Leverevolution Data Discrepancy

[whitemtncruiser]

I have recently begun loading for the .30-30 Win using Hodgdon Leverevolution powder and the Hornady 160gr FTX bullet. I noticed that the bottle of powder and Hodgdon's online data shows a maximum load of 35.5 grains, and they state that this is a compressed load. The newest edition of the Hornady reloading manual shows a maximum load of 37 grains. This is quite a difference.

What is everyone's experience using this powder in .30-30? I loaded a test batch and kept to Hodgdon's maximum load for the top end. I will be running them over the chronograph soon. I am going to inquire with Hornady but thought I would see what everyone's personal experience has been.

Thanks.

 

[Rule3]

Hornady #8 lists a max of 37.0 grains also. Just another test done at a different time and place they used a actual rifle Winchester with 20" barrel

Hodgdon used a test barrel.

You are not going to use a max load to start with anyway so work up from the start load. Good thing about Hornady is they give you 6 loads and corresponding velocity. I see no sense in cramming the cartridge so full you have a compressed MAX load to gain a 100 fps.

 

[RealGun]

I have the same powder and bullet but do not intend to start at the maximum.

I note that Hodgdon's number is about 5% lower than Hornady's. Maybe that's their lawyer/idiot factor.

We have to remember that the single numbers we see are maximums, not suggested loads.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There are plenty of reasons why data from one source will be different than another. Both are correct at the time of testing and will be different from your results. This is why we have a starting charge and max charge. Like said above, if single numbers are given they are Max charge numbers. Reduce those numbers by 10% to find the starting charge weights...

You will find when loading most cartridges the most accurate load will be found before you reach the Max charge weight. Since accuracy is more important than a few extra FPS I wouldn't worry about max charge discrepancies.

Don't get caught up in the "faster is better" hype. That FTX bullet like all other bullets meant for use in a 30-30 are designed to reliably expand at the lower velocities associated with the 30-30. Find an accurate load and don't worry about the rest.

BTW, you will not be able to match the factory velocities for the Leverevolution ammo because the powders they use are custom blended for each bullet weight and each cartridge. Luckily the commercial powder is the general 30-30 mix so the 30-30 loads will be closest to the factory numbers, just not as high.

Welcome to the forum...

 

[whitemtncruiser]

That is what I figured. I load for a number of calibers and always work up from the start charge with new powder and bullet combinations. Just seemed odd that the maximum listed was off by a grain and a half as I haven't found that large of a difference before. I am sure I will encounter it more as I go along. I stuck to the hodgdon maximum as the maximum in my test batches. Will see how it goes and how velocity compares to published data. Like you said, I usually find the most accurate load is not the maximum.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Rule3]

That is why I like Hornadys manual over other ones like Speer. I read and use them all, but it's nice to see several loads and approximate FPS rather than just a high and low. As Arch mentioned usually somewhere in the middle is the best performance.

 

[gibble888]

Let us know how you like those components,thats my next project,just got 100 brass...good luck