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Anyone loading lead bullets in a 30-30?
Have seen some loads listed at 12-1300 FPS with lead bullets in 30-30. Sounds like a fun load for "plinking"
Thanks, Virgil B.

I shoot 190grain gas checked bullets (about 15 BHN) behind about 25 grains (if memory serves) of IMR-3031. Nice load.

I have two 30-30 rifles. My favorite is a WWII Canadian Ranger issue m94. It is properly marked with the "C - Broad Arrow", indicating Canadian military issue. It is in the range of serial numbers that are not publicly available , because the were purchased by the Canadian Government. Until the late '50's Full patch ammo was still available from CIL in Canada, obviously contract over-runsfrom the war.

My main load for this rifle is the 170 gr. Lee 170FP, wrapped in Teflon gas-fitters tape (3/4 in wide; .003 thick) over 20 grains of Norma 200, topped with a pinch of teddy bear guts. I purchased a new lyman 31141 mold, and load it the same way. I havn't put it over the Chrony yet, but it's likely about 1700-1800fps?

My other load is the Lee120GC, teflon wrapped, over 6.5 grains of Herco (I use a .7 Lee scoop) again with the pinch of fluff. This is my short range rabbit & fool hen load. It works just as well in my scope mounted Marlin 336. By my estimate, I think I get about 1000 - 1100fps.

I did Chrono 9.0 gr of Herco behind the Lyman 31141, and got 1340fps from the Marlin. I also shoot the 20 grains of Norma 200 from this rifle, also with good results.

These are my loads, with powders I have in reasonable quantity. I can only vouch for them as I use them in my firearms. If you consult loading tables, especially the LYMAN CAST BULLET HANDBOOK, (MINE IS 1973 ISSUE) you will find more tips. Using this information, tried Unique from between 7.0 to 10.5 grains with very good results for short range loads. I have also used Universal the same way.

For mid-range loads, the equivalent to Norma 200 would be Reloader 7 or 4198. Use your noggin, when trying this out!

I use the Teflon tape based on an article by Mike Venturino from the '70's when he was just starting out. The benefit is that accuracy does not deteriorate when switching between jacketed and cast ammo the way it does if you use ALOX type bullet lube. I use similar small game loads in 7 X 57, 7 X 57R, and .308

I am shooting 150 gr gas checked Fusillier brand bullets in my Marlin 30-30 over 25 grains of Reloader 7. Very accurate and easy shooting load. Haven't chronographed the load to tell you its velocity. I have shot a lot of Reloader 7 in 30-30 from the savage 99 to a Winchester 94 and the Marlin, all with good results. Ryan

How 'bout leading?
Am thinking slower loads will lead the barrel less. (i'm to lazy to scrub the barrel any more than i have to)
The teflon tape sounds like it would work good.
Virgil B.

Laeding wasn't a problem in mine until I got up in the 2000 FPS range then it started leading a bit. In general hasn't been a problem with slower velocity. Ryan

Thanks to both Bush... and vbs... for validating my experiences. I've never used reloader 7, but the burning rate charts suggested it. My loads were without gaschecks, and I don't recall leading as ever being a problem when I used teflon tape. I don't crank the velocity though.

I'll post some Chrony data in about five months. It is starting to snow now, and it's late this year!

aka "Sir Charles deMouton-Black", NCOWS 1154

If your interested, why not try a cast 150gr FN w/gas check in front of about 10.5 to 11 gr of Unique. Works fine on white tail out to about 100-125 yards. Velocity? Doan no, bit 1 moa at 100 yds.

Don't know about Elk of Mule deer.

I'm shooting the 170 Laser Cast with gas check. I order the bullets without the checks because of cost and then put the checks on with a Lee sizer. Accuracy with both H4198 and A2520 has been outstanding.

I've been loading 165 gr. Meister Bullets over 18 gr. of Reloader 7 wich gets me 1580 fps from a 20 inch Model 94. No leading and quite accurate for a plinker, and no sore cheekbone.

I've been shooting lead bullets in .30/30's for 25 years. Here are some of my findings: Plinking load= 5.0 gr. Red Dot, 155gr. Lyman/Ideal 311241 PB cast from straight wheel weights, no filler, great plinking accuracy out to 50 yds. Target load(M54 winchester)= 308180 NEI (14-15BHN), 14 gr. SR-4759, CCI BR primer, Kapok filler(from an old life preserver), bullet seated with Vickerman straightline seater out to just touch rifling. Chrono'ed @1560 fps. This bullet's forward section rides the lands perfectly, base sized to fit throat- .309. Far enough below MOA @ 100yds. that you wouldn't believe me if I told you! Hunting= 190gr. FN custom Saeco (custom made for Sid Musselman, founding member of Cast Bullet Assoc. who sold it to me before he died)cast from wheel wts. , 28.0 gr. 3031, CCI BR primer, 2.555 OAL. MOA +accuracy in my Savage M99A, chrono'ed @ 2000 fps. Duplicates old .303Savage. If I were to change anything with this load I would soften the bullets a bit to get even better expansion, and put up with a little leading. This load is about as hot as I care to take it. Case life is eternal in the 99, not so in 94 Win. I would back off a couple of grains to start with and work up, especially in Mod.94 Win.s. Have killed deer with this load. They react quite the same as when shot with factory loads, ie: bullet placement is critical or you'll be chasing a dead-on-his-feet deer. Hope this helps. Gary