Loads for .30-30 Handi.

[#1oneshot]

I just bought a .30-30 bbl for my Handi, anybody got any good deer loads? It is a great shooter with factory ammo but I know there's some better loads with better bullets. I'm trying the Leverevoloutions this weekend for a factory load. Thanks, Bobby
Oh yeah, I just made an offer on a .44mag bbl, anybody got a good load for it?

[Larry Gibson]

I've found the LeveRevolution factory ammo to be very good in my 24" M94AE.  It runs 2440 fps with 1.1 moa accuracy.  I duplicate that load with LeveRevolution powder and the 160 FXT bullets.  The accuracy, trajectory and retained energy of that load makes the 30-30 a 300 yard deer, antelope and coyote rifle.  I imagine your Handi Rifel would work as well.  You might also try the 150 gr ballistic tip bullets under LeveRevolution powder.  You should get them up to 2550+ fps without any pressures exceeding the SAAMI MAP for the 30-30.  I have tested such pressures in my 30-30 using an Oehler M43.  Lighter weight bullets don't work as well because you'll run out of case capacity with LeveRevolution powder.  The psi's of both the 160 FXT and the 150 BTs run less than most factory 150 or 170 gr loads.  Accuracy has proven excellent in all 3 of my 30-30 rilfes (2 M94s and a 21" Contender).
 
Larry Gibson
 
 

[demented]

 I'm running 36 grains of LVR with 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tips in my Handi Rifle.  Chrono'd at 2300 fps, accuracy around 1.5 inches for three @ 100. 
I never tried for more velocity or did any load work for accuracy, I wanted a load that was capable at 200 yards, this gives me that both energy and accuracy wise.   I'm not sure I could have got much, if any, past 2400 with this combo had I wanted to, not with recommended max loads anyhow.   My OAL with this combo is 2.710, about .020 off the rifling. 

[gomerdog]

I have found that W748 and 170 gr. jacketed bullets gives the best accuracy in my 30/30 Handi. I am not advocating exceeding max loads from reloading manuals, but my load is. It has shown the best accuracy as I worked up the load. I have never seen any signs of excess pressure. I would never try them in a lever rifle. 170 gr. bullets from Nosler, Hornady, and Speer seem to show about the same accuracy. They have accounted for a couple of buck antelope and a doe mule deer.
 
Jeff

[petemi]

165 - 168 gr. Boat Tail Ballistic Tips work best in my .308s and I'm currently loading them for my .30-30 Handi.  I'll let you know how I make out.

Pete