Newbe Here, 30-30 Powder?

I'm running 16.5 gr of 2400 with the cast 170 gr rnfp gas checked. I'm at about 1640 fps from my Henry 30-30. Nice easy load that shoots about 2.5 moa at 100 yds with an optic and off a sturdy rest.
 
Let us know how it turns out. It's hard to go wrong with IMR3031 in the .30-30, just don't overdrive those cast bullets. I'm assuming they are not gas checked.

If you are interested, I have a bit of load data from my Marlin 336 with 173grn cast and IMR3031, with chrono readings, if you want.
 
The Oregon Trail bullets say you can load jacket speeds without leading. I am not the least bit interested in the hottest load out of a 100+ year old rifle. I think I will try several loads. A few more with the 4064 powder but run the bullets thru a .308 sizer. A few using 3031 with the bullets at .310 and a few sized to .308. I may be beating a dead horse with this old rifle since the factory loads group fine, but the primers backed out a little. That didnt happen with my lighter cast loads. I am afraid there is a headspace problem. I did a search on setting a barrel back on a Savage 1899 and it seems like buying a new gun would not cost a lot more. I like the old Savage so I will experiment a bit longer before I give up. ______Grant.
 
but run the bullets thru a .308 sizer.
Click to expand...

My 100+ year old Marlin doesn't come in till the (cast) bullets get to .310"...

It absolutely loves Federal Blue Box 170gr, but I keep the full power jacketed rounds to a minimum...
 
Ya, I wouldn't get too carried away sizing those cast bullets down... a cast bullet and a jacketed bullet act very different in the bore. As an experiment, sure, and I can see the utility of that. I would also abandon IMR4064 and just stick with IMR3031.

I run .309" bullets in both my 336 and Savage 99 (.308WIN) and they work pretty well, but I was prepared to go to .310" if I needed to.
 
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Your 34 gr powder charge (4064) is spot on. But~ since its a Compressed Powder Charge (and the only IMR load listed for IMR 4064 use w/170 gr. bullets)
Here's what I would do or suggest to another shooter.
1. Cut the powder measure back a little say {1 or 2 grain reduction} for a start point.

2. Shoot 2 shots to group.

3. Check the target every two shots. (Seeing a crummy grouping) increase the powder charge a 1/2 grain for the next 2 shots.
{Can require a further reduction: if the grouping worsens.}

4. (like what you see.) Fine tune that Charging in both direction {up & down} by 2/10th at a time.

5. No doubt you'll soon discover the rifles targeting sweet spot. i.e. tightest grouping.

6.Then it just a simple adjustment of the rear sight (up or down ~ or moving the rear sight to the direction you want the bullet to follow. Left or Right.

Otherwise. Wanting to shoot 165 gr High BHN cast lead. Not a big deal. Just follow the (above) directions as told. Keep in mind your 4064 powder is a Max loading. Better than 2100 fps achieved. Reducing that Powder Charge a little >won't hurt too.
 
Sure Shot, where do you see 34 grs of 4064 as a cast bullet load? I had previously posted 34 grs but I was incorrect. I am using 24 grs. In the second or third post on this thread there is a listing for 24 grs of 4064 and 165 gr cast bullet as an accuracy load. Yesterday I loaded up some variety. 24 grs of 4064 with bullets sized to 308. I already know that with 310s it is all over the paper. Some 3031 loads at 24 grs and 310 bullets, some 3031 loads with 308 bullets and some 3031 loads with 26 grs and 310 and also 26 grs with 308. I will get out in the next few days and see how it goes. I am doing this in a 1904 Savage 1899 but I will also try these in my sons Winchester 94. I am having fun. ____Grant.
 
My friend and I just went shooting last weekend and were both shooting 170gr. Sierra FP in front of Leverevolution. We used the Hodgdon recommended max load and both shot 2200 FPS out of our Model 94's. His gun had a scope and shot 4-6" groups. Mine has open sights and shot 6-8" groups. I'm happy. The nice thing about this powder is that it meters perfectly and max load is slightly compressed so it pretty safe to load. Every charge was exact to the tenth of a grain from my old RCBS powder measure.
 
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond or not covered by currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Dupont Hand Loaders Guide for smokeless powders. (1986)

34 gr. charge of 4064 as written included the use of {jacketed} SPCl bullets.
However. To substitute a 170 gr Jacketed with {G/c cast of the same weight} is a decision the Home Reloader takes responsibility for when doing.
 
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