30-30 on pyrodex

[milsurpguy]

I have seen that the only powder available to a lot of people is pyrodex and people starting to load stuff with black powder and pyrodex.
Pyrodex is the only powder available it seems like. Midway has it, limit of 5, so you can get a big pile of it and it seems like they have plenty of it.
A long time ago I loaded up some 150gr cast lead with pyrodex RS because that's all I had. If I remember correctly the velocity was 1,400 to 1,500fps and the load was a 30-30 case full to the top.
It definitely will kill. Probably would have been a bit higher if I had pyrodex P.
More recently I loaded up some 190gr bullets I had rolling around using the more appropriate for a 30cal pyrodex P.
I filled those up with a 44mag shell, about 29 to 30 grains by weight. That filled the 30-30 up to about the bottom of the neck top of the shoulder.
Those went over the chronograph at around 1,250fps. Still pretty deady.
Next I think I will load up some actual FFFg black powder.

 

[kalielkslayer]

Wonder what BH209 would do?

My go to (if legal) black powder substitute.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

I have considered trying that myself. I still may. I understand the 30-30 was originally a black powder cartridge.

Nice to know there is an option.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I understand the 30-30 was originally a black powder cartridge.

It wasn’t. It was first introduced as the 30 Winchester Smokeless. It also went by 30 Winchester Centerfire (WCF)

30-30 came about when Marlin labeled their 30 WCF rifles as 30-30 to denote the old method of naming cartridges by their caliber and the weight of black powder they were loaded with. (45-70, 50-110, etc.). In this instance it was 30 caliber and 30 grains of smokeless powder.

Who knows why 30-30 stuck but it may be because Marlin eventually surpassed Winchester for lever action popularity.

 

[call1911]

I have considered trying that myself. I still may. I understand the 30-30 was originally a black powder cartridge.

Nice to know there is an option.

Sorry, but you err here.
The .30-30 or as it was known originally the .30 WCF, was and is a smokeless powder caliber.

The rifle it was most often used in (Winchester Model 1894) was at the beginning using blackpowder cartridges, but they were of a different caliber (.32-40 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester).

 

[WestKentucky]

I have loaded 30-30 among a few others with pyrodex. It’s pretty dirty and low pressure keeps it from making a good seal with the chamber so some of the crud blows back into the action. I won’t do it again for metallic unless it’s a simple single shot. Pyrodex in plastic shotgun hulls is fun though. The one thing that was notable with 30-30 was the recoil reduction, so there is some potential for me to go that route again for my kids shooting my contender, but if there is anything else available that’s suitable I will go that direction first.

 

[FROGO207]

It was the 32 SPL version that was made with the specific twist rate so lead bullets and black powder could be used as an alternative. Cleaning BP residue out of a lever action is a nasty job if you do it well at best. Personally I would keep looking on line for your favorite propellants to return. I have seen 3031 for sale recently but it only was available for less than an hour before it sold out at PV.

 

[jmorris]

It would be a few decades before I would be forced to use BP instead of smokeless. Would probably use it in a muzzleloader anyway vs a 30-30 lever gun. As I clean them in the bathtub when done lots less mechanism to dry and lube on the muzzle stuffers.

 

[FROGO207]

Jmorris I actually remove the grips from my BP pistols and boil them in a pot, scrub them, and boil them in a fresh pot of water to clean them. Then oil well.

 

[film495]

I don't think 30-30 is really supposed to be loaded with black powder. Is that what the 32-20 was for when the 1894 came out. That chamber was for people who were still wanting black powder?

 

[3Crows]

I have considered trying that myself. I still may. I understand the 30-30 was originally a black powder cartridge.

Nice to know there is an option.

No, the .30-30 was the first smokeless powder cartridge designed as such from the beginning. It was .30 cal. and 30 grains of the then new smokelss powder.

I love BH209. Pyrodex is a sin against a fine rifle.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

It wasn’t. It was first introduced as the 30 Winchester Smokeless.

Sorry, but you err here.
The .30-30 or as it was known originally the .30 WCF, was and is a smokeless powder caliber.

No, the .30-30 was the first smokeless powder cartridge designed as such from the beginning. It was .30 cal. and 30 grains of the then new smokelss powder.

Well, it appears I was incorrect. Mea culpa.

After some research, coupled with some forum pals calling me out, I doubt I will make this mistake again.

There are, however, myriad other mistakes I can fall into, so I hope y'all keep me on my toes !

 

[milsurpguy]

My pyrodex RS 150 grain cast lead made for dirty brass that didn't seal good.
My pyrodex P with 190gr jacketed bullets had the brass come out cleaner than typical smokeless rounds, which I definitely did not expect.
So definitely use the FFFg the in 30 cal guns, maybe stick with jacketed bullets too.

I have about 7/8ths of s keg of leverevolution. Which will probably be a lifetime supply for me. Just a little post for those who want to load 30-30 but maybe can't find suitable smokeless, or just want to load up some blaster ammo and save the good stuff for hunting ammo.

 

[AJC1]

I have loaded 30-30 among a few others with pyrodex. It’s pretty dirty and low pressure keeps it from making a good seal with the chamber so some of the crud blows back into the action. I won’t do it again for metallic unless it’s a simple single shot. Pyrodex in plastic shotgun hulls is fun though. The one thing that was notable with 30-30 was the recoil reduction, so there is some potential for me to go that route again for my kids shooting my contender, but if there is anything else available that’s suitable I will go that direction first.

2400 or 4227 will do it cleaner.

 

[3Crows]

I think the OP wants to use Pyrodex because at the moment smokeless powders are hard to come by and he has Pyrodex available. And I would use anything but Pyrodex as it is so corrosive. I do not know if the OP can find Blackhorn 209 and I have never used it in a .30-30. I have used it in my two muzzle loaders and it is not corrosive and very clean and a little more punch too.

 

[PapaG]

I have considered trying that myself. I still may. I understand the 30-30 was originally a black powder cartridge.

Nice to know there is an option.

No. Not black. 30 cal, 30 grains smokeless.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I think the OP wants to use Pyrodex because at the moment smokeless powders are hard to come by and he has Pyrodex available. And I would use anything but Pyrodex as it is so corrosive. I do not know if the OP can find Blackhorn 209 and I have never used it in a .30-30. I have used it in my two muzzle loaders and it is not corrosive and very clean and a little more punch too.

I've tried it with poor luck.
BH209 only worked for me with duplex loads. Then it was amazing.
I'm a fan of 777 if I'm not running real black.

 

[milsurpguy]

I think I have a can of 777 I can load up a few with that too.

 

[doubleh]

No way would I shoot it in a lever action. Too hard to clean. I wonder what a .223 case full would do with a 40 grain bullet in my contender. I don't believe it would be much of a problem to clean it.