.30-30 & .30-30 AI ?

Guy Miner

Guy Miner

Master Loader
Apr 6, 2006
17,489
4,656
I've almost always used the .30-30 lever action with 170 gr RN or FN bullets at traditional 2100 fps levels. It penetrates very well, is reasonably accurate and has always done whatever I've asked of it.

Recent discussions over on Marlin Owners, and remembering what my good friend Jim Lawrence had said about the .30-30 AI and the 130 gr Speer have me considering a change...

Hornady makes a slick 140 gr gummy-tip (GMX) bullet just for the .30-30, and Speer has made their 130 gr FNSP for decades.

It seems that either of these bullets could be easily loaded up to several hundred fps faster than what I'm seeing with the 170's. Perhaps as much as 2500 fps with the 130 gr Speer.

Then there's the whole .30-30 AI thing to consider... Can it really generate a couple of hundred fps more with only a 20" barrel?

What about the 125 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip? It's a great little bullet - and if I carried the rifle with one in the chamber and one in the tube magazine, there would be no problem with the pointy bullet and primers...

Please help me flesh out these thoughts - particularly if you've got experience with the lighter .30-30 bullets and/or the .30-30 AI...

Is there QL data for the .30-30 AI?

Don't know that I'll draw it, but I've been putting in for a doe mule deer tag out in our "Desert" unit for a "second deer" tag. Would love to make that a lever-gun hunt!

Thanks, Guy
 
Guy,

The 30-30 AI is impressive in the T/C Contender handgun. It would be even more so in a '94.
The 125 gr BT will produce quick kills on deer sized game.

JD338
 
Just about the only caution I'd offer is when trying pointy bullets in the Win94, you have to be careful - not just for the potential detonation, as you mentioned, but also for getting a round stuck in the tube magazine. I had to get awfully creative in getting a test round out of my 94 years ago. It was enough to convince me not to try anymore with the pointy bullets. You might get away with it with the 125, as I was trying the 150, but be careful with the length. Too long to feed makes them catch by their pointy tip when the loading gate attempts to raise them up.

Also, I notice that Speer now has a 110gr Deep Curl labeled as a hunting bullet. It's a round nose, but I haven't seen a picture of it yet to verify it would work in the 30-30. Can't imagine what else it would be for, though. Might get 2600-2700 out of a 110gr. Of course, the BC is squat, but it would be moving quick!
 
Guy,

QL does have the 30-30 Ack Imp. Here is a sample of the differential.

Code: 
Cartridge          : .30-30 Ack Imp
Bullet             : .308, 170, Nosler PART RN 16333
Useable Case Capaci: 39.008 grain H2O = 2.533 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.550 inch = 64.77 mm
Barrel Length      : 20.0 inch = 508.0 mm
Powder             : IMR 4895

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-20.0   79    28.24   1832    1267   24411   5584     84.0    1.541
-18.0   80    28.95   1877    1330   25962   5778     85.3    1.504
-16.0   82    29.65   1922    1395   27611   5969     86.6    1.467
-14.0   84    30.36   1968    1461   29371   6156     87.9    1.431
-12.0   86    31.06   2013    1530   31249   6340     89.1    1.397
-10.0   88    31.77   2059    1600   33251   6519     90.2    1.363
-08.0   90    32.48   2104    1671   35388   6692     91.3    1.330
-06.0   92    33.18   2150    1745   37671   6861     92.4    1.297
-04.0   94    33.89   2195    1819   40093   7022     93.3    1.261  ! Near Maximum !
-02.0   96    34.59   2241    1896   42654   7177     94.2    1.226  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0   98    35.30   2287    1974   45375   7325     95.1    1.192  ! Near Maximum !
+02.0  100    36.01   2332    2053   48282   7465     95.9    1.160  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0  102    36.71   2378    2134   51383   7596     96.6    1.129  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0  104    37.42   2423    2217   54697   7719     97.2    1.098  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0  106    38.12   2469    2300   58240   7832     97.8    1.069  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0  108    38.83   2514    2386   62033   7935     98.3    1.041  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba     98    35.30   2410    2193   54743   7378     99.2    1.102  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba     98    35.30   2129    1711   36503   6920     87.2    1.308

Code: 
Cartridge          : .30-30 Ack Imp
Bullet             : .308, 170, Nosler PART RN 16333
Useable Case Capaci: 39.000 grain H2O = 2.532 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.550 inch = 64.77 mm
Barrel Length      : 20.0 inch = 508.0 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 40610 psi, or 280 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 112 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

3 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Somchem S365                       110.2     39.4     2.55    2249    95.1    40611    7580   1.230  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-17                 101.4     38.2     2.48    2239    92.9    40611    7620   1.231  ! Near Maximum !
Elcho 17                           101.4     38.2     2.48    2239    92.9    40611    7620   1.231  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350                      107.8     38.8     2.51    2235    91.3    40611    7407   1.240  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550                    103.4     38.0     2.46    2219    90.8    40611    7324   1.242  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2495                       93.2     32.8     2.13    2216    99.7    40611    6782   1.289  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4064                       98.9     34.8     2.25    2215    98.3    40611    6965   1.283  ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP                          106.4     37.8     2.45    2213    90.7    40611    7242   1.238  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation         106.4     37.8     2.45    2213    90.7    40611    7239   1.238  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203 old                       98.9     35.9     2.33    2210    94.8    40611    7086   1.259  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP3                          98.9     35.9     2.33    2210    94.8    40611    7086   1.259  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon BL-C2                       90.9     35.7     2.31    2209    95.1    40611    7048   1.250  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895                            94.7     34.0     2.21    2205    93.5    40611    7054   1.253  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R903                      101.1     35.9     2.33    2202    94.4    40611    6996   1.260  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.6                        93.4     34.6     2.24    2202    97.1    40611    6827   1.262  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2520                       91.3     34.6     2.24    2202    97.1    40611    6827   1.262  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831                           112.0     38.6     2.50    2201    91.0    40044    7145   1.250  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203B                          96.0     34.5     2.24    2196    93.4    40611    6969   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 511                102.8     39.4     2.55    2194    87.3    40611    7218   1.242  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760                     100.5     38.2     2.48    2194    86.4    40611    7141   1.242  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414                       100.5     38.2     2.48    2194    86.4    40611    7141   1.242  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter                     106.2     39.4     2.55    2193    87.3    40611    7205   1.242  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP11 ~approximation          95.3     34.3     2.22    2190    92.6    40611    6938   1.256  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-15                  95.3     34.3     2.22    2190    92.6    40611    6938   1.256  ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA11                        95.3     34.3     2.22    2190    92.6    40611    6938   1.256  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V                109.0     37.9     2.46    2190    93.1    40611    6908   1.239  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S355                        99.9     35.1     2.28    2186    94.1    40611    6883   1.262  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380                        97.1     35.7     2.31    2174    90.5    40611    6874   1.262  ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP                          112.0     42.0     2.72    2165    82.3    38750    7520   1.268
Somchem S385                       112.0     40.7     2.64    2162    84.9    40076    6939   1.257  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 NT ~approximation       106.2     38.7     2.51    2162    86.0    40611    6840   1.249  ! Near Maximum !
Elcho TR140 - preliminary data      96.2     35.7     2.31    2160    90.7    40611    6677   1.258  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19                 110.1     39.6     2.56    2159    82.5    40611    6966   1.247  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S070                         104.7     37.2     2.41    2156    87.2    40611    6794   1.266  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation         110.8     39.8     2.58    2153    82.4    40611    6904   1.249  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R902                       94.5     32.7     2.12    2150    95.2    40611    6512   1.280  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R901                       90.2     30.8     2.00    2150    97.6    40611    6420   1.295  ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 7                    91.2     35.2     2.28    2146    90.3    40611    6593   1.270  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S065                         102.7     36.1     2.34    2144    89.1    40611    6643   1.271  ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4                        107.6     38.7     2.51    2141    82.3    40611    6748   1.249  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation          107.6     38.7     2.51    2141    82.3    40611    6748   1.249  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204                          104.2     38.7     2.51    2141    82.3    40611    6748   1.249  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2209                        108.7     38.9     2.52    2138    81.5    40611    6800   1.249  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350                           104.6     37.4     2.42    2136    85.4    40611    6557   1.253  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350                      106.6     37.5     2.43    2135    85.2    40611    6556   1.253  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC                       111.7     41.2     2.67    2125    77.0    40611    6900   1.253  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R907                      100.8     35.6     2.31    2120    85.8    40611    6479   1.272  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP7                         100.8     35.6     2.31    2120    85.8    40611    6479   1.272  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4007 SSC                        97.6     35.6     2.31    2120    85.8    40611    6474   1.273  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2213                        112.0     40.7     2.64    2117    77.1    40577    6803   1.254  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R904                      108.0     38.3     2.48    2115    81.0    40611    6457   1.255  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560                    112.0     41.1     2.67    2109    76.1    37666    7035   1.291
Winchester Supreme 780             108.7     41.2     2.67    2108    81.5    40611    6541   1.256  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5/NP ~approximation       112.0     40.7     2.64    2106    79.5    36816    7034   1.302
Alliant Reloder-22                 112.0     40.7     2.64    2106    79.5    36816    7034   1.302
Raufoss RA15                       112.0     40.7     2.64    2106    79.5    36816    7034   1.302
Hodgdon H4831 SC                   110.6     40.2     2.61    2103    78.1    40611    6500   1.257  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S361                       107.2     41.1     2.66    2090    79.6    40611    6273   1.266  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2700                       97.4     36.5     2.37    2077    85.3    40611    6056   1.281  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO                    112.0     42.8     2.77    2063    72.5    36343    6802   1.317

Code: 
Cartridge          : .30-30 Win. (SAAMI)
Bullet             : .308, 170, Nosler PART RN 16333
Useable Case Capaci: 34.225 grain H2O = 2.222 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.550 inch = 64.77 mm
Barrel Length      : 20.0 inch = 508.0 mm
Powder             : IMR 4895

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-20.0   80    25.20   1715    1111   22237   4784     79.8    1.600
-18.0   82    25.83   1758    1167   23618   4961     81.2    1.560
-16.0   84    26.46   1801    1225   25091   5136     82.6    1.522
-14.0   86    27.09   1845    1284   26659   5308     83.9    1.485
-12.0   88    27.72   1888    1346   28329   5479     85.2    1.449
-10.0   90    28.35   1932    1409   30115   5647     86.5    1.414
-08.0   92    28.98   1976    1474   32020   5811     87.7    1.379
-06.0   94    29.61   2020    1540   34054   5971     88.8    1.346
-04.0   96    30.24   2064    1608   36229   6127     89.9    1.313  ! Near Maximum !
-02.0   98    30.87   2108    1678   38555   6278     91.0    1.278  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0  100    31.50   2153    1749   41045   6424     92.0    1.243  ! Near Maximum !
+02.0  102    32.13   2197    1822   43715   6564     93.0    1.209  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0  104    32.76   2242    1897   46577   6698     93.9    1.176  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0  106    33.39   2286    1973   49652   6825     94.7    1.144  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0  108    34.02   2331    2051   52948   6944     95.5    1.113  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0  110    34.65   2375    2130   56465   7056     96.2    1.083  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba    100    31.50   2282    1965   49949   6597     97.6    1.146  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba    100    31.50   1993    1500   33170   5956     83.1    1.357

Code: 
Cartridge          : .30-30 Win. (SAAMI)
Bullet             : .308, 170, Nosler PART RN 16333
Useable Case Capaci: 34.225 grain H2O = 2.222 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.550 inch = 64.77 mm
Barrel Length      : 20.0 inch = 508.0 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 36750 psi, or 253 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 112 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

3 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 90%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Accurate 2495                       95.7     29.5     1.91    2104    98.4    36750    6150   1.336  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4064                      101.4     31.3     2.03    2098    96.2    36750    6241   1.331  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S365                       111.8     35.1     2.27    2091    90.7    36750    6582   1.292  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350                      110.0     34.7     2.25    2090    87.1    36750    6430   1.294  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203 old                      101.1     32.2     2.09    2085    91.7    36750    6243   1.306  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP3                         101.1     32.2     2.09    2085    91.7    36750    6243   1.306  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D073.6                        95.5     31.0     2.01    2081    94.6    36750    6062   1.310  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2520                       93.3     31.0     2.01    2081    94.6    36750    6062   1.310  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-17                 102.6     34.0     2.20    2079    88.1    36750    6543   1.294  ! Near Maximum !
Elcho 17                           102.6     34.0     2.20    2079    88.1    36750    6543   1.294  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon BL-C2                       92.5     31.8     2.06    2078    91.9    36750    6183   1.302  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R903                      103.3     32.2     2.09    2077    91.2    36750    6153   1.307  ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550                    105.0     33.8     2.19    2075    86.7    36750    6331   1.298  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895                            96.3     30.4     1.97    2074    90.2    36750    6162   1.306  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 203B                          97.6     30.8     2.00    2065    90.1    36750    6085   1.307  ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP                          107.9     33.7     2.18    2064    86.4    36750    6236   1.298  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation         107.9     33.7     2.18    2064    86.4    36750    6234   1.298  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP11 ~approximation          96.9     30.6     1.98    2059    89.1    36750    6043   1.309  ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA11                        96.9     30.6     1.98    2059    89.1    36750    6043   1.309  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-15                  96.9     30.6     1.98    2059    89.1    36750    6043   1.309  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S355                       101.7     31.4     2.03    2058    90.8    36750    6030   1.314  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380                        98.8     31.8     2.06    2041    86.8    36750    5966   1.315  ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760                     101.8     34.0     2.20    2041    81.6    36750    6085   1.303  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H414                       101.8     34.0     2.20    2041    81.6    36750    6085   1.303  ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 511                104.0     35.0     2.27    2039    82.4    36750    6148   1.304  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V                110.4     33.7     2.18    2038    88.8    36750    5963   1.301  ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter                     107.5     35.0     2.27    2038    82.4    36750    6136   1.304  ! Near Maximum !
Elcho TR140 - preliminary data      97.6     31.8     2.06    2025    86.9    36750    5778   1.314  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R901                       91.5     27.4     1.78    2024    95.2    36750    5669   1.356  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S070                         106.6     33.3     2.15    2022    83.2    36750    5859   1.320  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R902                       95.8     29.2     1.89    2021    92.1    36750    5700   1.338  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831                           112.0     33.8     2.19    2017    85.6    34346    6042   1.335
Bofors RP4 NT ~approximation       107.6     34.5     2.23    2013    81.3    36750    5836   1.310  ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 7                    92.6     31.3     2.03    2012    86.5    36750    5703   1.327  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex S065                         104.2     32.2     2.08    2008    85.2    36750    5733   1.328  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19                 111.3     35.1     2.27    2002    77.3    36750    5871   1.312  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation         112.0     35.3     2.29    1995    77.2    36750    5816   1.313  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350                           105.7     33.2     2.15    1989    80.9    36750    5578   1.316  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350                      107.7     33.2     2.15    1988    80.7    36750    5574   1.316  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation          108.7     34.3     2.22    1986    77.2    36750    5691   1.314  ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4                        108.7     34.3     2.22    1986    77.2    36750    5691   1.314  ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204                          105.3     34.3     2.22    1986    77.2    36750    5691   1.314  ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP7                         102.1     31.6     2.05    1981    81.6    36750    5545   1.334  ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R907                      102.1     31.6     2.05    1981    81.6    36750    5545   1.334  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4007 SSC                        98.8     31.6     2.05    1980    81.6    36750    5540   1.334  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2209                        109.8     34.4     2.23    1979    76.1    36750    5698   1.315  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S385                       112.0     35.7     2.31    1974    78.9    34393    5780   1.348
Rottweil R904                      109.0     33.9     2.20    1963    76.1    36750    5442   1.321  ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP                          112.0     36.9     2.39    1960    74.8    33510    6126   1.362
Winchester Supreme 780             109.8     36.5     2.37    1948    75.9    36750    5488   1.324  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 SC                   111.7     35.6     2.31    1945    72.6    36750    5428   1.325  ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S361                       108.5     36.5     2.36    1942    74.7    36750    5295   1.330  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2700                       98.5     32.4     2.10    1938    81.0    36750    5170   1.344  ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC                       112.0     36.3     2.35    1936    70.0    35799    5602   1.339  ! Near Maximum !

My impression of the 30=30 AI in a twenty inch barrel is that the increase is not as much as in some other cartridges. Still...
 
I am using the the 30-30AI in a T/C Contender pistol with a 14" barrel. I am using fire formed Winchester cases, Wolf LR primers, 33 grs IMR 4198 and the 125 Nosler ballistic tip and I average 2670 fps and under 1" five shot groups at 100 yards. I am using a 2.5-8X28 Weaver pistol scope. I have killed 7 white tail deer the past 2 seasons from 25 to 107 yards with this combo. All but two dropped in their tracks. One of these fell on its chest at the shot and pushed it's self about 10 yards the other took three jumps and piled up dead. Both were bucks fired up in the rut after does. All shots were into a front shoulder and all exited with a quarter size exit hole even coming out the other shoulder or the ribs. The 125 ballistic tip is THE BULLET in my book for deer size game in the 30-30AI or for that matter any 30 cal that you keep the impact velocity under 3000 fps. I use it in all my 30 cal weapons. Bang Flop 90% of the time.
 
Guy, if you want extra speed from the 30-30, get yourself a lb of Hodgdons Leverevolution powder. It has been exceptional in my 30-30. I run 170 grain Speer DC's, Sierra, and Hornadys at 2300 without a lick of drama and great accuracy. It really does burn very clean and provides an excellent increase in speeds within normal 30-30 loads. Works the same for the 35 Remington and 200's. I tell ya, I don't have much reason to try anything else and it does all I could ask for out of my 20" M94.

I would for sure give it a try before going to the Ackley. It should work just as well with the 150's and lighter bullets too. I actually have some of the 150 Ballistic Tips for the 30-30, but I haven't done much with them since I've had great luck with the 170's. They do have a boat tail and might be a good bullet between the lighter 125 and 170's.
 
I've had excellent results from the 150gr Speer Hot-Cor (no longer available) and I fully expect there is no white-tail alive (or muley for that matter) which could tell the difference between the 150 and the 170. I'll be shifting to the Deep Curl when my current stash of several hundred Hot-Cors runs out. That could take a while.

I may have to pick up a pound of LeverEvolution when all the fuss dies down on powder. I'm getting 2300fps out of 150s, without any signs of pressure, and long, long case life, so I suspect I could maybe get 2450-2500 on the top end out of them, if Scotty's experience is any indication. Of course, I can easily get 2200fps out of 170s using Win748, which is no slouch. But 2300+ with the 170 would be cool, even just to be able to read it on the chrony!
 
SJB358":1qefz9aw said:
Guy, if you want extra speed from the 30-30, get yourself a lb of Hodgdons Leverevolution powder. .
Click to expand...

Yup and in my 32 Win Special too!
 
dubyam":u9ls6uus said:
I've had excellent results from the 150gr Speer Hot-Cor (no longer available) and I fully expect there is no white-tail alive (or muley for that matter) which could tell the difference between the 150 and the 170. I'll be shifting to the Deep Curl when my current stash of several hundred Hot-Cors runs out. That could take a while.

I may have to pick up a pound of LeverEvolution when all the fuss dies down on powder. I'm getting 2300fps out of 150s, without any signs of pressure, and long, long case life, so I suspect I could maybe get 2450-2500 on the top end out of them, if Scotty's experience is any indication. Of course, I can easily get 2200fps out of 170s using Win748, which is no slouch. But 2300+ with the 170 would be cool, even just to be able to read it on the chrony!
Click to expand...

W748 would have been my next powder to try and would probably have been just as excellent but with the case life and speed I'm getting, I'm thinking of just getting an 8lb'er of Leverevolution and calling it a day.
 
Guy, I'll jump on the Leverevolution bandwagon. I used it in conjunction with Hornady's Monoflex bullet, and got good accuracy and killed the only buck I shot it at last year. The Monoflex in this instance is a gilding metal bullet - 140 grains spire point boat tail with a flexible tip. So... you can run a magazine full of pointy bullets. I had no problems with function last year. I don't have a chrono so I don't know how fast I was pushing it in an unmodified .30/30

Joel
 
I've only purchased one powder to use in my 35 Rem based on comments and threads on the Marlin Owners site - LeveRevolution. As noted I'd give it a try before changing a chamber to a 30-30AI.

Patrick

PS LVR is easily available at many places including your local Cabelas.
 
I have thought about the pointy bullets in my lever gun but what scares me is under the stress of an animal of throwing one too many in and boom........ that would be bad. But I supposed practice would alleviate that.

killed my first deer with a 170 or 180 Nosler partinion (don't remember the grain). It does penetrate no doubt about that.

Corey
 
Providing you could get them to shoot to about the same point of impact, I would think a 125BT or even a 130g Hdy SP up the spout followed in the tube mag by either the 130g Speer FN or Hdy FTX would be a great combo, for a well placed first shot and the reassurance of good expanding bullets as follow up shots in the case of a wounded animal, or if you luck onto a mob of pigs and they scatter after you drop the first one with that nice 125g BT.

I don't have a 30-30 at present but next time I do I have been wanting to try this exact style of arrangement because I think it could work well. All that would be needed might be some patient experimentation to find the "backup" magazine loads that shoot to a similar point at a predetermined distance.

I wouldn't be averse to going the AI route either but that wouldn't break the deal for me either way.
 
I have shot a few Whitetails with the .30-30 AI from a Super 14 Contender Handgun. The first barrel I had really preferred H-4198 with 125gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips. I took several Whitetails with that load and it preformed flawlessly. The closest being roughly 200 yards and the farthest 286 yards. All were one shot kills. This first barrel was a rechamber of a 1 in 14" Twist Super 14 .30 Herrett Contender Barrel.

This past fall I used a different Super 14 .30-30 AI Contender Handgun. This one was a rechamber of a .30-30 Winchester 1 in 10" Twist Barrel. This one much preferred 150gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips. I tried several powders and in the end I settled on VARGET. My velocity was better with Leverevoloution and H-4895 but the Varget loads were so darned accurate that is what I decided to use. Took one Whitetail with that load a nice Doe at about 85 yards.

150grNBT3030AIExit.jpg


The above photo is of the exit side.

To my amazement she did not drop in her tracks but sprinted about 20 yards.

PM me and I can provide some chronograph data for the .30-30 AI in the two different Contender Barrels I have had.

In my opinion with the right bullets this is a very under-rated cartridge.

Larry
 
I too have used leverevoution powder in my Savage 340b. I use the 130 gr Sierra Pro Hunters. Cheap and readily available. but I am curious about the 125 gr ballistic tips.
 
Wow. Resurrected and old post here. Sadly a couple of the lasts post on here are from fallen members. Might be worth starting a new thread.

That said the 125 BT works well in single shot pistols and rifles in the 30/30.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Ya, I started this thread 5 years ago.

Funny, I never did change from my 170 gr loads for the 30-30, and never did pay to get it altered to 30-30 AI.

:grin:
 
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