Suggestions for 30-30 loads for TC Contender..

[John10]

We have recently started loading 30 cal Herrett  for a TC Super 14 Contender and have been amazed at the accuracy of  the Herrett loads.   Over the years we have loaded plenty of straight case pistol cartridges but have had no experience with loading or reforming necked cartridges.  We are at the very bottom of the learning curve so any information will be of great value and much appreciated.   Since we are working with reformed 30-30 brass we looked for and acquired a used 16 inch TC Contender 30-30 barrel thinking it would make a great companion to the 30cal Herrett.  However as mentioned, it is all new to us and we are a little hesitant and uncertain just what loads can or should be used in the 30-30 barrel.  A friend gave us a copy of  the Lyman 47th edition handbook which shows loads for the standard 30-30 rifle as well as loads for the Contender but there is a difference.  ( Plus, Lyman seems to conflict with the Lee handbook as far as powder loads go…) We are hoping members of this forum can help clear up our doubts.  Are  there any problem in firing factory loads in the 30-30 TC 16”  barrel  ??   Secondly,  what might be a suggested reload in 30-30 for a 130 and/or 150 grain spire point  bullet for the Contender.. or is there a better weight or better bullet to use ??  This is our first posting at this site and there will no doubt be more as we attempt to learn about these cartridges.   Thanks in advance.. 

[jhalcott]

  the factory loads are fine in the T/C.  Just WHAT do you plan to use the 30-30 for?

[Hopalong7]

You have two barrels that will pretty much do the same thing. I know that will start a few arguments, but its basically true. The advantage to the Herret is in short (10") barrels.  Better performance with less powder, less blast and recoil than the parent case.  Now, once you get to a 14" and certainly in a 16" the table tilts the other way...advantage 30-30. So why would anyone have both...Gee..I don't know...but guess what...you're getting this from one who does...me.  And on top of that, I've got a 14" 30-30AI which in recent years has somewhat put the other two out to pasture.  The Herret was designed for 110gr bullets and the Speer 110RN has worked super for me on numerous deer over the years, but in recent times the 125BT has been my bullet of choice which ever barrel I was using.  My favorite powders are IMR3031 in the two 30-30's, along with Rel7, and WW680 in the Herret(It was discontinued years ago but I squirreled away several pounds.  AA1680 is pretty close). I didn't mean to write a book, but you tickled one of my favorite spots. GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[blhof]

You might consider the Thompson loading manual for the contender.  They have compiled maximun safe loads specifically for the Contender pistol. Because of the variety; there's a vol 1 and 2.  Their loads were formulated to get maximum performance in the 10 to 16 in. barrels.

[steveus]

I like Hornady 130gr. spire points with AA2230.  Also Nosler BT 125gr.

[Ken ONeill]

I've used Sierra and  Nosler  125's and the old Hornady 135 ssp's as well as Speer 150 FN's in my 1978 Super 14 barrel with great success when coupled with WW 748. It has always been one of my most accurate barrels.

[OLDHandgunner]

As mentioned before find one or both of the T/C loading manuals. These have been very helpful for me over the years. I have a 30 Herrett, 30-30, 30-30 Ack Imp and other calibers based on the 30-30 brass. I stay with the lighter bullets in the 125 to 135 grain class for my barrels. My barrels are 10" to 14". The Nosler BT seem to be the most accurate bullet for them. Hornady, Sierra & Speer also shot very well. Mine also shot the best when cases were sized to the chamber and the bullets seated with a longer OAL. Just picked up a Bullberry 30-30 Ack Imp carbine barrel for my G-2. Probably will try some 150gr in this one.
I really like the calibers made off the 30-30 brass. I've always been a brass pack rat. Around here no one saves 30-30 brass. So over the years I have accumulated hundreds & hundreds of 30-30 brass at the gravel pit shooting places. So have fun shooting with your T/C.
And who said the old thirty-thirty was dead.

[irold]

A long time ago , in a place far away..........oh...I used to have a 10" in 30-30 and 30 Herret, never could get the 30-30 to shoot, least not very well.  The Herret would shoot nice groups, my powder was IMR 4895...pushing a 125 Sierra spitzer.  Got tired making brass, went to straight walled pistol cases.  Good Luck, 

[BobT]

I shoot all three as well, no reason , I just want to. The best .30-30 powder for me has always been IMR 3031. It has worked very well in the .30-30 AI also. I shot Winchester 150 grain Silvertips until the were discontinued and I ran out. The Nosler BTs have taken over for them. You can use most rifle data for the Contender but the slower powders wont give the performance they should. One thing I don't do for the Contender loads is crimp, no reason to IMO. I have tried it and all I gained was a serious pressure increase. The .30-30 Ackley Improved will give you better case life than the standard round. Have fun and be safe!
Bob