Hey Guys

I was thinking of getting back to some pistol shooting for the summer. I have a contender in 30-30 ack imp with the 12 hunter barrel. I have not shot this combo that much and over the last couple of years I have gotten into reloading pretty deep. I was wondering about the best powder to use. I have on hand Varget, IMR4064, and IMR4320. Anyone using Varget? Also bullet selection. I was very interested in the 150g bullets, but would consider lighter ones. I was think of 150 hornady sst, 150 sierra GK and PH, 150g Nos BT. Any other recommendations? Anyone making a good 125-135 g bullet to use? I appreciate any help and good shooting this summer.

The two closest rounds I shoot to your 30-30 AI or a .30-30 Win and the .309JDJ. You may want to consider trying the single shot pistol bullets over the gamekings. The harder bullets are just going to act like a punch and make little holes in game. You should also consider just using some of the bullets typically loaded for a 30-30. At the distances most game is shot, the round nose will be no detriment to your field accuracy.

As for which powders to use, I can only refer you back to the published loading manuals.

I had a 12" hunter barrel in 30-30 and sent it off to SSK to be made into a 309 JDJ. It is painfully loud to shoot without hearing protection. Please do not try to shoot it even once without plugs or muffs.

With that said I was easily able to get under 1.5" groups with Rem 165 core lokts(at 100 yds)(from the bench). I never did shoot anything big with it.
The Nosler Ballistic tips are supposed to do well at reduced velocities.

The Noslers do perform well at reduced velocities. I killed fifty-two whitetail deer with my .309JDJ. I used the 165 grain NBTs on some of the African game. Took my Red Hartebeest at 300 yards with that bullet.

Time proven load for the 30-30AI is using IMR 4198 powder (work your way up to 35 grains), and the 125 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip.

You should get around 2600 fps, and it kills deer out to 250 yards (my furthest so far) like the Hammer of Thor.

It depends on the gun, barrel, and shooter....but I can consistently group 3 shots under 3" at 300 yards of the benchrest with my G2 contender.

Also try the Hornady 130 Spire Pt. Works great.