30-30 powder loads

longspur rider

Currently using IMR 4198 with 165 gr cast lead RNFP bullets. If I load more than 13 grs. of 4198 I get very irratic grouping. With this load I have a 3" group at 75 yrds with open sights. I would like to be able to hit a 12" target consistantly at 150 yrds. but my sight ramp is to the top. Is there a different powder that would give the range I'm looking for and still work with the micro-grooved barrel?

B17-P51

Since you are using a Marlin, the short answer is, probably not. Lead bullets really like deep, Ballard type grooves. If not available they will work with standard cut or button rifling. Attempts to drive them too fast through Micro groove will always result in poor accuracy and much leading.

longspur rider

That's what I WAS afraid the answer would be. I'd realy rather not take my nice vintage winchester out to plink. I"D rather put the scratches in the marlin, I got it pre scratched just for one to carry around to plink with.

rp85

hello;

suggest you check out a load of 17gr. of 2400.

don't know about 12" target, but at 300 yards, shooting at a soda can on the berm, gun go bang, lift head off stock, wait a little bit, see the bullet hit the can. no idea on speed, but it worked.

load may not be safe in your rifle, shoot at your own risk.

rp

MIKE WISKEY

I'd try a slower powder and a harder bullet.

longspur rider

Is the 2400 faster or slower than 4198? What would be a slower powder than 4198? I've only used 4198 because the guy I bought the dies from recomended it.

mrbruce

I always had the best luck with IMR 3031 in my 30/30's... and it's a bit slower than IMR4198..

longspur rider

Are you shooting a win. or a marlin with micro-gooved barrel? What distance?

MIKE WISKEY

I'D TRY 3031 OR 4895 OR EVEN 4064

jtmarine0831

I load 30.0grs H4895 with 150gr Speer Hot-cor and Rem. Cor-lokts in my 336W and maintain under 3" @ 100yds. Not 100% on velocity, but I think it was around 2200fps or a little under.(don't hold me to velocity, I think I only ever fired 3 shots through chrony and that was 3 years ago, mind don't work like it use to)