Hi all,
I'm looking for a plinking load for my pre-64 Winchester Model 94 30-30. I'd prefer to use cast bullets if possible, and also, if possible, I'd like to avoid gas checks. Any ideas for a low- recoil (bad shoulders!) plinker? Also, can I use a .30 carbine bullet or do I need to stick with those specifically made for .30-.30? The reason I ask is because I found what looks like a good cast bullet for 30-30 at SNS casting, but it warns against using it beyond a certain fps. Problem is, Lyman 49th shows nothing at such a low fps in the data. Thanks!
Mike

Do you have a Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook?
It has many cast loads. Most start in the 1400 FPS range. If you want something slower you might have to develop your own recipe using Red Dot, Unique or 231,

In a 30-30, 9.0 grs of Unique under a 150 gr bullet plain base bullet will give 1300-1400 fps. At that velocity you should not need a gas check. Recoil will be quite mild, and accuracy will probably be better with the 150s rather than the carbine bullets.

Craigster, would it be possible to achieve something similar with IMR 3031? I have a couple of pounds on hand!

No, but I think I'm going to have to get a copy. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
Do you have a Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook?
It has many cast loads. Most start in the 1400 FPS range. If you want something slower you might have to develop your own recipe using Red Dot, Unique or 231,

Lyman shows 21.8-29.7grs of 3031 with the 150 cast bullet, 1595-2181 fps. Depending on bullet alloy, you might get by w/o gas checks at the lower end. Recoil will still be pretty mild. Another powder for your application would be Trail Boss, Hodgdon has load data for it on their website.

Get the book!

I used red dot for years in my cast loads mainly because I normally have lots of it around for shotguns and pistols.

Here's some data for some real plinking loads. I like lead (non-gas checked) in the 1,100-1,200 fps range.

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/3030w170_dat.htm

I also recommend getting the Lyman manual.....It has lots of good load info and the most complete cast data of any company.

I know you are asking about cast bullets, but you might want to check out the Berry's line....they also have a plated bullet that would work for light 30-30 loads and not give the mess and issues from cast bullets....I've had excellent luck with their products.

Cheers,

Dan

quote:

Originally posted by Dan H:
I also recommend getting the Lyman manual.....It has lots of good load info and the most complete cast data of any company.

I know you are asking about cast bullets, but you might want to check out the Berry's line....they also have a plated bullet that would work for light 30-30 loads and not give the mess and issues from cast bullets....I've had excellent luck with their products.

Cheers,

Dan

Me too with an old Mod. 340 and 12gr of blue dot behind Berry's 150 grain plated bullet.No reason that powder charge should not work good with a simple cast bullet. Caveat! When using blue dot like this, please use whatever technique to insure powder charge. A double charge will not over flow and can be dangerous. roger

Starting in 1968, I cast and loaded about a thousand bullets for my Model 94, using wheel weights for the bullets, in a Lyman 173 grain mold. And a Lee Loader. I never liked using pistol powders for this purpose so I used 4198 with great results. Yes you could use 3031. A few years later I could afford jacketed bullets. Get the Lyman manual.

quote:

Originally posted by Dan H:
I also recommend getting the Lyman manual.....It has lots of good load info and the most complete cast data of any company.

I know you are asking about cast bullets, but you might want to check out the Berry's line....they also have a plated bullet that would work for light 30-30 loads and not give the mess and issues from cast bullets....I've had excellent luck with their products.

Cheers,

Dan

I'll check 'em out, thanks! And the book is on order!