Help reloading for my 30-30 m94

[Sitting Bull]

Hey guy's, I am a newbie at reloading. I was gifted a Winchester 94 lever action, and I was wondering if you have any recommendations for re loading. I have the Lyman, Lee and Nosler books as well as some H4895, IMR4350 and H4350, so I have a good place to start. Just looking for knowledge and experience and maybe a favourite load. I was out at the range last Sunday and shot some old Federal 170's at 25m and all shots were about 4" high and all in the same area shooting free hand open sights.
Thanks,

Guy.

[DCse7en]

Originally Posted by Sitting Bull

Hey guy's, I am a newbie at reloading. I was gifted a Winchester 94 lever action, and I was wondering if you have any recommendations for re loading. I have the Lyman, Lee and Nosler books as well as some H4895, IMR4350 and H4350, so I have a good place to start. Just looking for knowledge and experience and maybe a favourite load. I was out at the range last Sunday and shot some old Federal 170's at 25m and all shots were about 4" high and all in the same area shooting free hand open sights.
Thanks,

Guy.

May want to try Hornady ftx bullets. Supposed to be good in a tubular magazine...

[Richard B.]

IMR 3031 and Win 748 are good powders in the .30-30

[mox72]

Originally Posted by DCse7en

May want to try Hornady ftx bullets. Supposed to be good in a tubular magazine...

Are these the bullets in the leverevolution ammo? If so, I agree.

I have been shooting the factory loads and the difference in performance is great.

[DCse7en]

Originally Posted by mox72

Are these the bullets in the leverevolution ammo? If so, I agree.

I have been shooting the factory loads and the difference in performance is great.

I believe so. The ftx has a soft polymer tip.

[Sitting Bull]

Originally Posted by DCse7en

May want to try Hornady ftx bullets. Supposed to be good in a tubular magazine...

I read on some reloading forums that The FTX bullets need a special die set . The 30-30 dies are designed for Flat and Round nose bullets and several occasions guys have damages the soft plastic tip. Apparently you can ask Lee to send you a modified die.

[catnthehat]

30 grains of 4895 always seemed to work well for me with 170's, and Varget as well.
Can you lower your rear sight at all?
Cat

[Sitting Bull]

I have some 4895. What would be the better bullet for hunting? flat nose? round Nose? or the only box I was able to find which is Nosler 150gr CT ballistic tips?
I think I got a bit more room on the rear sight.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Sitting Bull

I have some 4895. What would be the better bullet for hunting? flat nose? round Nose? or the only box I was able to find which is Nosler 150gr CT ballistic tips?
I think I got a bit more room on the rear sight.

Frank Barnes once described the 30/30 as doing its best work with a 170 grain bullet.
That being said, there are many articles ( and people ) around that describe single loading of a spitzer style bullet for hunting .
One in the tube and one in the chamber would effectivly give you a two shot repeater.
I never worried about it myself, as both the 30/30's I hunted with were break action single shots.
I used both 165 grain Pro Hunters and 170 grain Flat nosed bullets with excellent results.
Cat

[elkhunter11]

I like 170gr flat nosed bullets in the 30-30. Since I sold my 30-30, I have two or three boxes of Sierra 170gr flat nosed bullets that I would part with if you have problems finding some.

[Sitting Bull]

I can find factory amo but little reloading bullets.

[qwert]

IMHO the M94 30-30 is a good candidate for gas checked cast bullets.
Lee makes a 2 cavity 170gr FN mold that would provide very low cost shooting. There are also many sources of commercial hardcast.

Good Luck, YMMV