Author Topic: Reloading for 30-30 lever action  (Read 1067 times)

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Offline RDavidP

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Reloading for 30-30 lever action
« on: April 04, 2005, 01:45:03 AM »
With a lever action rifle, which die should I use?  Full length sizing or small base sizing die, which makes the bullet slightly smaller than factory size.

Offline C A Plater

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Reloading for 30-30 lever action
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2005, 02:50:34 AM »
I would go for the RCBS X die set in .30-30.  It reduces the need for case trimming to a minimum.  I used to have to trim after nearly every loading.  I replace my sizing die with the X version and now usually just after the first sizing to even up the necks of the once fired factory loads.

Offline Sixgun

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Reloading for 30-30 lever action
« Reply #2 on: April 04, 2005, 04:16:26 AM »
I use the Lee Collet die.  It is cheaper than the x-die and easier to use and achieves the same effect.  You don't have to lube the cases so that eliminates the steps of lubing and cleaning the cases.  It only sixes the neck with a collet against a mandrel, so it does not streach the case in the sizing process and the cases will headspace on the shoulder because they are not full length sized.  The only drawback is that you will need to shoot the cases in the same chamber or they may not fit.

I am getting 3 inch groups in my Model 94 with a receiver sight at 200 yards.  Much of the cause of this is the Lee Collet Die.

Sixgun
You can only hit the target if the barrel is pointed in the right direction when the bullet leaves the barrel.

Offline ihmsa70

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reloading 30-30
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2005, 07:53:00 AM »
Sixgun
What load are you using in the 30-30 at 200 yds?
I am just geting started in CLARS.  Use a Win 94, 26 in bbl.  Have tried 180 RCBS and Rem bulk 150.
Thanks
Clyde

Offline Sixgun

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Reloading for 30-30 lever action
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2005, 04:28:30 AM »
ihmsa70,

I am using mixed brass with a lyman 311291 with a gas check.  The alloy is unquenched wheel weights cast at about 850 to 900 degrees.  I increase the heat just enough to get them frosted a little.  Powder is 31 gr or IMR 4831 and primers are CCI Large Rifle.  velocity is 1750.  This bullet weighs right at 180 gr from my mold.

I tried 10, RCBS 30-180-fp at the ram distance, 200 yards, on Saturday and they consistently hit the rams but I couldn't measure the group because it was just knocking down the targets that were left up after the match.  My spotter said they were striking the Rams, centered,  just about 3 or 4  inches lower than the Lyman bullets were.

Sixgun
You can only hit the target if the barrel is pointed in the right direction when the bullet leaves the barrel.

Offline tanoose

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Reloading for 30-30 lever action
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2005, 10:20:32 AM »
RD i use the RCBS Full Length die set # 14601 with never a feeding problem. for the win. 94 .30/30  The only time i ever needed a small base die set was for a browning semi auto BAR and a tight chembered ruger 77 bolt 30/06 My pet load  IMR 3031/31.0 grains with the Hornady 170FP