30-30 projectile compatibility

[7mmVertigo]

Hey hide members looking to handload for both my lever action and single shot 30-30s. Now I understand that the reason rounded or flattened bullets are used for the lever action because of how the bullet tips press up against the leading rounds primer which is a dangerous situation if loaded with pointed rounds during recoil. That I get. But here's where I need some help... For my single shot break action 30-30 can I load a higher BC pointed projectile in 308, say a NOSLER ballistic tip or Sierra matchking? As example...

Also anything special I need to know about hand loading the 30-30 Winchester? I do reload 7mm rem mag 223 9mm and 22-250 so I'm still a ill green but totally noob.

Any help would be great.

Shoot safely!

VERT

 

[bigedp51]

Look in the single shot pistol section of reloading manuals for 30-30 and you will see plenty of "pointed" bullets used. BUT look at the bullet guide and the velocities they give for optimal performance.

Examples:
Hornady #3035 .308 150 grain round nose, 1800-2500 fps
Hornady #3031 .308 150 grain soft point, 2700-3600 fps

Simply put the lead core in 30-30 bullets is softer and expands at lower velocities than bullets for the .308 Win or 30-06. Therefore you want to use lighter bullets and shoot then faster from your 30-30 when using .308 Win or 30-06 bullets.

 

[7mmVertigo]

Biged, what manual would you recommend? The only manuals I have is hornady and berger. I used to have Lyman but have no clue where it need up after a move. Thank you for info.

 

[BobinNC]

With the introduction of the 300 Blackout for the AR15 platform has led to the introduction of light 30 caliber bullets, that are suitable for big game, and expand at lower velocity thresholds. Velocity wise the 300 Blackout performs like a rimless 30-30. All these bullets are pointed so they are ideal for your single shot 30-30. These new bullets are:

Barnes 30 cal TAC-TX 110 gr. #30811
Nosler 30 Cal AccuBond 125 gr. #52165

 

[bigedp51]

Biged, what manual would you recommend? The only manuals I have is hornady and berger. I used to have Lyman but have no clue where it need up after a move. Thank you for info.

The new Hornady 9th edition has the 300 Wisper/AAC Blackout reloading data and Contender 30-30 and 30 Herrett single shot pistol data to extrapolate from and choose bullet weights. This same manual is where I got the info in my first posting and I always look at these because I have a 30-30 Winchester Trapper model with a 16 1/2 barrel and compensate with bullets and faster powders with my shorter barrel.

Just match your velocity to the bullet guide and you will be OK. At the other end of the spectrum I had a Remington 03A3 30-06 with a fat chamber that was hard on brass when loaded above lukewarm. I used this 03 as my rain gun and loaded it to around 2500 fps using 170 grain 30-30 bullets and it knocked the deer for a loop and hit hard at woods ranges under 40 yards in nasty weather. The same basic thing can be done with lighter bullets in the 30-30 as the Gunny said above.

 

[former naval person]

Anything that the .30-30 can do in the lever actions is bettered in the solid actions. The pointed 150's will work well. 3031 has been my go to powder for that caliber for years.

 

[7mmVertigo]

Anything that the .30-30 can do in the lever actions is bettered in the solid actions. The pointed 150's will work well. 3031 has been my go to powder for that caliber for years.

What kind of FPS are we looking at with the 3031? thanks every one for the info. couple mpore questions though. does anyone have a clue if seating depth is crucial or do i have have room to play with the 30-30? (this gun is not for long range i use it as a quick deployment rifle for yotes when im out driving or offroading so most common shots will be between 75 and 250 yards) and what is ya'lls die preference? rcbs? hornady? what? For my long range rifle i use forster, but i dont think thats neccisary for the 30-30. any input is appreciated.

as always thank you and safe shooting!

VERT