Anyone Reload for the 30-30 Win?

[C-Money]

Thinking about reloading some 30-30win. I remember my Dad making me some 150gr Interlocks using IMR4350. Softer recoil than factory loads, and they put whitetails down in a hurry. As a little boy, using this set up, I appreciated the mild recoil, and I was pretty accurate. He didn't crimp the bullets, and he instructed me to place one reload in the chamber, and put factory ammo in the mag tube. Always only took one. So recently, I begin looking for dies. Do all 30-30 dies come capable of crimping the bullets, I don't think they all do?  I usually use RCBS dies, although I have a set of Redding for the 7mm-08 which seem just as good as RCBS. I have a bag of Remington 150gr rn bullets. I can't remember the powder charge my Dad used nor can I find any data using IMR 4350. I have some IMR 3031, and would like to try Alliant Varmint powder. I'll use some 30 or 40 year old Federal 210 primers. My biggest question is about crimping the bullet, and how you do it, is it important, or do most folks just keep their reloads out of the mag tube? I have loaded and crimped while seating .357mag ammo, and that was not a big deal, 30-30 must be the same? Is reloading for the 30-30 worth the effort?   

[CP]

I load 30/30 and yes, it's worth the effort.  If it goes in the tube mag, it has to be crimped.  I use a Lee Crimp die. 

You can single load without crimping if you want.  Not much to gain by doing so however.

[GWP]

Not sure how you did your search for that powder. I found between 34 and 36 grains of 4350 with a 150 in a 30-30 by typing in “4350 in 30-30”.
I also read it is in the older Lyman book, which I will verify later and post if it is there.

[EnglishSetter]

When crimping, I like the Lee factory crimp die.  It's not case length dependent whereas a roll crimp is.  Unlikely to affect OAL as well.

If the die has a roll crimp feature, treat it as a separate operation.

And if crimping, use bullets with cannelures.

[GWP]

As listed in my Lyman #45th Edition
Using 4350 with a jacketed 150gn shows starting load at 32gns at 1980fps and 31,000 CUP and a max of 36gns compressed load at 2218fps at 38,100 CUP.
There are no 4350 loads listed using a cast bullet.
Sorry it took me so long to verify it.

[GWP]

The load for 3031 using a jacketed 150gn:
Starting is 26.5 at 1876fps and 25,200 CUP, max is 29.5 at 2274 and 39,400 CUP.
Of the 14 loads and 2 most accurate listed for a 150gn it lists the most accurate being 29.5 of 3031.

[Platensek-po]

Hodgonreloading.com and you can look up powder and bullet combos.

[dreadi]

Lee factory crimp die on every round of every cartridge.


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[HighlandLofts]

I crimp everyting i load, rifle and pistol.

Do yourself a favor and buy a seperate crimp die.
Load your ammo and then crimp with a seperate crimp die.
You can find new Lee Factory Crimp Dies on Amazon or Ebay.
Once you get the load data from a published source, make ladder loads and use a rifle cradle to shoot targets and see what combo is the most accurate in your gun.

[Alex4200]

Years ago I loaded a bunch of 32 win spl for use in a model 94. Basically same gun in 32 cal. Everything got crimped. Didn’t want to worry about which shell was put in the tube. Still have the dies and gun just don’t use anymore.

I know this is a bit off topic, but related I think. I was experimenting with some 12 gauge stuff last fall. In testing the velocity between “good” crimps and “weak” crimps. We found the good crimps were 100 fps faster than the weak crimps. Exact same load, just adjusting press to get better crimps.

[C-Money]

Good info! I load shotgun shells for trap. Never figured a messy crimp would hurt velocity.

[HighlandLofts]

Many thing will raise or lower velocity in rifle and pistol ammo.
Different primers
Old powder, new powder
Length of barrel
Different bullets with the same primer, same powder
Seating depth
Crimp or no crimp,
Light crimp, heavy crimp
Taper crimp, roll crimp
Just go by published reloading data,
Reload then go shoot and see what combo works for you.

[Dirty Dingus Dave]

I love reloading for my 30-30!  Just a quick reminder that you will want to use round nose bullets and be sure to crimp (I hold the brass in my had and use my dominant had to try to twist the bullet, you shouldn't be able to turn it at all).  When I started I didn't crimp my rounds properly and the recoil compressed the powder under the last round.  No damage, but man that recoil when right to my shoulder!

[C-Money]

I loaded up a few 30-30 today. I made 4, using IMR 3031 and 4 using RL15. I made each a grain under max in the reloading data. I used some old Fed 210 primers. I may go shoot one of each through the chronograph tomorrow, as I am curious. Still waiting to hear from Leupold on the 2-7x33 scope I sent in a month ago. Looking forward to dialing in with a good load.

[chukardogs]

It only makes sense that crimping or no crimping and/or level of crimping could cause differences in pressure and thus velocities. In my opinion, the most crucial aspect of reloading is consistency. 

[C-Money]

I put a few 30-30 rounds through the chronograph.
Remington store bought ammo 150gr, 2380 & 2419 fps
IMR 3031, 150gr, 2250 fps
RL 15, 150gr, 2141...thought that was a little slow so sent another...2131 fps...guess that's just what it is.
First time using my chronograph. It was great fun to see the numbers. I ordered the Lee crimp die this morning as well. Always fun putting a load together.

[CP]

I put a few 30-30 rounds through the chronograph.
Remington store bought ammo 150gr, 2380 & 2419 fps
IMR 3031, 150gr, 2250 fps
RL 15, 150gr, 2141...thought that was a little slow so sent another...2131 fps...guess that's just what it is.
First time using my chronograph. It was great fun to see the numbers. I ordered the Lee crimp die this morning as well. Always fun putting a load together.

That's about what I would expect.  I've hit 2400ish with 150g and Leverevolution (18" barrel). 

When I get the time, I plan to work up a load with Berry's 150g bullets and RedDot, something around 1100 - 1200 fps.

[C-Money]

Wow CP, you got a lot of speed out of that load and shoots good too!

[C-Money]

Received the Lee Factory Crimp Die this morning. Palmetto State Armory is a good place to order things from. I'm going out now to put the crimp die to work. Also, I heard from Leupold via email this morning. They determined that my 2-7x33 Rifleman is in need of replacement under warranty. Leupold has ordered me a VX-Freedom 2-7x33 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex as my warranty replacement. Sounds like its on back order, but very thankful to Leupold for taking care of me. Hopefully the scope shows up in a little while.