30BR from Al Nyhus

[Toby Bradshaw]

I took advantage of Al Nyhus's move from score shooting to drag racing, and picked up his '97 vintage Panda 30BR. I hauled my gear to the range this morning to zero the Leupold 45x that I put in the Kelbly high rings, and to produce 3 snug cases to send to the Harrells for a FL bushing die. I expanded and neck turned a few gold box 6BR culls, leaving just 0.001 clearance in the chamber to produce a fitted neck, since I don't yet have a sizing die (but did get a Wilson seater die from Al). I have 1000 118gr 7-ogive bullets on order from Ronnie Cheeks, but I bought 200 Berger 115gr FB to do some fireforming and practice until the Cheeks bullets arrive.

I boresighted, adjusted the scope to the first bullet hole, and verified the adjustment with a second shot in the middle of the 100yd score target sheet (visible in the photo).

After running a pressure test (31.0-35.0gr H4198) without any drama, I loaded the 1x fireformed brass with 34.0gr H4198, bullets still at the jam, and shot 2 3-shot groups with a 2-click scope adjustment in between. Not bad for a "used" rifle with no load development. 8)

Thanks, Al!

 

[ReedG]

Looks like you've got some "fun" coming ... enjoy.

 

[BOLTED]

Nice. Very very nice.

 

[AlNyhus]

Nice work, Toby!

That gun won literally piles of trophies, plaques and patches for me. It will win any time and any where for 'ya if you hit the flags right.

Good shootin'! -Al

 

[GSPV]

Very nice!

 

[jbarnwell]

Very nice! I'm always amazed how well those 30BR's shoot. I know I really like both of mine.

 

[Jason Boersma]

You got a great rifle from a great guy that tought me a lot about shooting.

 

[RGRobinett]

I took advantage of Al Nyhus's move from score shooting to drag racing, and picked up his '97 vintage Panda 30BR. I hauled my gear to the range this morning to zero the Leupold 45x that I put in the Kelbly high rings, and to produce 3 snug cases to send to the Harrells for a FL bushing die. I expanded and neck turned a few gold box 6BR culls, leaving just 0.001 clearance in the chamber to produce a fitted neck, since I don't yet have a sizing die (but did get a Wilson seater die from Al). I have 1000 118gr 7-ogive bullets on order from Ronnie Cheeks, but I bought 200 Berger 115gr FB to do some fireforming and practice until the Cheeks bullets arrive.

I boresighted, adjusted the scope to the first bullet hole, and verified the adjustment with a second shot in the middle of the 100yd score target sheet (visible in the photo).

After running a pressure test (31.0-35.0gr H4198) without any drama, I loaded the 1x fireformed brass with 34.0gr H4198, bullets still at the jam, and shot 2 3-shot groups with a 2-click scope adjustment in between. Not bad for a "used" rifle with no load development. 8)

Thanks, Al!

That'll never work! 8)

Now, Al, why'd ya have to go and spoil yet another dude ;D ? RG

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

Hey, Randy. If you really want to spoil me, get crackin' on making some 118gr BIBs for my "new" rifle!

 

[AlNyhus]

Toby, one other thing deserves mention at this point: I know you cut the necks for .001 clearance. My experience at 100 yds. showed the accuracy with neck clearances from zero (yes....zero) to .003 to be the same with these 30BR's. At 200 yds, more neck clearance showed much better accuracy. I normally used .0025-.0030 as an 'across the pressure ring' clearance for all my .30's, with the exception of the .085 neck length WolfPup.

For what it's worth. -Al

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

Hi Al. As soon as I get my Harrell's die I will be able to use a thinner neck. I have 0.324 and 0.323 bushings waiting! But since I didn't have a sizing die, and needed to make some snug cases for the Harrells to fit my die, I made 3 cases with fitted necks just for this purpose, so I could get by with just the seater die.

Thanks for the tip -- I don't plan to reinvent any wheels here. The 30BR "system" seems to be well worked out!

 

[GSPV]

Hi Randy,

2.5-3.0 total or per side?

I've been cutting for 3.0 total. Once, I had a brain fart and cut as though for 3.0 in a 330 neck, but it was a 332. Shot great.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

It's just so hard to beat the small thirties. It's almost like cheating, they're so easy to make shoot well.
Nice job, though. I think you're going to love shooting a 30, if the recoil monster doesn't bother you. You may already know all of this, but some don't. 30's are just an easy way to give give ppc's fits. Especially for anyone who is new to tuning for br type accuracy. The learning curve is almost non-existent.

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

I did catch the scope with my shooting glasses the first time I touched her off.

I quickly learned to get my shoulder closer to the stock when shooting free recoil. Definitely more thump than even a LV 6PPC, but I think I'll get used to it as long as those giant .30 cal holes keep wiping out the X.

I'm really looking forward to being able to preload for matches -- hope that works as well as advertised. I would never preload for a 6PPC.

I notice that nobody is giving away .30 cal bullets, either. They're significantly more expensive (and less available right now) than comparable .22s and 6s.

The biggest advantage for my initiation into 30BR is getting a proven rifle from Al. Winning equipment doesn't become available too often!

 

[RGRobinett]

I did catch the scope with my shooting glasses the first time I touched her off.

I quickly learned to get my shoulder closer to the stock when shooting free recoil. Definitely more thump than even a LV 6PPC, but I think I'll get used to it as long as those giant .30 cal holes keep wiping out the X.

I'm really looking forward to being able to preload for matches -- hope that works as well as advertised. I would never preload for a 6PPC.

I notice that nobody is giving away .30 cal bullets, either. They're significantly more expensive (and less available right now) than comparable .22s and 6s.

The biggest advantage for my initiation into 30BR is getting a proven rifle from Al. Winning equipment doesn't become available too often!

But, your barrels will last three times longer - over time, "it's a wash". ;D RG

 

[RGRobinett]

Hi Randy,

2.5-3.0 total or per side?

I've been cutting for 3.0 total. Once, I had a brain fart and cut as though for 3.0 in a 330 neck, but it was a 332. Shot great.

Greg, I think AL means .003" of total clearance measured across the heel/pressure-ring. RG

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

I did catch the scope with my shooting glasses the first time I touched her off.

I quickly learned to get my shoulder closer to the stock when shooting free recoil. Definitely more thump than even a LV 6PPC, but I think I'll get used to it as long as those giant .30 cal holes keep wiping out the X.

I'm really looking forward to being able to preload for matches -- hope that works as well as advertised. I would never preload for a 6PPC.

I notice that nobody is giving away .30 cal bullets, either. They're significantly more expensive (and less available right now) than comparable .22s and 6s.

The biggest advantage for my initiation into 30BR is getting a proven rifle from Al. Winning equipment doesn't become available too often!

But, your barrels will last three time longer - over time, "it's a wash". ;D RG

Never thought it about that way. Christmas just came early! 8)

 

[GSPV]

Hi Randy,

2.5-3.0 total or per side?

I've been cutting for 3.0 total. Once, I had a brain fart and cut as though for 3.0 in a 330 neck, but it was a 332. Shot great.

Greg, I think AL means .003" of total clearance measured across the heel/pressure-ring. RG

Just checking. That's what I have aimed for since the first misstep. I still have that brass. I'll end up shooting it in my 30 Major AR.

 

[Jet]

I did catch the scope with my shooting glasses the first time I touched her off.

I quickly learned to get my shoulder closer to the stock when shooting free recoil. Definitely more thump than even a LV 6PPC, but I think I'll get used to it as long as those giant .30 cal holes keep wiping out the X.

I'm really looking forward to being able to preload for matches -- hope that works as well as advertised. I would never preload for a 6PPC.

I notice that nobody is giving away .30 cal bullets, either. They're significantly more expensive (and less available right now) than comparable .22s and 6s.

The biggest advantage for my initiation into 30BR is getting a proven rifle from Al. Winning equipment doesn't become available too often!

But, your barrels will last three time longer - over time, "it's a wash". ;D RG

Never thought it about that way. Christmas just came early! 8)

Same here and agree--Christmas has come early

 

[Shynloco]

.....As soon as I get my Harrell's die I will be able to use a thinner neck. I have 0.324 and 0.323 bushings waiting!

Toby,
Just out of curiosity, how thin are you turning the necks to? Thx!

Alex