222 on July 13, 2007, 02:26:47 PM

I kind of thought they had to be "bore riders". Even with the generous free bore that H&R gives us in a lot of rifles, that is a lot. I was hoping he could give us a diameter for that part of the bullet.

.302 ahead of the crimp and .309 behind the crimp.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:38:04 PM »

Thank You very much. That does not let you off the hook for more info.

wcf3030 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:51:16 PM »

If everything works out I'll be at the range Sunday. I've only 4 of each.
If they work out well I'm sending a order in that week for 100 more.

wcf3030 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:53:35 PM »

Quote from: cascadedad on July 13, 2007, 09:24:46 AM

Dan does an EXCELLENT job. I buy all my MLer bullets from him. Just wait until you get an order of 500 from him. When I get an order of 500 460 grainers, the postman usually asks, "What's in this box, LEAD?". The answer is, "Yup."

If these work out he will most likely get all my cast business.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:59:17 PM »

wcf3030 - I do not have a chronograph.

Do you, so we can get an idea how fast you are pushing them? BTW - too bad you only have 4 shots with each

quickdtoo · « **Reply #16 on:** July 13, 2007, 03:01:09 PM »

Here's another to try if those don't work out.

Tim

http://westernbullet.com/cbip/b311284.html

wcf3030 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 13, 2007, 03:12:26 PM »

Quote from: LaOtto222 on July 13, 2007, 02:59:17 PM

wcf3030 - I do not have a chronograph. Do you, so we can get an idea how fast you are pushing them? BTW - too bad you only have 4 shots with each

Will be using a chrono for these.
I had just sent him a few dollars for some samples, I had first wanted to see if they would fit.

wcf3030 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 13, 2007, 03:13:30 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 13, 2007, 03:01:09 PM

Here's another to try if those don't work out.

Tim

http://westernbullet.com/cbip/b311284.html

Thanks Quick!
consider it added to my favorites.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 13, 2007, 03:19:02 PM »

I just looked at my Lyman 48th manual and they do not show any load data for the 30-30 with those bullets.

The rifle was only a 1 - 12" twist so maybe they do not stabilize with that rifle. I still think that 1 - 10" will if pushed fast enough. It does have data for the 30-40 and 30-06 they are both 1 - 10" twist.0

quickdtoo · « **Reply #20 on:** July 13, 2007, 03:28:30 PM »

Here's some readin for ya!

There's more there if you want to use their search.

Tim

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=14723&highlight=311284+30-30

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=5014&highlight=311284+30-30

And another...

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?p=144452

cascadedad · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2007, 07:33:21 PM »

Hey WCF3030, hopefully those Bullshops will shoot good for you. Then you can expect something like this to arrive.

Not quite as fun as when the rifles arrive, but almost.

wcf3030 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 14, 2007, 03:27:59 AM »

I've always treated the mail man like Santa!

He usually paces on the milk.

wcf3030 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 30, 2007, 06:45:10 AM »

Finally went to the range with my 8rds 4 of each. I will be ordering a case here in a month or so.

The 200gr "Hunter" bullet is too long to "fit" in the H&R when seated at the crimp groove without force.

The 220gr worked like a charm and I was able to get a nickle sized 4 shot group at 35yards with factory sights.

This load development is still just at the start but this is what I plan to shoot in my 30-30.
The load was suggested to me by some steel bangers. I used this in my rifle it may not be safe in yours.
29.5grs of Varget should produce 1850-1900 fps from my barrel.
I used that load with the 220gr with not one sign of pressure or leading.
There is still plenty room left in the case for 2-3 more grains of Varget.
Slower burning powder was also suggested with fps running in the 2000-2100fps range and I'll try those when I place my order.
I think a addition of a peep or ladder sight and some range work will make this 30-30 handi a fun long ranger plinker as well as a game getter.

More to come with chrono info.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #24 on:** July 30, 2007, 07:16:29 AM »

Quote from: wcf3030 on July 30, 2007, 06:45:10 AM

The load was suggested to me by some still bangers.

What's the bounty on stills now? Or did you mean steel, are they stillouhette shooters?

Nice work, looking forward to the chrono results.

Thanks,

Tim

wcf3030 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 30, 2007, 07:22:22 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 30, 2007, 07:16:29 AM

Quote from: wcf3030 on July 30, 2007, 06:45:10 AM
The load was suggested to me by some still bangers.

What's the bounty on stills now? Or did you mean steel, are they stillouhette shooters?

Nice work, looking forward to the chrono results.

Thanks,

Tim

What you never heard of stills bangers? They are a gang that shoots at pictures with 30-30's

Thanks quick I corrected it.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #26 on:** July 30, 2007, 07:25:07 AM »

Mac11700 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 30, 2007, 07:29:52 AM »

Quote from: wcf3030 on July 30, 2007, 07:22:22 AM

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 30, 2007, 07:16:29 AM
Quote from: wcf3030 on July 30, 2007, 06:45:10 AM
The load was suggested to me by some still bangers.

What's the bounty on stills now? Or did you mean steel, are they stillouhette shooters?

Nice work, looking forward to the chrono results.

Thanks,

Tim

What you never heard of stills bangers? They are a gang that shoots at pictures with 30-30's
Thanks quick I corrected it.

Heck...I thought that saying came from the Revenuers who shot up good folks whiskey making rigs...

Mac

cascadedad · « **Reply #28 on:** July 30, 2007, 01:17:40 PM »

Quote from: wcf3030 on July 30, 2007, 06:45:10 AM

I will be ordering a case here in a month or so.

Don't wait too long.

Dan (Bull Shop) has bought a second home in Montana and he will be wintering there. His casting equipment will remain in Alaska this winter, so if you need any of his fine conicals or anticipate needing any before ~March 08 - you best get your orders in soon.

Per Dan:
"...we are going there ((Montana)) for the winter and will not be taking orders from a deadline of sept 30 through God willing some time in 2/08. I am planing three months in Martinsdale Montana with no phone or computer.
If yer gona need um for winter get um now.
Yup snow birds, sorta.
BIC/BS"

v8r · « **Reply #29 on:** July 30, 2007, 05:36:02 PM »

those look pretty neat hope they work out.