Author Topic: Question for Buffalogun on 30-30AI (Read 712 times)

Chainsaw · « **on:** February 24, 2005, 04:31:22 PM »

I am interested in getting my NEF handi in 30-30 reworked to 30-30 AI or something similar. I noticed in the other forum the question on the AI cartridges. What I want to accomplish is working up to 2900-3000 fps with a Barnes 130 X bullet. I have been able to get to 2700 fps with no excess pressure signs with the standard 30-30 case in this rifle with the 130 X bullet.

What version do you have and who would be a good smith to do this work or could I just get a reamer rental? It seems all the reading I do shows no significant increase in pressure. Does this go on the same premise as the 30-40 Krag and operate at 40,000 CUP? Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated..........Thanks.........Chainsaw

marv · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2005, 11:21:25 PM »

Chain Saw,
The only I did was 357 Mag to a Maxie, and 22 Hornett to
219 Zipper, they were done by hand. So I think you can
rent reamer and do it yourself. just MHO. If you do it, go
slow, use plenty cutting oik, Do Not drop Reamer on
concrete floor! they will brake easy! Marv.

Chainsaw · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2005, 05:03:34 PM »

Marv, Thanks for the information. I will probably start looking around for a reamer...........Chainsaw

Deadeye47 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2005, 07:22:41 PM »

Mitch_in_MI has a 30-30 Ai reamer....I'm on his list to use it....takes a few bucks to get on the list...he will pass it when he uses it.....maybe he will chime in here....reamer has been on hold for a while now but I really haven't been in a hurry for it... :?

Buffalogun · « **Reply #4 on:** February 26, 2005, 04:23:06 PM »

Chainsaw,

I wish I could offer you some advice, pardner, but I have no experience with reamers and such. I am thinking of getting into gunsmithing, as I appear to be about 10 yrs. away from retirement.

My rifle is a T/C Contender/24" barrel and I think it is not as strong as an SB2 H/R frame. I get between 2,900 and 3,000 fps. with 125g. Ballistic Tips and 135g Sierra's.

I don't think you'll have any problem getting your target velocities from the SB2. I really like the cartridge.

The 30-40 case is another that shows a lot of gain by being "Improved". In his book, Mr. Ackley states that the 30-40 is one of the best of the "Improved" cartridges.

Some of the powders that Mr. Ackley used are no longer with us today. He shows a load for the 30-40, of 53g HiVel#2 under a 150g bullet for a velocity of 3287 fps. 180g bullets can be pushed to 2,900 + fps.

Hope this helps,
Buffalogun

Chainsaw · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2005, 07:41:53 AM »

marv, Deadeye and Buffalogun,
Thanks for the information.

Buffalogun, do you know what version your AI is? I see some with the 35 degree shoulder and some with the 40 degree. I believe that midway has Lee dies listed for the 30-30 AI 40 degree version at a reasonable price as well.

Another interesting version is the 30GNR by Gary Reeder from Flagstaff AZ. This version is where the case is blown out further with only one-tenth of an inch of case neck.

Again, thanks for the info, and if you come into other info please pass it on............Chainsaw

Buffalogun · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2005, 02:54:51 PM »

Chainsaw,

My Contender barrel came from the T/C Custom Shop and I believe they use the 40 degree shoulder. I use Lee dies and there is nothing about the shoulder, listed on the die box. Sorry!

Buffalogun

Chainsaw · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2005, 10:36:09 AM »

Buffalogun, Thanks for the info. I will probably go the route you did with the 40 degree shoulder angle and the Lee dies. I have had good service from my other Lee diesets. It might take me a while to get this going but I'll let you know when I git'r done

...........Chainsaw

jeff223 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 02, 2005, 11:30:24 AM »

Chainsaw,the 40 degree shoulder is the one to go with.its more of the standard ackley improved shoulders.

i was all set to drive down to Mitchs house some time ago to pick up his reamer.i changed my mind at the last minute.i havnt seen any posts from him for awhile.i dont even know what his last name was.my 30-30 barrel shoots very accurate and i got to thinking why monkey with it.if it aint broke dont fix it.a deer cant tell the differance if he was shot with a 30-30 or a 30-30AI.this was my thinking

the 30-30AI will be a great deer caliber and i hope you can find a reamer

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** March 02, 2005, 12:24:05 PM »

Reamer are available for rent, so getting one shouldn't be a problem...

http://www.reamerrentals.com/

http://4-dproducts.com/chamber_reamers.html

Chainsaw · « **Reply #10 on:** March 02, 2005, 05:45:27 PM »

quick, Thanks for the info on the reamers. I own two of the 30-30's, one being a older pre-bancrupcty H&R with that slim line barrel(my ultra light) that was used years ago. I will leave that one intact.

The other is a 1990's modern NEF that like yours does shoot well, so I'm looking at that as a positive going into the process..........Chainsaw