Why they shoot the 30-30 in Benchrest......

[Shaggy357]

Excellent read on the Benchrest Forums. Was looking at the high pressure loads and wondering how they would do in my Savage bolt action and TC Contenders. Hard to find data since so many tube feed lever actions out there. I loaded for my brothers rotary feed Savage model 99 years ago. That one was sold, but we had some good times with the 110 Sierras out of it.

I have not pushed the envelope with my guns, but would like to see if I can get the Nosler 125bt to 2500fps+ out of my 24" rifle, or even out of my 14" Contender barrel. The article mentioned the use of AA2015 and IMR4320. Does anyone have other powders they have worked up safe loads? Don't think I will equal my 30 Bower Contender load (similar to 30-30AI), but would like to see what I can get for a moderate distance deer load.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

[Willicd76]

Might try h322

 

[Tommie]

I shoot a 30-30AI and H4064 has worked well for me. Never chronographed it but accuracy with 150 grainers has been in the MOA range. But I gotta admit that stick powder is a pain to meter.

 

[Chief 101]

There is a lot of data for the 30-30W in handgun reloading sections of some manuals. You should have no problem reaching your goal with a number of powders, including 4198 and BL(2). I have personally used IMR 4198, RL-7, IMR 3031, and WW 748 with success...I think you will find something in this selection that will work. I would even try H322 and Benchmark were i starting over...good luck

 

[boltman13]

The use of a 30-30 case in Benchrest is probably in Hunter Benchrest, or Benchrest for score. The cases are fire formed in very precise chambers usually with tighter than SAMI necks. The rims are turned down to fit a standard 308 bolt face as well. Barrel twists are optimal for lighter match grade bullets or custom made bullets from about 115 to 125 grs. Custom or trued Remington actions are the norm. Trying to duplecat these setups velocity might be on the edge and duplicating the accuracy impossible. The 30-30 case is not built to handle high pressure and in a standard SAMI chamber could rupture the case.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

I would opine that you are seeing cartridges made from the old Federal 30 American brass. 30-30 made by the same employees that made their 222, 222Mag, and 308 Match brass.
Small primer pockets.