Bullets/powder for 30-20

[Win1917]

Which bullet/powder combinations are people using with the 30-20? I'm using a 10" barrel.

[Smokin7mm]

Which bullet/powder combinations are people using with the 30-20? I'm using a 10" barrel.

Win1917,
If you are talking for bigbore (I use mine for standing) I use the RCBS 165SIL bullet (casts out of WW to about 175gr), 9.2Gr H4227 (no longer available but can probably sub IMR4227), WSR primer. This is a real puppy dog load but it seems to take the animals fine. If I need a little more umph I go to the Saeco 196TC cast bullet, 13.2gr(maybe 13.4gr) RL7, WSR primer. Both of these loads came from an article in the IHMSA news way back called shooting the little 30's.
Bret

[Melvin]

Win1917,
9.2Gr H4227 (no longer available but can probably sub IMR4227)
Bret

Bret,
According to the benchrest shooters, IMR 4227 is actually H-4227. Hodgdon bought out IMR, and packages their H-4227 in bottles marked IMR-4227
I know. it's confusing, but the benchresters use 4227 in their 30BR's, and i guess they should know
MC

[armorpl8]

11gr of N110 and a 168 or 180 Sierra Match King. Nothing else one needs to know.

[Smokin7mm]

Bret,
According to the benchrest shooters, IMR 4227 is actually H-4227. Hodgdon bought out IMR, and packages their H-4227 in bottles marked IMR-4227
I know. it's confusing, but the benchresters use 4227 in their 30BR's, and i guess they should know
MC

Melvin,
I had heard that somewhere before. I know some that have switched over to the IMR with the same results. I still have an 8 lb'r of the H4227 left so will use it up before trying the IMR. Just makes you wonder if Hodgdon bought out IMR why they would drop the H labeled bottles and repackage their powder in the IMR bottle? Might be a marketing thing but I always thought the H-4227 was perfered.
Bret

[Win1917]

So it looks like I should be using bullets 165gr+. I was hoping something a little lighter would work since I have a good stock of 147gr FMJ. I need to get myself a pot and start casting

[Melvin]

So it looks like I should be using bullets 165gr+. I was hoping something a little lighter would work since I have a good stock of 147gr FMJ. I need to get myself a pot and start casting

Those 147's will work fine! I used them for years for standing and practice. I used the 11 gr N-110m load that armorpl8 mentioned. Knockdown will be just fine. Just make sure they are not steel core bullets. See if they will stick to a magnet. I had one batch that would, and I would not shoot them in my barrel.
MC

[Melvin]

Melvin,
I had heard that somewhere before. I know some that have switched over to the IMR with the same results. I still have an 8 lb'r of the H4227 left so will use it up before trying the IMR. Just makes you wonder if Hodgdon bought out IMR why they would drop the H labeled bottles and repackage their powder in the IMR bottle? Might be a marketing thing but I always thought the H-4227 was perfered.
Bret

I always preferred the H-4227, too. Don't know why they do it this way. Jackie Schmidt, over on benchrest.com, uses the new IMR-4227 in a 30BR rifle, and he is the one that told me it's identical in burning rate to the old H-4227.
MC

[19Turkeys]

Win1917, Both of these loads came from an article in the IHMSA news way back called shooting the little 30's.Bret

Bret et. al.,

The article you referenced was written by Ed Bullick & was published in the Jan/Feb 1993 issue of the IHMSA News. If anyone knows Ed & can get his permission to publish it I should be have an electronic copy of the article that could be posted here.

Steve W.

[Melvin]

Unfortunately, Ed passed away from cancer a good many years ago. Richard Pickering and Ed were best of friends, and both loved lead bullets. I don't know if Ricard posts on here, but he is sometime's on Specialty Pistol forum
Melvin

[fourarmed]

My wife uses a 10" TC 32-20 for US. Her load is 11 gr. of IMR 4227 with the Lyman 311041 bullet. In her gun it groups just a little better than the RCBS silhouette bullet.

[Richard_Pickering]

I dont check this very often. I have copies of the article written by Ed. I can mail a copy if anyone wants to read it. I cant see that there would be any infringement by reprinting the article as long as credit is given to the author. The same article was published in the ''Fouling Shot'', the journal of the Cast Bullet Association.
As mentioned, H/IMR 4227 does well at 9.0 to 10.5 or 11.0gr and the RCBS 165 sil. bullet. Also 15gr H322 works with this bullet. I have other data of my own and will share it if you want it via email: rp946@bellsouth.net
Ed and several others put a fair amount of time and shooting into developing the information. Also of value is the small book written by the late J.C. (Carlton) Shy Jr. It is somewhat dated due to rule changes on the ram feet, but it is a good read. RP