I haven't checked this thread out as I don't have a need for more brass at this time, But!! I have a friend that is the only person in the World that shoots shortrange BR and wins at times with his 30-30. Shooting as hot as Michael does is very hard on brass. His post on Accurate shooter.
I just got through testing the new Starline 30-30 brass. I tried to push the pressures to the first sight of case weakness, but for the first time, I just had to back away. I could not loosen a primer, even though the loads were crazy high pressure "proof" loads. I ran out of room in the case with H4198, and with LT30. I am not going to put H4227 in it. I do not want to swell the chamber on my "zero" size group capable Lederer barrel. The new Starline brass has been manufactured with a thicker case web for greater strength, I did see about 1 grain less capacity, but for me, it is worth it.
It was 46 degrees outside this morning at 8600 ft. elevation, so it took more powder than usual to get these velocities, but you won't be disappointed by the velocities. All velocities were checked with my Labradar.
Rifle: My HV benchrest with a 23" Lederer barrrel Bullet: My 118gr 9 ogive .925" Hines jacket, all loads touching lands (this bullet allows the most room in the case) Case: Just released Starline 30-30 brass, neck turned to .0085" Powders: Hodgdon H4198, Accurate LT30, Accurate LT32
Test load: 34.5 - H4198 - 2977 fps (slower than 30BR because of air space)
Proof Loads: 40.0 - LT32 - 3144 fps 41.0 - LT32 - 3252 fps (running out of room way to quick, moving to faster powders)
LT30 - 41.0 - 3319 fps LT30 - 41.5 - 3352 fps LT30 - 42.0 - 3387 fps (out of room, primer seats the same as new)
H4198 - 38.5 - 3240 fps H4198 - 39.5 - 3295 fps H4198 - 40.0 - 3316 fps H4198 - 40.5 - 3358 fps (out of room, primer seats the same as new)
I used two cases to complete all testing. Cases were trimmed to 2.015", and grew to 2.018" after five very hot loads in each.
The energy level reached was 3005 fpe. A 270 Winchester pushing a 130 gr bullet at 3150 fps is 2864 fpe. If you ever reach 3000 fpe in a 270 Winchester, chances are you loosened the primer.
These velocities are real, and even though the brass was up to the task, these loads are considered extremely dangerous in almost any other firearm without a long trigger string.
