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Author Topic: Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handloading  (Read 1179 times)

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Offline rifleman

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Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handloading
« on: February 09, 2003, 05:06:23 AM »
New to Greybeard outdoors, new to the wonderful world of Contender, new to the 30-30 caliber. Been handloading for about 2 years, 223 Rem, 25-06 Rem, 260 Rem, 270 Win, 38/357 Mag.

Just got a Contender, Stainless with 14" 30-30 barrel, & 16" 223 barrel. I think I can figure out the 223 part, but curious as to where to start handloading for the 30-30.

I've got IMR 3031, W748, and Varget which seem to be popular 30-30 powders.

I've got no .308 bullets. Have a preference (experience) with Hornady and Nosler. Primary game would be Minnesota Whitetails. Minimum and max grain recommendations? 125/130 gr for more velocity? 150 gr for more punch?

Partition type? Ballistic/SST? Interlock?

Any recommendations as far as bullets greatly appreciated.

Dave
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Offline ricciardelli

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Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handl
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2003, 05:42:31 AM »
As for bullet selection, anything that comes in a green box and has Sierra on the outside, is .308" in diameter, and weighs between 150 and 175 grains. (Except for the FMJ jobs.)

Loading data is at:

http://stevespages.com/page8c.htm
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Offline Hud

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Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handl
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2003, 06:13:34 AM »
For the 30-30 I like the 3031 powder and the Sierra 165gr boattail Gameking #2145. I used this in a single shot H&R rifle with a 18" barrel.
One I traded off that I shouldn't have.

Hud
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Offline BCB

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Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handl
« Reply #3 on: February 09, 2003, 08:05:47 AM »
rifleman,

I use Hornady Single Shot Pistol bullets in my Contender with 30-30 and 223 barrels.  130 grainers in the 30-30 and 50 grainers in the 223.  And, H-335 is the powder for both.  Very simple, and accuracy is M.O.A or better with both.  Good-luck...BCB
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Offline PaulS

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Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handl
« Reply #4 on: February 09, 2003, 10:24:29 AM »
Rifleman,
In a 14 inch barrel you will likely get velocities close to carbine speeds. As a result of the added velocity you can use any bullet you like. My choice in the 30/30 (my bbl is a bit longer) is a 150 grain Speer spitzer. For powder choices I like H335 with WW748 being a close second. H335 is a little slow for the 30/30 but it is accurate and that is most important. Some manuals will list compressed loads and I have a problem with compressed loads with double based powders. I understand that they tend to stifle the ignition from primers. You will probably experiment with different powders and bullets - if you find something that works well let us all know.

PaulS
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Hodgdon, Lyman, Speer, Sierra, Hornady = reliable resources
so and so's pages on the internet = not reliable resources
Alway check loads you find on the internet against manuals.
NEVER exceed maximum listed loads.

Offline Crayfish

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Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handl
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2003, 06:43:16 AM »
My consistent sub-MOA performer out of my 14" 30-30 barrel is 35gr of W748 and a 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tip.  Easily sub-.75MOA most of the time when I do my part.  Unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure of hitting a deer with one of these so I have no comments there.  

I have also loaded up some Hornady 130gr SSP bullets with AA2520, but I have not tested these yet.  The 150's are a great compromise in the 30-30 between trajectory and downrange energy.  That's one reason I haven't rushed out to test the 130's yet ... they do lose energy quickly.  I'm sure either would work fine on deer out to 150yds, though.

... Crayfish
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Offline rifleman

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Thanks!!
« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2003, 02:15:46 PM »
I'll be going to a gun show in town this weekend, looking for some items. Dies, bullets, buttstock for Contender. We'll give the reloading a try after that.

Thanks, I'll keep you posted

Dave
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Offline Nobade

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Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handl
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2003, 02:55:14 AM »
I've had great luck with the Hornady single shot pistol bullets in 125 gr. and H335 with mine. Makes a great deer zapper!
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Offline Graycg

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Looking for advice on Contender 30-30 handl
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2003, 05:09:54 AM »
If you aren't already into bullet casting, the 30-30 with its small case capacity, long neck and lower pressures is a great platform to start with!  I can strongly recommend Lyman bullets 311291 or even better 311041, both go around 170 grains plus or minus and were designed for the 30-30.  With loads of 4227, reloader 7 and many other powders you can match jacketed bullet velocities and usually get as good or better accuracy if done right.  It's all I shoot out of my very finicky 30-30 super 14.

Just opening a door for you to consider.

regards,
 Graycg
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Offline Snowshoe

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RE 30-30 loads
« Reply #9 on: February 18, 2003, 03:32:03 AM »
I have done a lot of reloading for a single shot 30-30. I had the best luck with bulk Remington 125g psp and H335. This combination was very accurate to 250 yards, and my wife took 2 whitetails with this load. The Hornady 110g psp bullet also shoot good.
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Offline rifleman

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No luck at Gun Show
« Reply #10 on: February 18, 2003, 07:24:29 PM »
The pickins were pretty slim at the Gun Show last weekend. My favotite reloading supplier missed out for some reason getting tables. I'll have to track him down or place an order with Midsouth.

Thanks for the info guys.

Time is short these days, my sons High School Hockey team started their playoffs to the state tournament today. They won their first game tonite 7-0. Not very tough competition #1 Seed vs #8 seed. It'll get tougher from here on out though. We play the #4 seed Friday night.

Later
Dave
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