I just sized and cleaned about 200 30-30 cases and want to know if anyone has a good loads for a marlin 336. I really want to load them tonight but may wait until tomorrow. all I have on hand right now for powder is TAC and H335 for the bullets I have hornady FTX 160gr and Sierra pro hunter 150gr FN. before anyone starts I know you're supposed to see what your gun likes. I just want to have them there ready for action. I'm going to use them more for farm use so I really don't care about accuracy as much. BTW if someone has a load that has worked well for them and I am missing 1 or all of the components please don't hesitate to share. also please don't just open your manual and get the first load available. thats not the point of my post.
30-30 load
- Thread starter souther33
- Start date
.30-30 loads.
33: My 336 is exceptionally accurate with Sierra 150 FN/ H4198-28.0gr/WW brass/WLR primer, and chronos at 2236 FPS avg. @ 12" over my OEHLER 35P. It duplicates WW 150 PP factory loads within 10 FPS in my 336.
Load #2 is Hodgdon's [BLC-2]-37.0gr/same components/ 2311 avg.
Load #3 is Hornady 170r FP/ 37.0gr-BLC-2/same components/2239FPS avg.
Load #4 is Speer 130gr FP/ 37.0-H322/2663 FPS avg. (same components). [I went 1 (one) gr. higher to 2716 FPS w/no pressure indications/extraction problems, but stay at 37.0 for all deer hunting, and have never lost any animal shot with this load.
Loads #1,2,&3 are straight from the books; Are safe in my 336 and should be safe in yours. Load #4 is a [work-up] in my 336, is safe in mine, and should be worked-up-to in yours, should you so choose. It is extremely accurate.
All the above loads are very accurate in my H&R Ultra w/.30-30 barrel, and give 75-80 FPS higher velocities from the extra 2" barrel length. All loads extract from that barrel also with no problems.
I realize you said you did not have these components... But here is what's available/possible should you be able to acquire them.
One last load with your available components is: 150gr Sierra FN/335-33.0/WW case/ CCI 200 primer/for 2362FPS avg. from my 336. My figures may seem a little high to some, but it's barrel has been fire-lapped and I get very, very little problems with fouling and the glass-smooth micro groove barrel is very accurate.. It won't shoot cast bullets worth a damn, but jacketed ones are deadly accurate.
Good luck in you loading experiences.
WILL.
33: My 336 is exceptionally accurate with Sierra 150 FN/ H4198-28.0gr/WW brass/WLR primer, and chronos at 2236 FPS avg. @ 12" over my OEHLER 35P. It duplicates WW 150 PP factory loads within 10 FPS in my 336.
Load #2 is Hodgdon's [BLC-2]-37.0gr/same components/ 2311 avg.
Load #3 is Hornady 170r FP/ 37.0gr-BLC-2/same components/2239FPS avg.
Load #4 is Speer 130gr FP/ 37.0-H322/2663 FPS avg. (same components). [I went 1 (one) gr. higher to 2716 FPS w/no pressure indications/extraction problems, but stay at 37.0 for all deer hunting, and have never lost any animal shot with this load.
Loads #1,2,&3 are straight from the books; Are safe in my 336 and should be safe in yours. Load #4 is a [work-up] in my 336, is safe in mine, and should be worked-up-to in yours, should you so choose. It is extremely accurate.
All the above loads are very accurate in my H&R Ultra w/.30-30 barrel, and give 75-80 FPS higher velocities from the extra 2" barrel length. All loads extract from that barrel also with no problems.
I realize you said you did not have these components... But here is what's available/possible should you be able to acquire them.
One last load with your available components is: 150gr Sierra FN/335-33.0/WW case/ CCI 200 primer/for 2362FPS avg. from my 336. My figures may seem a little high to some, but it's barrel has been fire-lapped and I get very, very little problems with fouling and the glass-smooth micro groove barrel is very accurate.. It won't shoot cast bullets worth a damn, but jacketed ones are deadly accurate.
Good luck in you loading experiences.
WILL.
What Tim said-----pick a published load and go for it.
RAMSHOT TAC
125 SIERRA HP/FN 32.2 2,363 35.8 2,625 39,760 2.410
150 HDY RN 29.7 2,125 33.0 2,361 39,610 2.520
160 HDY FTX 28.3 2,060 31.4 2,233 41,056 2.535
170 SIERRA FN 27.5 1,962 30.5 2,180 37,010 2.520
170 (L) TS RNFPGC 25.1 1,859 27.9 2,065 29,460 2.520
RAMSHOT TAC
125 SIERRA HP/FN 32.2 2,363 35.8 2,625 39,760 2.410
150 HDY RN 29.7 2,125 33.0 2,361 39,610 2.520
160 HDY FTX 28.3 2,060 31.4 2,233 41,056 2.535
170 SIERRA FN 27.5 1,962 30.5 2,180 37,010 2.520
170 (L) TS RNFPGC 25.1 1,859 27.9 2,065 29,460 2.520
Roadkill2228
New member
The load data I've seen indicates that h335 will work just fine but not get anywhere near full performance from that cartridge with those bullet weights. Hodgdon/hornadys lever evolution powder seems to be the real deal (unlike the superformance powder which doesn't work very good in my experience) and goes with that 160 ftx perfectly. I've read several separate articles an threads confirming that that powder does get you an honest 100-200 fps more than any other powder with 160s and 170s. Now, it's up to the individual to decide if that's worth anything...but I plan to get some when possible
Tom Matiska
New member
Warning to use FTX specific data for the 160.
Hornady recommends trimming the case .010 shorter because of its ogive and there is a lot more FTX bullet "below the waterline" that limits case volume. Hornady published data for TAC stops at 29.7 grains, well below the data for TAC in post #6. When comparing FTX 160 data to conventional 150-170 you will find the FTX the lowest of the three.
Hornady recommends trimming the case .010 shorter because of its ogive and there is a lot more FTX bullet "below the waterline" that limits case volume. Hornady published data for TAC stops at 29.7 grains, well below the data for TAC in post #6. When comparing FTX 160 data to conventional 150-170 you will find the FTX the lowest of the three.
160 FTX
Tom; RE: .010" case trimming; In conferring with Hornady, the trimming is for use in lever actions--as you said--due to the ogive. However, if the 160 FTX is to be loaded in a single-shot or an older bolt action, trimming is not a factor as the OAL can be adjusted to the particular rifle, and crimping is not necessarily needed.
As for the lower weight data for the 160 FTX, the longer length of the shank from cannelure to base, along with jacket/core construction, increases friction, which in turn, raises pressure. I've gotten around that area by adding a couple more cannelures with a CORBIN tool, and the reduced surface area in the shank reduces friction and therefore pressure. Aside from a little added velocity due to the lower friction, a grain or so more powder--according to burn rate-- can be used to bring pressure back up to what it would be without the added cannelures, resulting in some more added velocity.
This is something I've worked around for a while now and have had no pressure problems, either in the Marlin 336, or in an H&R SS where the case doesn't need to be trimmed in the first place. I'm not saying for anyone else to do the same without working up first, but the option is there. Just my $.02 input.
WILL.
Tom; RE: .010" case trimming; In conferring with Hornady, the trimming is for use in lever actions--as you said--due to the ogive. However, if the 160 FTX is to be loaded in a single-shot or an older bolt action, trimming is not a factor as the OAL can be adjusted to the particular rifle, and crimping is not necessarily needed.
As for the lower weight data for the 160 FTX, the longer length of the shank from cannelure to base, along with jacket/core construction, increases friction, which in turn, raises pressure. I've gotten around that area by adding a couple more cannelures with a CORBIN tool, and the reduced surface area in the shank reduces friction and therefore pressure. Aside from a little added velocity due to the lower friction, a grain or so more powder--according to burn rate-- can be used to bring pressure back up to what it would be without the added cannelures, resulting in some more added velocity.
This is something I've worked around for a while now and have had no pressure problems, either in the Marlin 336, or in an H&R SS where the case doesn't need to be trimmed in the first place. I'm not saying for anyone else to do the same without working up first, but the option is there. Just my $.02 input.
WILL.
.30-30
FLASH: Don't know to whom you are referring but, My 336 is a '76 model w/microgroove rifling and it's accurate with any weight bullet I have shot through it from 110 Hor. SP to 170 FPs from any/all makers. 165-180gr Cast pills are accurate so long as they are not pushed too fast.
Some rifles are just more accurate, although a little finicky with their loads.
WILL.
FLASH: Don't know to whom you are referring but, My 336 is a '76 model w/microgroove rifling and it's accurate with any weight bullet I have shot through it from 110 Hor. SP to 170 FPs from any/all makers. 165-180gr Cast pills are accurate so long as they are not pushed too fast.
Some rifles are just more accurate, although a little finicky with their loads.
WILL.
30/30 FTX
I apologize ahead of time for this. New to the forum and not sure how to start a thread. Question is along the same lines as this one. Looking for proven load data for 30/30 lever action w/ 160grn FTX. Specifics are bland in the reload books. Hornady's leverevolution is boxed at 2400fps but best load data stated is @ 2050 w/ WIN 748. Have tried this load and was not pleased with performance. Aprox 2.5" groupings @ 100 yrds. Able to hold 1" grouping with standard Remington corlocks. What gives?
I apologize ahead of time for this. New to the forum and not sure how to start a thread. Question is along the same lines as this one. Looking for proven load data for 30/30 lever action w/ 160grn FTX. Specifics are bland in the reload books. Hornady's leverevolution is boxed at 2400fps but best load data stated is @ 2050 w/ WIN 748. Have tried this load and was not pleased with performance. Aprox 2.5" groupings @ 100 yrds. Able to hold 1" grouping with standard Remington corlocks. What gives?
Welcome to the ASYLUM, Vern. Now that you've checked in....You're stuck with us.
If you don't already have either....Grab a Hornady manual, Some LEVERevolution, and stick with the loads most accurate in your rifle....Both the 140gr MonoFlex and the 160 FTX.
Pay no heed to the barbs....You're sure to get your fair share in due time.
WILL
If you don't already have either....Grab a Hornady manual, Some LEVERevolution, and stick with the loads most accurate in your rifle....Both the 140gr MonoFlex and the 160 FTX.
Pay no heed to the barbs....You're sure to get your fair share in due time.
WILL
condor bravo
New member
Vern:
keep in mind that when seeking load data, especially for something as unexciting as a .30-30, there is no magic formula, as some seem to think, that will quickly bypass all the loading manual recipes. Start with some standard bullet and load and go from there. My .30-30 load is a max charge of Trail Boss powder with a 170 gr moly coated lead bullet that probably no one else would ever consider, even if I were to give them the powder and bullets. One gun's treasure may be another gun's piece of junk.
keep in mind that when seeking load data, especially for something as unexciting as a .30-30, there is no magic formula, as some seem to think, that will quickly bypass all the loading manual recipes. Start with some standard bullet and load and go from there. My .30-30 load is a max charge of Trail Boss powder with a 170 gr moly coated lead bullet that probably no one else would ever consider, even if I were to give them the powder and bullets. One gun's treasure may be another gun's piece of junk.
I've used the following powders with 30-30 in a Microgroove 336
with 150 gr jacketed bullets (Sierra, Win, Rem)
W748 very good
H335 good
RL15 Best
I've cast some 150 gr. from wheel weights using lube cake applied hard lube and gas checks, and loaded with 2400 and never found a load that I liked.
with 150 gr jacketed bullets (Sierra, Win, Rem)
W748 very good
H335 good
RL15 Best
I've cast some 150 gr. from wheel weights using lube cake applied hard lube and gas checks, and loaded with 2400 and never found a load that I liked.
I mean no offence, but I reread the OP and think you'd be better off shooting factory stuff. You asked for a load, but didn't want anybody to quote a reloading manual listing? You don't care about accuracy, and want ammo right now? Why reload? Reloading shouldn't be rushed. Reloading for ammo that just goes bang is close to a waste of time. I'm sure you could find some ammo at Walmart that is cheap, will fire every time and is available right now.
Not meant to be insulting but most reloaders are more patient, open minded, and particular about their ammo. Even those that reload "just to save money"...
Not meant to be insulting but most reloaders are more patient, open minded, and particular about their ammo. Even those that reload "just to save money"...
Wow, not sure what that's all about. If I wasn't concerned about accuracy I would not have post the question at all, and don't see how you came to that conclusion from my OP. Yes this is tied to an older thread of someone else's. Still do not know how to open a new posting or I would have. It took time with coming up with the best round combo for my 30 06 as well through a lot of trial and error. Yes I am new to reloading, only been with it for a few years and have never been with a forum. The whole point in it was to get more experienced info. The 3030 model 94, is my Hog gun not my deer rifle. Knock down and accuracy are important when you brush hunt as I do in TX and MO. Not shooting from a safe up a tree false hunting experience as many do now aday. Thanks thou. Will go back to the books but if you were to look into it would find that Hornady does not list much info for this round. Have attempted contacting directly with out any reply.
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