Best bet for 30/30 mould?

[NWShooter]

Hopefully someone here can shed a little light on this one for me.  I'd like to load up some light target rounds for my 30/30 Model 94 Trapper.  I can't decide between the RCBS 30-150-FN and the Lyman 173 grain #311041.  Anybody tried both, and is one better than the other?

[haroldclark]

I have both of the molds that you mention.  The Lyman is the better of the two choices, but if you are in the market for a mold, consider the #316 Saeco.

It is a 150 grain gas checked bullet.  I have shot a lot of 30-30 cast bullets and the Saeco bullet is by far the best shooter in all guns.  I have fired many different bullets in Marlin Rifles, Thompson Center Contenders, Winchester Lever Guns and a Savage bolt gun.  

Use 12.6 grains of Alliant Blue Dot behind that bullet and you will be charmed.  Or, 20 grains of Reloader 7 will work well too.  I am currently working with 12.6 of Blue Dot in as 16" contender barrel and having a great old time with the Saeco bullet.

Contact GAR for Reloaders
590 McBride Ave.,
West Patterson, NJ 07424
973-754-114

They carry as complete line of Lyman and Saeco molds and the prices are the best in the USA.

Harold Clark

[frank405]

I use the Lyman #31141 from an old mold. The powder charge is 33 grains of Reloader 15 for about 2200 out of a Winchester model 64 Deluxe. I have never shot this load on paper, just in the field. It is a scary load in a 30-30, very flat and accurate, I wish more people would throw away the latest monster masher mangulem and learn to hunt with a 30-30 and progress to a 45 Colt revolver with a Keith bullet. I make the Saeco 316 and it is a good bullet also, I just like the 31141 better.

[Steelbanger]

I'll cast my vote for the RCBS 150 FNGC.  I use this bullet loaded down in a Contender Carbine with squirrel hunting accuracy and in a M94 Win @ 1900 fps for silhouette.

The scoped carbine will shoot a one-hole group @ 50 yds. and the peep-sighted 94 will usually go 1.5-1.75 @ 100 m.

[LAH]

I use one bullet in my .30-30. The RCBS 30-180-FN. It's great for hunting or plinking. I use the same load for both, it does 1600 fps.

[Graycg]

I shoot the 311041 at 2100 fps in to one inch groups with no leading out of a contender carbine and a 788 Remington rifle...they also shoot regularly into 3/4 inch out of my 10 inch contender pistol barrel.  The bullet will easily kill ground hogs out to 175 yards, pigs and deer at any reasonable range for a 30-30.  I suspect the 150 bullet may be able to do the same, but I know the 311041 can do because I've seen it.

good luck,
 graycg

[sundogg1911]

I like the Lyman 311041 I've used both. after shooting the Lyman I sold the RCBS.