Heavy .30-30 Load

[StrikeEagle]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

35 years ago, when I first started reloading, the standard 'heavy load' was 34.5 of IMR 4895 and a 170grn flatpoint. Even the NRA suggested this load to me.

In the last day or two, I looked this up and found that by today's standards, it's pretty much out of line!

What is the heaviest, documented load for a 170 grain bullet using IMR 4895 powder today?

StrikeEagle

 

[Leatherbark]

34.5gr of H-4895 is what I use with a 150 grainer and it seems hot! While not the IMR version I'm sure its close to it.............Long ago I saw and tried 3031 data of 32 gr. with a 170grainer and it IS hot. I dont believe hot for the rifle ,but for the brass................Seems when I used IMR 4895 with a 170 grainer ,I used 30 grains of it...........Did a little over 2000 in my 20 inch carbine..........Pretty accurate....................Bob

 

[Matt G]

StrikeEagle, you're right-- that load is quite hot. (Glad you put the disclaimer up!) I hope you've only been shooting it in Marlins, and not Winchesters?

I used to think that it was just "lawyerproofing" that caused some of the books to pull the old hot loads, but some of 'em got pulled because we're able to measure pressure so much more accurately today via piezo electric vs. copper crusher methods.

I found some loads for 170g .30-30 (one using IMR 4895) here.

 

[redneck2]

try steve's pages. It's got more loads than any place else I've seen, and for about every powder/bullet combo

http://www.stevespages.com

 

[The Bushmaster]

Be careful with some of Steve's loads. Some are pretty hot. His loading for .30-30 using 32 grains of W-748 and a 170 grain flat nose Speer bullet is a good one though. It is one of my favorites and the velocity that Steve posted for this loading is the same as I get (2050 fps).

 

[StrikeEagle]

Well... dang.

I suppose this is what I expected, really. I have a cigar box of these old loads; thing to do is pull them down and rebuild the ammo to a saner configuration.

I guess I need to buy a bullet puller... how embarrassing.

What's a good puller... keeping in mind that I'd like to save the bullets without damage? And... sigh... I suppose I have a fair quantity to work on.

Thanks, guys... this place is the greatest!

StrikeEagle

 

[The Bushmaster]

I use a Quinetics inertia puller. Works for me. But if they are lead it might mark the bullet a bit.