30Br for Hunter Class

[260guy]

Hi Everyone

I was wondering if I build a 30 BR would it make it for hunter class benchrest? Anyone know what the water capacity of the casing is?

 

[Caduceus]

I don't know the actual figures off the top of my head but the short answer is no - it doesn't have sufficient case capacity to comply with the class rules.

 

[AlNyhus]

Hunter Benchrest rules require a case to be either 45.0 or 45.5 gr. of water, depending on whether you're reading the IBS or NBRSA rulebook. The accepted case capacity is that of the 30-30 Winchester.

My fired 30BR cases,Lapua brass/Robinett spec. reamer) hold an average of 40.8 gr. of water. -Al

 

[260guy]

Thanks for the response. Too bad, sounds like the 30 BR is an awsome caliber. Any other recommendations for hunter class BR?

 

[AlNyhus]

Most HBR cases are based on a shortened 308W or 300 Savage case. HBR chamberings are very unique in that there is no "standard" 30X47,for example) case.

For the new person wanting to get into the HBR game, I would strongly suggest working with a 'smith that has a known combination of reamer, brass and dies. Done haphazardly, you can have tight cases, dies that don't size correctly, a sticky bolt, and the list goes on.

There are lots of ways to approach this class, from simple chamberings to cases involving elaborate case forming, custom dies, etc. The '30 WareWolf' that I shoot is simple, uses the great Lapua 308W brass as a parent case, and the dies used are simple and inexpensive.

Also, if you are going to be competing in IBS only matches, the IBS has a class called 'Varmint Hunter', which is the same thing as the Hunter Benchrest class but without the case capacity rules..in other words, the 30BR is legal in Varmint Hunter class. This class is mostly contested in the Eastern portion of the country and the 30BR rules the roost.

Hope this helps. -Al

 

[RGRobinett]

Help may soon arrive! That is, help for the 30x47 type cases used my most IBS/NBRSA Hunter Rifle competitors - during a conversation with Chris, at Graff & Sons, yesterday, he stated that they will soon,Hopefully March,06) be stocking/distributing LAPUA brass, including the new 6.5x47, which should be ideal for necking-up to thirty caliber! The samples Chris had in hand measured .4685 - .4690" in diameter just above the extractor groove - PERFECT for the reamers which have been purchased to use the Lapua .308 brass, but WITHOUT the fuss of moving the shoulders back and hassling with the resulting THICK shoulder area! I was hoping for some 6mm Swiss Match, but RUAG doesn't appear willing to part with THAT also excellent brass - too bad, the samples I have are very nice!
But, it looks like it's, "LAPUA to the rescue!" R.G.

 

[260guy]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate all the info!!!

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

i know it’s an old thread, but it needs updating - the updated answer to the original question is Yes. The current NBRSA rules Revision #45, Jan-2023, section 11.1.3.7 states “There shall be no minimum case capacity.” This is within section 11.1.3 “Hunter Rifle Definitions”. I have no idea how long ago the minimum case capacity requirement was dropped.

 

[JoeDuke]

But IBS still has the capacity rule in force so it depends on which organizational banner you are enquiring about or shooting under.

 

[Mulligan]

But IBS still has the capacity rule in force so it depends on which organizational banner you are enquiring about or shooting under.

Just out of curiosity, what cartridges are the most common?
I followed all your posts and updates on the Nats, not realizing the 30br was not the go to.
CW

 

[JoeDuke]

I think if you look st the hunter rifle equipment list, the most common not 30BR will be shown as 30 x 47. That is the most common designation of the old “hunter” cartridge when the capacity had to meet the larger water capacity. As Al Nylus stated above, there was no real standard for this cartridge. Today it simply is a good shooting older rifle that the competitor still shoots.

 

[jcline]

But IBS still has the capacity rule in force so it depends on which organizational banner you are enquiring about or shooting under.

IBS does have a capacity rule for Hunter rifles, but the Hunter and Varmint hunter compete as one class in IBS. The only need to distinguish the difference is for record purposes. Hope this helps. JC