I'm a hard head sometimes on rifle prices when I remember what guns cost in the past. Especially with the H&R Handi rifles. I will admit to paying more for my 30-30 I bought last year than I wanted to. I'd looked for years for one in super clean, like new, factory original condition. When I finally found it, I drove 5 hours round trip to put my hands on it. Yes, I got the price down, but still paid the most I've ever paid for a Handi rifle. I've learned passing up something I've wanted over a few dollars is foolish. Good job by you buying yours.
I don't know what is causing your bulged cases. I've done some initial loading with 150 Gold dots and 125 gr. Sierra Pro Hunters. My rifle shows promise. I used the Hornady OAL tool and modified case to determine proper and safe OAL for those bullets. Link to my range day thread below.
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/19317386/h-r-handi-30-30-range-day
