Easy one...

L

ligonierbill

New member
I've been reloading for years, but this is the first time for a tubular magazine, a 30-30 Model 94. So I figure, round nose, right? Well, Hornady and Nosler think that's fine, but Speer and Sierra say flat nose only. Sierra makes a RN 150 with a cannelure that looks like it's a good one, but they don't list it in their 30-30 loads, just a similar FP. Guess which one is available. Advise please.
 
I just loaded 50 .30-30's with 150 grain hornady RN the other day, and it wasn't the first time. RN is just fine.
 
RN or FP works just fine, PROVIDED the bullet tip is exposed lead. Nearly all are, but there are some old bullets (like the Krag bullet) that are both RN and FMJ. I would not consider these safe in a tube magazine rifle.
 
I would add, that for an optional extra margin of safety, you can use military sensitivity spec primers (CCI #34, Tula KVB762 for large rifle primer pockets). You can also get a primer pocket depth uniforming tool to cut maximum depth primer pockets and then seating the primers solidly below flush with the case head. This one is probably the most expensive, but with an electric screwdriver, is more convenient to use than most. This one is probably the least expensive, but will make your fingers sore before long. On the other hand, if you don't have many cases to do and more time than money on your hands, it may do all you want. I note that it appears adjustable. I'm not sure that's actually a good thing.
 
Adjustable primer pocket depth uniformer tool is NOT good. Get the Redding brand, set to correct depth and not adjustable, available from MidwayUSA. This tool can be worked manually with the supplied handle but much better to chuck the cutter into an electric drill. In addition to cutting, if necessary, to correct primer pocket depth, it also makes just an excellent primer pocket cleaner. Midway's product number for the item is 664266 for the large primer pocket tool and priced at $31. An excellent tool and especially recommended for uniforming .30-06 cases to be used with the M-1 Garand to help prevent slam-fires, but not guaranteed, due to its free floating firing pin.
 
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A 150 RN or FN use the same data. Both have been used in tube mags for eons. Doesn't have to be an exposed lead SP either. As long as the bullet doesn't touch the primer. And forget the cannelure.
Speer and Sierra saying flat nose only is a CYA thing.
"...military sensitivity spec primers (CCI #34..." Are nothing more than magnum primers. Brilliant marketing but totally unnecessary in any rifle.
 
Doesn't have to be an exposed lead SP either. As long as the bullet doesn't touch the primer. And forget the cannelure.
Click to expand...

The traditional bullets have some exposed lead. I understand the new plastic tipped ones work well, too.

I don't know of any .30-30 model 94 where the bullets DON'T touch the primers in the tube magazine. And that's the rifle in the OP's question.

And why forget the cannelure? Proper Neck tension alone should keep the bullet I place in the tube mag, sure. But using the cannelure and crimp correctly makes sure it does.
 
Sierra 150gr RN w/cannelure

Bill... they will work in the .30-30 just fine. They have a thicker jacket than the standard .30-30 bullet and they're just the ticket for thicker-skinned game when you want to keep velocities up and deepest possible penetration.
This info came straight from SIERRA yrs. ago.
WILL
 
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