30-30 powder

[GooseGestapo]

Reloader15.

I've used just about everything else over the last 40yrs, starting with IMR3031, IMR4198, and IMR4320 back in the late '60's.
I like BLC2 (duplicates Winchester factory 150's at 35.7gr) but can be loaded up to 37.5gr with 150gr bullets.
Also H4895, at 33.0gr, some lot's with 34.0gr with 150's.

But, neither will give velocity WITH peak accuracy like RL15 does with 150 and 170gr bullets.

I've found that 36.0gr of RL15 is superlative with the 125gr Sierra FNHP, and 37.5gr with the 130gr Speer FN. (yes, these are correct, the Sierra has most of the bullet below the cannulure, the Speer above the cannulure.... The Sierra can't be seated over more powder in the cases I used...)

H322 has given superlative accuracy, and H414 has application with the 170's but velocity is about 100-150fps below RL15 potential.

Didn't like H335 or RL7.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I've had good results with 322 with lighter gr slugs also.

 

[ChefJeff1]

Well, i loaded up some using Kernel's link and I think I did pretty good . 29.7 gr imr 3031 with the 160 hornady ftx and 1/2 group at only 25 yards. some background to add. I recently read an article in a free copy of handloader mag about adjusting the seater die to seat and crimp and it is so easy to do and I think my bullets are happier in the case now. I'm using a Marlin 336sc from 1949 with a lyman 66la peep sight that came with it. I didn't worry about adjusting the sight, just grouping. I'll adjust it once i find my load. I tried some 150 gr. core-lokt and these didn't work so well. Like 1 1/2 inch group at 25 yards. I am patiently awaiting some 170 Sierra RNFP. I think I have to accept the fact that this is not an all day long bullseye shooter and be happy with 2" or a little more at 100 yards with my peep sight. Thanks for your help, Jeff

 

[The Bushmaster]

ChefJeff1...You might look at Speer 170 grain Hotcore FNs too. I use a 1949 Winchester M94 and am getting 1 5/8" three shot groups at 100 yards. Different powder though (W-748)...

 

[Kernel]

interesting program… is it only for IMR powder?

The Powley Computer can help you find other ideal powders by using it in conjunction with a powder burn rate chart (there are half a dozen good ones on the internet).

For example. For your cartridge/bullet combo the Powley method found 3031 had the ideal burn rate. Looking at a burn rate chart (or better, several) you’ll see that H335, 748, N133, 2015, and the new Alliant 10x (perhaps, the ultimate .30-30 powder) are all in that same speed range.

Those are your “Goldilocks” powders. Not to fast, and not to slow. Just right to give very high velocities and stay at acceptable pressure levels. Get your starting loads from the respective load manual. Work up using good reloading practices.

The chart will also show you which powders are close and which are not. Avoid powders that are nowhere near where the Powley method suggests. They seldom give satisfactory results. However, the powders that are only slightly fast or slightly slow may ultimately prove to be a be good powder.

You must still experiment at the range, but do so wisely. Maximize your trigger time shooting powders that have the most potential for best results. This maximizes your odds at quickly finding that ultimate “pet load” for every cartridge/bullet combo.

 

[kimbernut]

.30-30 Powders

I've had great success with: IMR4895,H322,Surplus WC846,and RL15 on both 150 gr. and 170 gr. All have been accurate.

 

[James2]

My Hornady manual says Win 748 produced the best results.
Lyman sugested IMR 3031, IMR 4064 and Win 748

Good luck.

 

[ChefJeff1]

My nosler manual suggestdd varget as their most accurate powder for the 30-30 and it was the starting charge. I got my sierra bullets and will try that for starters and try the starting load for 3031 too.

speer bullets are next on my list for my levergun fun. Are they better than sierra? They are made in Idaho and that's important to me. Buy Idaho.

I'll probably try some noslers but I think they were a little spendy.

Jeff