how to reload the 30-30 for accuracy in a bolt action?

[mattri]

Just picked up an old Stevens 325C 30-30 bolt action.

Want to see what kind of accuracy can be wrung out of it as a fun winter project.

Because it is a bolt action, and doesn't have a tubular magazine any of the excellent .308 bullets should work, correct?

Feeding is not an issue, loading one round at a time is a given.

For my other rifles I usually neck size, not full length so that the fireforming remains. I don not crimp my seated bullets.

Any reason to change this procedure with the 30-30?

Thanks for any tips, Matt.

 

[bigedp51]

You do not need to change your reloading technique for the 30-30 bolt action BUT.........

30-30 bullets have a softer lead cores than .308 bullets. Look at 30-30 Contender pistol loads as a cross reference for bullet types and weights for your 30-30 bolt action. And 170 grain Hornady flat points at 2400-2500 fps are deadly on deer shot from a 30-06.

Ed Horton
Owner operator
30-30 Winchester 94 Trapper model with 16 1/2 inch barrel

 

[mattri]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the contender info as suggested. In the scan you posted are they using CCI250 mag primers as well as regular larger rifle primers?

 

[jonbearman]

I am almost sure you wouldnt want high pressure in that action.Fish around about that with this and other forums.

 

[bigedp51]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the contender info as suggested. In the scan you posted are they using CCI250 mag primers as well as regular larger rifle primers?

The scan is from the 1974 Speer reloading manual, the magnum primers are for all ball powder if you note the (*) by the powder data.

*760
*H450
*H380
*748
*BLC2

Two sets of reloading data are given in this manual, however standard 30-30 pressures are adhered to for both sets of loading data. (the only difference is pointed spitzer bullets)

 

[mattri]

Good to know, thanks.

 

[frnkeore]

I used to have a 340 savage ( same gun), I rechambered it to 30/30 imp. You don't have to limit it to 30/30 pressures. They were chambered in 225 Winchester. It has the same head size as the 30/30 and runs pressure in the 50,000 cup range.

I got rid of the barrel band and floated the barrel by drilling the rear trigger guard screw hole threw to the rear of the action and tapped it 10x32.

It shot 1" groups with 150 gr spitzers and 1.5 groups with gas check cast bullets. I got 2534 fps with the 150's in my 22" barrel using 42.5 H380 (best accuracy was 41.0 2464 fps).Best cast was 35 gr H380 and a 170 gr, 311291 cast bullet 2131 fps.

Frank

 

[mattri]

How did you align the hole you drilled in the action?

 

[bozo699]

When trying to load for accuracy in a rimmed case like the 30/30 do you need to measure rim thickness and sort by thickness?
Wayne.

 

[frnkeore]

I drilled through the rear trigger guard to where it touched the rear of the action with the tap size drill (5/32) . Do it in a drill press or a milling machine taking care that it is on center with the action. Pull the action out and make sure that it touched near the center. Then put it back and drill through the action. Then take it out and tap it 10x32. Make sure the tap starts straight.

Frank

 

[frnkeore]

Wayne,
I shoot a lot of rimmed cartriges in single shot rifles. I don't know anyone that measures rim thickness. If in doubt about head space you can jam the bullet into the rifling and that will head space it on the shoulder.

Frank

 

[mattri]

Thanks!

 

[Dimwit Flathead]

On a similar note, I had a T/C 357 Magnum barrel re-chambered to 357 Herrett, the brass for which is made from 30-30 cartridges. Headspacing on the shoulder is critical to best accuracy and this barrel will deliver it now. If you poke around the BR Central forums you will find some very good information on 30-30 for benchrest shooting. Matches get won with it, although the rifle isn't granddad's deer rifle. I think that if you pay attention to ammo prep and have a few basic procedures performed to your rifle you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Alaska Bush Man]

Suggest just buying the New Hornady Levoution Factory Ammo in 160gr

Should be a fine accurate load for the 30-30!

 

[bozo699]

Buy Loaded factory ammo ???..........................Never!
Wayne.

 

[mattri]

Yeah the point of this purchase was to tinker with an old rifle/round.

 

[bozo699]

Yeah the point of this purchase was to tinker with an old rifle/round.

Mattri,
Where are you @ with your project?
Wayne.