Hello, I have recently started casting some of my own bullets as a natural outgrowth of reloading. (OK I'm late to the dance 'cause it's getting hard to get free or even cheap wheel wts) Any way... I have cast and am ready to load some 150gr, .309, gas checked, 30-30s. I have RCBS Cast Bullet Manual #1 and they list 10-12 gr of Unique or 27-29 gr IMR 4895. I would like some of you more experienced reloaders to advise. I have either powder and may end up trying both I just want to see if anyone has already evaluated these. This is for a Winchester '94 made in mid 70s. I really would like to get this set up and ready for deer season this year.
Loading cast 30-30s
- Thread starter The Kidd
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jaysouth
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Do you plan to hunt?
Or is this for range work only?
The best 150 yard hunting load for me is a cast gas checked bullet going 1,700 to 1,800 fps. As a rule, the slower burning powder will give best results. Save the Unique/Red Dot/Bullseye for 1,200 fps target or plinking loads.
I am not familiar with the RCBS cast bullet manual but have a Lyman Cast manual that is my constant reference.
Check out this forum: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forum.php
Be careful, this site could subsume your soul. LOL
Or is this for range work only?
The best 150 yard hunting load for me is a cast gas checked bullet going 1,700 to 1,800 fps. As a rule, the slower burning powder will give best results. Save the Unique/Red Dot/Bullseye for 1,200 fps target or plinking loads.
I am not familiar with the RCBS cast bullet manual but have a Lyman Cast manual that is my constant reference.
Check out this forum: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forum.php
Be careful, this site could subsume your soul. LOL
jim in Anchorage
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^^^^ I agree 100% with above. When I first started loading cast bullets in my 30-06 I was using fast powder like 700x. Terrible results. When I switched to 4198 it was amazing, went from 12" to 1/2" groups at 50 yards.
70s winny '94 same for me. GREAT gun for cast. found mine did a bit better going to .310 with/GC. without a GC stick to <1,500 fps. mine also liked the 170/173 GC combo better and I doubt you will be able to develop a better hunting load anywhere else for this rifle.
I know your stated goal is hunting but for a real hoot and some plinking rounds try 6-7 grs of unique under those boolits. everyone around you may start screaming that you just fired a squib but you'll be laughing like **** with some good results.
I know your stated goal is hunting but for a real hoot and some plinking rounds try 6-7 grs of unique under those boolits. everyone around you may start screaming that you just fired a squib but you'll be laughing like **** with some good results.
243winxb
Member
IMR 4895-27.5gr -173 gr GC-1500fps is what i cast/loaded in 30-30 Velocity was out of a 10" barrel T/C. I didnt check it in the M94. Would be higher, i guess.
loose noose
Member
I re-size all my 170/70% Linotype bullets to .310 GC, I use a hard lube (Blue Magic?) and 24.0 grains of 2230C with a WW primer RP cases, I resize the cases to 2.032, with an OAL 2.452. I've found these to be very accurate in my ballard rifled Marlin. MOA at 100 yards.
GooseGestapo
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I've gone to a .311" sizing for all my .30cal uses.
For the .30/30, which is probably the best cast-bullet cartridge of all times; I prefer the very first bullet I ever cast. The Lee .309 FNGC. It casts to about .312". I size and lube them with either SPG or 50/50 Alox=Bees Wax lube.
The .311" works with every .30cal rifle I have and gives best accuracy from a Marlin Micro-Groove barrel. Keeps from having so many different sizes.
Most any typical powder for the .30/30 will work fine. I happen to use RL15 in many other applications, so I use it here too.
30.0gr will deliver about 2,200fps and superlative accuracy.
28.0gr of H4895 or IMR3031 also works really well.
Do be sure to adequately flare the neck. I also use a Lee factory crimp die to crimp the brass.
Do sort brass by headstamp, trim to minimum specs, and use a Federal or Winchester Large rifle primer.
The Lee 170gr FNGC also works well. For a lighter than typical bullet, the Lee 120gr RNGC also works well. Loaded over 10.0gr of Unique, it's a plinking delight...
For the .30/30, which is probably the best cast-bullet cartridge of all times; I prefer the very first bullet I ever cast. The Lee .309 FNGC. It casts to about .312". I size and lube them with either SPG or 50/50 Alox=Bees Wax lube.
The .311" works with every .30cal rifle I have and gives best accuracy from a Marlin Micro-Groove barrel. Keeps from having so many different sizes.
Most any typical powder for the .30/30 will work fine. I happen to use RL15 in many other applications, so I use it here too.
30.0gr will deliver about 2,200fps and superlative accuracy.
28.0gr of H4895 or IMR3031 also works really well.
Do be sure to adequately flare the neck. I also use a Lee factory crimp die to crimp the brass.
Do sort brass by headstamp, trim to minimum specs, and use a Federal or Winchester Large rifle primer.
The Lee 170gr FNGC also works well. For a lighter than typical bullet, the Lee 120gr RNGC also works well. Loaded over 10.0gr of Unique, it's a plinking delight...
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