Home Forums Reloading Bullet Casting 30 cal cast bullets ?

Anyone use cast bullets for hunting big game like moose/elk in 30 caliber ? Ive used them a lot in 44 and 45 caliber but nothing smaller. I have a 308 coming. Whats the best mold for this caliber? Thanks

My favorite hunting bullet in 30 cal is the RCBS 30-180 FN if your rifle will handle them. I've had a problem in a controlled round feed Husqvarna of the flat point catching on the side of the chamber, but never in push feeds or Mannlicher-Schoenauer. It should work on elk or moose but, I would probably use my .358 for them.

I second Joe's recommendation. The RCBS 180 FN has been plenty accurate for me in several 30-30's and a few other bigger 30 cals. It usually casts around 195-200 for me depending upon the specific alloy. The only drawback I can see is that the base of the bullet is likely going to be well below the shoulder, if that bothers you. It has never been an issue for me in several cases from 22 cal to 35 cal.

NOE has a couple designs that may work better in a 308 case, but they are lighter weights, 165-175 grains.

RCBS 30-180-FN but I have an 06.

I have the RCBS 180 gr FP loaded in my 308 for this deer season. It will be my first year using cast bullets smaller than. 358" in diameter for big game and I am really looking forward to seeing how they work.

The old Lyman 311041 is same same as the RCBS bullet and my guess is it’s killed a gazoogle of critters over the years. BHN 11-12 runs fine through my Mod 94 with groups in the 1-1/2” range at 50 yds, velocity in the 2000-2100 FPS range, and wasn’t much of a challenge getting there.