30-30 load, need to slow it down

[NWBlacktail]

So I have a win 94 30-30. The problem I have with that thing is I have to have the rear sight dropped all the way down, and it will still shoot high with factory ammo (at 100 yards). I just think it was built with design specs that accounted for slower bullets, but I'm not sure.

The only load I tried so far was the 160 grn Flex Tip, and it will shoot over the whole target at 100 yards. Yesterday I bought some Sierra 170 grn bullets, and I'd like to put together a load that is slow enough to put me in a range where I can use my sights. If I can be zero'd at 100 yards, and keep shots in that range, I'd be happy with that rifle (mostly to have as a back-up). But now, it's just being a safe queen.

I have Varget, I'm thinking 29.5 grns. I could also try IMR 4064. and see where that gets me. Are these fast enough burning powders to do what I want? :?

 

[Guest]

I'd start with some standard 150gr loads. I know it sounds counter-intuitive because they may be moving faster than the 170gr factory stuff, but my experience is that rifles with barrel contact (which the 94 has plenty) are subject to harmonics in huge fashion. You may find the 150s to have a lower point of impact just due to these harmonics. So I'd start there. But if you want to reduce loads at all, I'd strongly consider H4895, as it's very consistent at reduced charges. You could easily get a 2000fps 150gr load that would be a killer at 100yds and under. You'll have to be disciplined, though, if longer shots present themselves, as it won't carry sufficient energy out beyond 100yds.

 

[FOTIS]

Install a taller front sight. Easy fix.

 

[Teknys]

Are the sights original? Maybe a taller front sight would help.

Also, what is your sight picture when you hold on a target? With my muzzleloaders, I have the "bulls eye" which is a 6" black circle for my old eyes ON TOP of the front sight. I do not cover the circle with the sights. If you are not doing this it might bring your shot into the target at 100yds.

View attachment sight_picture.jpg

 

[JD338]

Install a taller front sight. Easy fix.

++1

JD338

 

[Dr. Vette]

Install a taller front sight. Easy fix.

Here:

http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgw ... rts/W94DFS

 

[hubcap]

So I have a win 94 30-30. The problem I have with that thing is I have to have the rear sight dropped all the way down, and it will still shoot high with factory ammo (at 100 yards). I just think it was built with design specs that accounted for slower bullets, but I'm not sure.

The only load I tried so far was the 160 grn Flex Tip, and it will shoot over the whole target at 100 yards. Yesterday I bought some Sierra 170 grn bullets, and I'd like to put together a load that is slow enough to put me in a range where I can use my sights. If I can be zero'd at 100 yards, and keep shots in that range, I'd be happy with that rifle (mostly to have as a back-up). But now, it's just being a safe queen.

I have Varget, I'm thinking 29.5 grns. I could also try IMR 4064. and see where that gets me. Are these fast enough burning powders to do what I want? :?

I use IMR-4064 with the sierra 170 Flat Nose. Velocity is very close to factory 170 ammo in my marlins. factory velocity is 2120 to 2130 with core locks. 33.0 grains of 4064 does the same thing in my marlins. Another great load with the sierra 170 is H4895 with 30 grains. This also duplicates factory vlocity. I used IMR-4064 in a win-94 quite a few years back as well. Old chrony records show similar velocity with 4064. As far as the 160 FTX hitting higher is guite common. Both my marlins will adjust for that however. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[FOTIS]

................ Another great load with the sierra 170 is H4831 with 30 grains. This also duplicates factory velocity...............

I do not think so........ :?

 

[NWBlacktail]

Are the sights original? Maybe a taller front sight would help.

Also, what is your sight picture when you hold on a target? With my muzzleloaders, I have the "bulls eye" which is a 6" black circle for my old eyes ON TOP of the front sight. I do not cover the circle with the sights. If you are not doing this it might bring your shot into the target at 100yds.

Interesting. I've always used the "center mast" sight picture, but maybe the 6-o'clock method would work better for those type of sights.

Thanks guys!

 

[Guest]

I've always used the sighting technique that Teknys outlined, and it works well. A new front post would be easy enough to drift into place, as well. But it may be that harmonics will allow you to find a load that works "as is."

Oh, and the H4831 suggestion? Fotis is right - that's way too slow a powder for the 30-30.

 

[hubcap]

................ Another great load with the sierra 170 is H4831 with 30 grains. This also duplicates factory velocity...............

I do not think so........ :?

Oh poop. Yikes I meant h4895. Nice save Fotis. you are good at that. :wink: :wink:

 

[Ridge_Runner]

have always used the 6 0'clock hold, heck how could you possibly hit where your lookin if ya got it covered up with the sights.
RR