Good 30-30 loads?

[fatelvis]

I just bought a 14" 30-30 Contender barrel, and was wondering if anyone could steer me in the right direction as to a good load to save me some workup time. I have a Lyman 311041 mould that I would like to utilize, if possible. Thanks!

[schoolbus]

4759 always worked real well in my thuty-thuty.
Gordon

[fourarmed]

4759 is a good choice, as is 2400. 15 grains of 2400 will make that 311041 pretty reliable on rams. I use my 30-30 in US, so I like a lighter chicken load. 7 grains of Unique and the plain base 3118 (or 311008) staves off flinching for at least 10 rounds. I even use an intermediate load for pigs and turkeys. The bullet is an oddball from a friend's mould, and is in the 150 to 160 grain range. I don't recall the powder charge, but it may be Unique again. If you are using this for unlimited, low recoil is not as big a consideration. Gas checks are not cheap anymore, though, so a plain base has appeal even then.

[Richard_Pickering]

Gas checks arent 5$/ 1000 and bullets arent 5$/ 100 anymore. There are many good loads for the 30-30. Some are better suited for 10'' barrels, some for 14'' barrels and some for 20'' barrels. Working with a 10'' barrel is a game of finding a powder and bullet that are effective and dont beat you up. Bullet selection can be about anything you desire from 120gr to 200gr if the twist will support it. The RCBS 165 sil is a good choice as is the RCBS 180 sil. The Lyman bullet is good but the flat face makes it better as a game bullet (which was its design). However, if you have it, use it.
Generally, 10gr of Unique; 15gr of 4227 or 2400 or 4759 will work well. Also, around 18gr of Reloader 7 works well and H322 should fall in that area or a bit more. You can go into Accurate 2015 and 2495 if you wish. As a guide, the Lyman manuals are good. After that, you are writing your own, so keep records and fired targets. RP