30BR with heavy bullets?

[LRCampos]

I am just thinking... is there any trick to build a rifle in 30BR to shoot 150 to 168gr. jacketed bullets and 150 to 180gr. cast bullets? What the barrel twist? Will the distance to the lands be an issue? What kind of velocity I could expect on a powder similar of IMR 3031?

I am thinking on Silhouette Matches at 200 meters and score position matches at 200 meters too. One caliber and two uses would be nice!
Thank you for any help!

PS - I live in a country where there are not many components brands and types available, that's why we need to simplify our "logistic" in handloading,same bullets for example).

 

[Cheechako]

LR

The 30BR is nothing more than the old 30 x 1.5" wildcat that goes back more than 35 years. In a good bolt action rifle it will give you ballistics that will equal or better the 30-30 so yes, it is entirely feasible. The only requirement would be a barrel of proper twist for the heavier bullets.

You should be able to reach 2500 fps with 150 grain bullets and 2200 fps with 180 grain. You'll need one of the faster powders in the 4198 burning rate.

Ray

 

[LRCampos]

I think I will need to use a 1-10 or a 1-12 twist for this project. My plan is to use 168gr. or 150gr. jacketed and 165gr. to 180gr. cast bullets.

May I need to tell to the gunsmith, before he open the chamber, that I plan to use these bullets? ,I am thinking of the distance to the lands...)

Also, where can I get a 30BR reamer? I could not find at Clymer or Pacific Tools,at least, on theirs website).

 

[RGRobinett]

LR,
Ray has this about right; I'd only disagree to the extent that, via a bolt action rig, you can expect substantially more velocity than a [lever action]30/30 delivers! Several of my cronies are getting 3000+ FPS via 30BR chambered <24" BBLs and 125 Gr. bullets - this without excessive pressure. I would expect that 150 Gr. bullets could be driven in excess of 2500 FPS.

Both PPG and Henriksen Tool make excellent 30BR reamers. For the longer/heavier bullets, you'll need/want substantially more free-bore than most of are using for the light/short bullets. However, even a .030" free-bore, combined with a 1.5 Degree throat angle, will work well,keep the base of a FB bullet in the case neck) with most 7-8 ogive bullets up 150 Gr. Hugh Henriksen or Dave Kiff can help you with "throating" needs.
Good shootin'!
R.G.