30TC Thompson Center help

[PBking51]

I started going to the NRA banquets in 2005. The first gun that I ever won in a raffle was in 2007 and it was a TC Icon in 243. The gun trully is bench rest quality in a slightly heavy sporter gun. I always wanted to try one in 30TC...well before the caliber was the basis for 6.5 Creedmore.

I finally found an unfired one and have maybe 20 pieces of virgin brass i picked up somewhere in the last 18 years.

My question is, aside from these headstamped cases....can i get away with taking the 6.5 CM cases, full size them in the creedmoore dies and then expand neck with a 308 die expander and seat a bullet with a 308 seater?

I know....at this point. Why not just load 308? Haha

I guess its more so for shooting an icon in 30 caliber than it is because i think the 30 TC is superior to the 308..i havent seen one in a wood stock pop up in 308 in some time.

I also refuse to buy a set of hornaday dies for $75

 

[TC260]

Opening up 6.5CM cases shortens them too much, use 308 cases to form brass. I picked up a used set of Hornady 30TC dies not long ago and they were quite a bit less. I didn't shop prices, just went to Grafs and they're $60

HORNADY 30 THOMPSON/CENTER ARMS SERIES I FL 2-DIE SET, S/H #1 - Graf & Sons

Hornady Custom-Grade New Dimension Dies are the most advanced reloading dies available today. They’re created from select steel that’s heat-treated to ensure it’s got the durability needed for a lifetime of reloading. Custom-Grade New Dimension Dies are so well crafted, they’re guaranteed never...

www.grafs.com

 

[dhagerty40]

and just for info, Here is the 30TC case drawing from Quickload. I will let other people talk about it as I have not shot the 30TC.

 

[wvlongshot]

Pbking51. I was curious about how much shorter sizing neck up to 30cal would make the 6.5 brass. Ran thru my setup for making 30 br brass, a k&m stepped mandrel, they came out only 25 thousands shorter. So that's a non issue. Use the 6.5. If you need some expanded send em too me and I'll fix ya up.

 

[Boartuff]

You found a nice rifle. I haven’t gotten an Icon yet, but it’s been on my list for quite awhile. I did pick up a 15” Encore barrel in 30TC earlier this year and have had it to the range only once.

Last Saturday I saw a set of dies at a gun show for $30. I already have a set and now wish I’d grabbed those so I could have sent them to you.

With the resurgence of TC, Hornady has made another run of ammo, so I’d think brass might become available sooner or later. You might contact Hornady to ask if they have intentions of selling brass at some point. Hopefully they do.

 

[TC260]

 

[dhagerty40]

That print shows the case at 2.66 length. That's LONGER THAN 06 length.
30TC SHOULD BE 1.92

The 2.66 length includes the bullet. the actual listed shows 1.92 for case length.. the line showing case length is barely visible in this print.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have a few range 6.5 cm brass , I could run a few through my RCBS 30TC die and see how they look and chamber in my Icon???
PB I sent you a PM.

 

[PBking51]

I have a few range 6.5 cm brass , I could run a few through my RCBS 30TC die and see how they look and chamber in my Icon???
PB I sent you a PM.

Thank you sir. I replied just now. I made an offer on GB for 3 boxes of hornady ammo and just found out it was accepted, so i will have 80 pieces of brass to play with.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I found the 6.5cm range brass, Hornady/Fed C.
I necked up using a .284 and 30 cal expander mandrel, after annealing/ decapping.
Shoulder ends up "shorter" than my Hornady 30 TC fired sized brass. But I'm sure after one firing the angle(?) will form and further sizing will be with die set as usual. I used Hornady one shot on the mandrels for necking up the brass. Will experiment some more, see if I can minimize HS variations caused I think by the shoulder angle and shorter datum of the 6.5.

 

[TC260]

You found a nice rifle. I haven’t gotten an Icon yet, but it’s been on my list for quite awhile. I did pick up a 15” Encore barrel in 30TC earlier this year and have had it to the range only once.

What powder/bullet are you going to be loading for it?

 

[Boartuff]

What powder/bullet are you going to be loading for it?

I haven’t decided which powder direction to go yet. I am hoping I can find a good load with lighter bullets, though, possibly 125 gr NBTs.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have very good accuracy and velocity with Exterminator under 150-165 gr bullets, especially the tipped Barnes bullets. (Icon rifle).