I picked up some plain-base cast bullets in .30 at a gun show and would like to load them for cheap practice ammo in my .30-30 and .30-06.

The bullets are 115 gr. and 152 gr. hard cast. I've got loads in the Lyman and Accurate Arms manual using everything from Red Dot to SR 4759 to 8700. Since I've never played in this ballpark before, can anyone help me narrow down my powder-choice?

John, I use 4895 in my 308 with a 170 cast bullet. I use 33 grs. for about 2000 fps and at 50 yards it puts them in the same hole.
I used to use H110 for about 1800 fps very accurate.
David

I think you better start with a light load of Unique or some pistol powder with those plain base bullets. You really need gas checked bullets for best results in these rifles...otherwise you are likely to get leading out the wazoo.

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A well placed bullet is worth 1,000 ft/lbs of energy.