30 Major

[GSPV]

Didn't want to rebate rims, didn't want to open bolt face, so I went with the 30 Major to get my toes into the IBS VFS waters.

I got out for the first time yesterday.

Getting beyond the braggin', what I was surprised at is the difference in recoil. It's noticibly less than the couple of 30 BRs I've shot.

If you've got a PPC bolt face and you're wanting to try out VFS with a 30, give the 30 Major a try.

The details:
1. It's a 6.5 Grendel necked up to 30.
2. Dave Kiff has reamers on file.
3. Dies are adapted from 6.5 GR or custom.
4. It likes VV N120.
5. Look for approx the same velocity window as 30 BR lower window.

Since I had a new barrel, new bullets, trying new (HBN) coating, yadda, yadda, I started at 30 grains. It was like shooting my PPC.

I laddered slowly up to 30.4. I see no signs of pressure. But, it was 28 degrees, too.

OK for the obligatory brag group:

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I began shooting the 30 Major 3 years ago, and as you can see, it shoots. It is IMO the BEST choice for anyone with a PPC boltface that wants to shoot score and group with the same gun. In most guns, it's a simple barrel swap. Probably the best thing about the cartridge is that quality Lapua brass is available and it's an easy case to form...just neck it up and then prep just like a 30BR. Brass life is good and velocities can be attained that most 30br's aren't competing at, but works best between 2900-3000fps. I'd guess you aren't quite to the 2900fps with that load yet but some barrels are a bit faster than others. Either way,nice group! Show us some more when ya get time. It's a very efficient case and works well with a variety of powders. I'm most comfortable with N120 but have shot well with H4198,RL7,N200,H322,Benchmark,4227 and AA1680. The faster powders work great and give less muzzle blast and lower pressures at the muzzle. That's why the recoil is noticeably less than the BR, and may well be part of why it shoots so well because of less turbulence at the point of bullet release....but that part is speculation on my part. Keep us posted.--Mike

 

[duchess49]

Didn't want to rebate rims, didn't want to open bolt face, so I went with the 30 Major to get my toes into the IBS VFS waters.

I got out for the first time yesterday.

Getting beyond the braggin', what I was surprised at is the difference in recoil. It's noticibly less than the couple of 30 BRs I've shot.

If you've got a PPC bolt face and you're wanting to try out VFS with a 30, give the 30 Major a try.

The details:
1. It's a 6.5 Grendel necked up to 30.
2. Dave Kiff has reamers on file.
3. Dies are adapted from 6.5 GR or custom.
4. It likes VV N120.
5. Look for approx the same velocity window as 30 BR lower window.

Since I had a new barrel, new bullets, trying new (HBN) coating, yadda, yadda, I started at 30 grains. It was like shooting my PPC.

I laddered slowly up to 30.4. I see no signs of pressure. But, it was 28 degrees, too.

OK for the obligatory brag group:

OK sooooooo, how many rounds into that group? If 3 shot group looks promising, if 5 shot group you probably just shot a record group unofficially

Dan

 

[GSPV]

Hi Dan,
That's 3. Load development. Shot with the LCS I bought from you, btw. That's 30.4 gr. Mike tells me that I'm probably still too low to be consistent. Next batch starts at 30.4 and steps up by 0.2.