30-30 170gr loads

Centerfires, rimfires, pistol cartridges and everything in between.
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thauglor
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30-30 170gr loads

Post by thauglor »

Can anyone tell me what velocities they use for rams with a 170gr jacketed bullet? That is all I have on hand at the moment. I have IMR4064 and H4895 available at least. Thanks!

From the momentum calculation side, launching it at 1750 fps will have the same starting momentum as a 150gr at 2000fps.
edgehit
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Re: 30-30 170gr loads

Post by edgehit »

My #1 load launches a 170 Speer at 1975 using IMR 4320. I’ve rang 2 rams that I can recall in 14 years of local, state and national matches. I’ve since changed to a 150 at 1900 FPS without issues….yet.

My records indicate 28 grains of H4895 in my rifle produced 1940 FPS muzzle velocity. Best accuracy was found at 30 grains at 2100 FPS. Your results will be different.

I know a guy who has great results shooting rams with a 130g Speer at 2000 FPS. Keep in mind the formula is a guideline and doesn’t guarantee results.
- Joe
thauglor
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Re: 30-30 170gr loads

Post by thauglor »

Thanks edgehit

To save my h4895 for the cpt loads, I decided on 30gr of imr 4064 for the ram loads. The cpt will get a reduced load of h4895 with the same 170gr bullet as that is all I have available with the current shortage.

Any issues with the Pigs? a minimum momentum factor for them?
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PAndy
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Re: 30-30 170gr loads

Post by PAndy »

I used to shoot pigs with 150 gr 30-30 bullets around 1550 fps without trouble, with h4895. I switched to 180 gr cast, and went to a mild load of pistol powder at 1300 fps. Worked fine and lots of fun, so no reason for me to change. (I use a similar load for pigs when I shoot the .357 mag in CLA.)
I don't have any experience with light bullets.
thauglor
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Re: 30-30 170gr loads

Post by thauglor »

PAndy wrote: Tue Nov 30, 2021 7:07 pm I used to shoot pigs with 150 gr 30-30 bullets around 1550 fps without trouble, with h4895. I switched to 180 gr cast, and went to a mild load of pistol powder at 1300 fps. Worked fine and lots of fun, so no reason for me to change. (I use a similar load for pigs when I shoot the .357 mag in CLA.)
I don't have any experience with light bullets.
Thank you for the velocity figures, that is kinda what I will be aiming for.
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PAndy
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Re: 30-30 170gr loads

Post by PAndy »

My numbers are not intended to be any sort of standard...just sharing what I am doing. Most folks shoot faster loads. The individual rifle has the final say...what loads will it handle with useful accuracy?
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Re: 30-30 170gr loads

Post by DAVIDMAGNUM »

PAndy wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:12 pm ..... The individual rifle has the final say...what loads will it handle with useful accuracy?
I couldn't agree more. While a different caliber the idea is the same. I got a 1894 Uberti/Winchester in the middle of the past silhouette season. It is chambered in 38-55. I found a load that shoots 1.5 MOA out to 150 meters. Yes, a lever action rifle that shoots 1.5" groups at 100 yards with peep sights. To say that I am happy with this would be an understatement. The load ? A 250 grain bullet cast from 20-1 alloy and Trailboss powder. This load is screaming along at 950fps. Lets just say that I am learning follow through on a whole new level. It knocks over chickens, pigs and turkeys with no problem. Rams ? Well, they make a beautiful rriiiinnngg and don't even wobble. I have a different load for them.
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Re: 30-30 170gr loads

Post by edgehit »

I once shot full scale pigs at 100 meters with my 25-20 using 75 grain Speer bullets at 1720 FPS MV. I was just playing around to see what would happen. They easily went down. So any 30-30 load at reduced velocity will take down pigs. Your challenge will end up being holding off in the wind, especially at the turkey line.
- Joe
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