Author Topic: Bullets for the 30-30 Handi rifle. (Read 1101 times)

James B · « **on:** November 01, 2004, 07:25:28 AM »

I had a 30-30 in the older model H&R. It got so loose I was afraid to use it any more so I retiered it. I want to get a new one soon. I never reloaded for my old one and was wondering what bullets you all use in your 30-30's? I would think that one could take advantage of the ability to use spitzer bullets for better range. What your expierence ?

Fred M · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2004, 07:46:17 AM »

James B.
You can use any shape bullet. The 150gr Spitzer bullets seated out as far as you can. About 1/2 way down the shoulder will give you a bit more room for a little more powder. The old loads for the antiques you can forget about them. The new Handi is good for 50000psi you can easy get an extra 150 ft with a 150gr bullet. If it was my rifle I would turn it into a 30-30 AI for a super handloading cartridge. Fred M.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2004, 08:45:05 AM »

James B., your older model 30-30 that got "loose" interests me. What do you mean by loose and how does the "looseness" show itself?. Even if you feel that it is past it's useful and safe life and would be willing to part with it I would be interested in getting it from you as a piece to work on and experiment with. If you might be talked into parting with it let me know and also what model it is, 58, 058, 88, topper, Handi, etc...Also is the forearm held on with a screw or does it snap on? Thanks....<><.... :grin:

Deadeye47 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2004, 09:19:14 AM »

I'd like to know if anyone has the recipe for BP for the 30-30...I know it's 30 grians but anyone shoot the stuff...also does anyone shoot any boolits over 170 grain in theirs?? Manuals usually stop there.......MSP Ret...I know you got some heavy ones!! :roll:

handirifle · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2004, 11:10:43 AM »

Actually, the 30-30 was introduced as a smokeless powder round. Never loaded with BP to my knowledge. That was one reason it performed so well and was considered such a flat shooter, as compared to the 45-70.

Not sure where the name came from.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2004, 11:57:51 AM »

Deadeye, the 200 grain bullets I have are for my .35 Remington. They will also go into the .35 Whelen barrel and tonight I hope to load a few into some .360 DW brass (Thanks!!!) and try them out if I can get to the range. No real heavy .30 cal bullets here, and no info on BP in a 30-30 case....<><.... :grin:

Deadeye47 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2004, 12:42:55 PM »

well...thanks for the enlightenment handi....I guess that is the reason most shoot it with smokless powder!! ha I guess I'm all wet today... MSP Ret I thought you had 30 cal. bullets...forgot they were 35 cal....oh well I guess I bombed out on this thread completely due to my brain fart......hey how bout those sox huh?!! :-D

MSP Ret · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2004, 12:52:03 PM »

Yeah Deadeye the Sox did great. There is only one more contest I am interested in right now, a much more important one....

Vote Tomorrow, and VOTE BUSH!!!!....<><.... :grin:

JPH45 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 01, 2004, 12:54:19 PM »

Deadeye, While there is some debate on the subject, it is highly unlikely that the 30-30 was ever loaded with BP as a factory loading. One of the 30-30's claims to fame is that it was the first commercially chambered cartridge to use smokless. Following the standard of the day, the loading was 30 grains but it was very likely cordite or another very similar early smokless powder. Cordite came in percentages of nitro, and was in sticks. A bit of very old 303 Brit can still be found from time to time so loaded. Cordite was never offered as a reloaders powder so far as I know. (my knowledge is limited)

Edit: Sorry handi, failed to see that you had already addressed this

H&R BANG · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2004, 12:38:32 PM »

JPH45 - for the record, your knowledge is not limited!

Happy shooting.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #10 on:** November 03, 2004, 12:47:24 PM »

JamesB, please check your PM's or e-mail me. I have tried 3 times to e-mail you and each time get a response "invalid_session". Perhaps there is a problem at the GB end...Thanks...<><.... :grin:

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #11 on:** November 03, 2004, 10:49:25 PM »

I bought some 150gr Hornady interlock RN for loading in my 30-06. I was inputting my velocities into Point Blank and noticed that they listed it as a 30-30 bullet in their bullet database. Well, I thought, they would be virtual grenades at '06 velocities. I shelved them and started working up loads for the 165gr SST instead. I still have a few of them loaded up fairly hot. I might have to try to find myself a melon of somekind to blow up with them.

Ian

bajabill · « **Reply #12 on:** November 04, 2004, 06:35:53 AM »

I would use the 130 or 135 single shot pistol bullets ( Hornady, Sierra respetively). They will extend your PB range compared to flat nose, carry their energy longer, and the bullets are designed to perform at the lower velocity that you will get relative to bullets designed for 308 and 3006 velocities.

handirifle · « **Reply #13 on:** November 04, 2004, 07:02:23 AM »

I would think the bullets bajabill mentioned would be excellent in a 30-30 if the deer were probably 200lbs or under. I'd want a heavier bullet for larger deer myself.

James B · « **Reply #14 on:** November 04, 2004, 11:12:39 AM »

MSP RET. I may have a new email address since I joined. I can't figure out how to check and see what they have for an email for me. I know its changed because I just recently went to the cable internet. How do you edit your profile?? I was born about 50 years before the electronic age :grin:

Longcruise · « **Reply #15 on:** November 04, 2004, 12:40:28 PM »

I've had good results with 180 grain Rem psp corelokt (on paper). I started just under the 170 data and worked up a bit. No chrony data, sorry.

If you decide to load bp in your 30-30 you should brush up on bp cartridge reloading procedures in general. There is no basis for simply selecting a given weight of bp and loading it up. The bp charge amount needs to be based upon the charge filling the case to a point that corresponds exactly to the base of your chosen bullet after the powder has been slightly compressed. You should probably stick to cast bullets too.

Dumping loose powder into the case and seating a bullet without regard to the above can have some surprising results :eek: Damage to your rifle would be very likely.

Not trying to talk you out of the idea. Sounds like fun. Just wanted to be sure you did some research first for your benefit and safety. :-)

MSP Ret · « **Reply #16 on:** November 04, 2004, 03:20:26 PM »

JamesB, I know how you feel, this new fangeled stuff will be the death of me...Go to the top of the page, click on profile, then click on the profile tab, then click on reset, enter the new info and click on submit (I think!!!)
When you go to the top of the page if it says in the middle "you have 1 new message" click on that then click on the new message and read it. If you want, click on reply on the bottom of the new message (PM) and send an answer....If all else fails, e-mail me at armartin1(at symbol)comcast.net...Thanks....<><.... :grin: