Loading a 30-30 with spire points

[skidder]

I've always loaded flat and round-nose for my 336, but I recently inherited a model 54 Winchester carbine in .30WCF. I'm a Hornady fan, but I'm willing to venture out If necessary. Most of my reloading data is lever action.

I would appreciate some suggestions for a good spire point hunting load. My kid is going to use it deer hunting this year.

Thanks

 

[Mule]

If you are looking for low recoil rounds go to the Hodgdon website and look for Youth Loads. These are reduced loads with H4895.

Sierra once built a 130gr SP .308 intended for single shot pistols. I found it worked well on whitetails. The current 125gr SP should work also. Use data for the 125gr FPHP.

I used my 336 as a two-shooter. one in the chamber and one in the magazine.

 

[skidder]

Thanks Mule

I also like the Idea of the 2 shot 336, that gets my wheels turning... I have another son taking hunters safety this year and it would be nice finding a SP bullet that shot well in both guns... I like the Idea of them both using 30-30's this year.

Thanks for the Ideas.

 

[popper]

I shoot the half-jacket 10gn without problem, 1x1 works well and is accurate. You can also use the FTX or GMX? and load the whole tube.

 

[SHIPCHIEF]

I have a Savage 340 in 30-30. I reload 125 gr spire points for it, however, the point of impact goes way up compared to 150 gr flat nose bullets.
The gun you use this round in will need to be sighted in for the lighter bullets, and reserved for that ammo.

 

[ssyoumans]

I've loaded up quite a few of the Sierra 125gr HPFN designed for the 30-30. They have proven very accurate out of my Marlin 336. I've used both W748 and Tac. I got slightly better results with TAC. This is the safest option.

I too have ventured into the Spire point bullet 2 shot arena. I tried some Hornady 110gr bullets with W748. I could not get really any faster velocity than I was getting out of the Sierra 125's so I abandoned that venture. Granted I didn't try alot of powders but I think the 125gr weight is much better and others have affirmed their performance on deer. I haven't been able to get any of the Sierra 125gr SP spire bullets, midway has been out of stock for months on them. Eventually I will give them a go.