.30 Rem Questions

[TrapperReady]

I've recently picked up a Remington Model 81 chambered in .30 Rem. Everything I've read about the cartridge says that it is basically a rimless version of the .30/30.

So, my questions are:

1) Can I use .30/30 load data? (since my manuals don't list .30 Rem)

2) Can you use regular .30/30 dies? **

3) Is there anything different about the case aside from the rim?

4) Does anyone have some decent load data they'd be willing to share from an older manual?


** What I was thinking about was getting some .30/30 dies for my Dillon 550, and then just getting a different shellplate. Since I've also got a .30/30 I'd like to load for, it would save some $$$.

Thanks!

 

[woody1]

TrapperReady, most all of the older loading books list the 30 rem and 30-30 together and say use the same loads. I can give you some loads if you like, but they'd be the same as you can get from 30-30 data. Can you use 30-30 dies? Prob'ly but the only experience I have here is loading 32 rem with 32 Special dies. The two cartridges are NOT the same exactly even discounting one being rimmed and one rimless. I would use 30-30 dies but make sure not to set the shoulder back or change the shoulder angle as they are different and the 30 rem headspaces on the shoulder. My 32 Rem. is not an autoloader and I don't push the envelope with pressure so I have had no problems using 32 Special dies. YMMV. I could send you scans of the cartridge drawings if you'd like, but you can also prob'ly get them on the web. PM me if you need 'em. Regards, Woody

 

[Jim Watson]

1. Yes
2. No. The .30 Remington is not just a rimless .30-30. It deserves its own dies. It is a rimless bottleneck and you will be shooting it in an autoloader. Headspace needs to be right. I bet Lee makes it.
3. Yes, it is its own Remington/Browning design. Remington considered using it for .222 in 1950 but decided to go all-new. Now the 6.8 supersoldier round is based on the .30 Rem head diameter.
4. I bet I have some data around. Give me ONE bullet weight and ONE powder you have listed as suitable for the .30-30 and I will post ONE load.