30-30 blackout / wisper

[748]

A concept I considered around 20 years ago when I started reloading.
Thought about loading up some heavy subs, then I saw the prices on heavy 30 cal bullets, they were all specialty big game bullets. So I scaled back and just loaded up some cheap 124gr .311'' AK bullets on top of something like 7 or 8gr of unique.

But now the 300bko is gaining popularity making cheap 220gr FMJs and plated bullets specifically designed for subsonic use available and at a typical plated bullet prices.

Does any one know if a 94ae barrel twist can stabilize a 220, 200, 190gr bullet?
If I remember correctly it's something like 12 or 10 to 1.
I think I have a few hundred hornady 190gr match Spitzer bullets rolling around the reloading room that came as part of an estate auction lot that I never thought I would use. Could start there just lob them at paper to see if they hit sideways.

 

[FROGO207]

The WIN 94 twist rate is 1:12 and the Marlin 336 is 1:10. At least that goes for mine. I never tried that as tube feeds need a flat or short round point to do anything other than single feed with one in the chamber. I do like 170 grain bullets better than the lighter ones though so heavier might just work OK.

 

[PapaG]

You can load one in the chamber and one in the magazine.

 

[Bfh_auto]

You will more than likely run into overall length issues. I tried running heavy cast bullets but ended up pulling the magazine apart to remove the cartridge.

 

[25-20 WCF]

My .300 Whisper Contender with 1:10” twist stabilizes RN bullets to 220 grains; the heaviest BT bullet I’ve tried was a 200 HPBT Sierra, which shot well at 1100 fps.

BTW with a .30-30 you can seat the bullets as deep as you want - within limits.
.

 

[748]

Playing with on line ballistic calculators big old 220gr bullets should be stable enough at subsonic in a 1:12bbl.
230gr bullets did became unstable at subsonic.
Poking around on the Internet it turns out guys start to have tumble with 230gr bullets at subsonic in 94ae guns, but not until 100yds they start to see some egg shaped holes. Then at 150 to 175yds they're side ways.
So I should probably stick with 190s in that 1:12 twist.

 

[FROGO207]

Now I am waiting for the range report! Inquiring minds and all that. For me the research is a pain in the neck but then the experimenting is the fun part after.

 

[748]

If I have some 30-30 brass laying around I will load some up this weekend and maybe test them this week.
If I reloaded it alll or if I can't find it I will have to order some.
But accuracy testing will be harder since the indoor range I liked to go accuracy test stuff is closed.

 

[Swampman]

I wanted to get my 30-30 "Trapper" threaded for a can about 15 years ago, but when my 'smith told me what it'd cost to move the sight back and shorten the magazine tube, I lost interest.

I recall that it was pretty accurate with subsonic 200 grain round nose cast bullets. I haven't shot that rifle much in years, I may pc some of those suckers and see how they shoot.