I just received a 30 TC in the Icon synthetic stainless version. I like it. The integral rail is just to simple for folks to not have been doing it more often before. Hornady actually sent me load data for the cartridge, with several (8 or so) readily available powders.

The closest any of the listed loads got to their published Hornady Ammunition velocity was within 100-150 FPS. The 'tech' guy from Hornady told me this would be typical for us handloaders versus factory....The case is actually slightly shorter than a 308 case, haven't checked much else on the case, the powder charges they list are for a pretty good bit more powder than with the loads I typically use in a 308, but also powders I don't use much in a 308 so.....I don't know what that really means---I haven't found any pressure info on the 30 TC yet, I wonder if they are pushing pressure envelopes to get their velocities.

The rifle handles/balances really well, and the dull 'Weathershield' finish they have on the rifle really looks good. The trigger was just under 3 lbs. right out of the box. Not the most crisp ever, but damn good. The safety was BRUTAL to operate, literally hurt my finger. I massaged it with a stone or two, and it is good now, the bolt lock piece of the puzzle, you can switch it and operate the bolt with a round in the chamber, is still pretty stiff, but I'm not confident enough to monkey with that part of the puzzle, so I'll leave it go--with a little massaging and lube it got pretty good.

The magazine is the DBM version, and although mostly plastic, is light, and smooth, and I think will prove reliable.

The rig came with a .57 group target, interestingly without detracting caliber diameter from the equation, so really close to a .25" CTC group--3 shots.
this group was listed as being shot with the 150 grain ammo, I had some of the 165 and 150, and it shot about 1" with the 165 stuff, and actually did less than .5" at 100 consistently with the 150's, two groups at about .25".....I am pretty impressed, I only have about 36 rounds through it so far, and I think it will really prove to be a shooter.

A Swaro 4x12x50 fit the rifle perfectly in Leupold low QRW rings--

It is a lightweight contour barrel at 20" we'll see what I really think about this cartridge, but if I'm not enamored, I'll see what they would charge to rebarrel to .308, which they offer as a stock caliber--same action size

Stock is not as flimsy as many mfgs. but not quite a McMillan, but it is stout enough that I like it--wish it had a cheekpiece though.

All in all, it's a pretty good rig IMO

Loading update. I ordered my dies for the 30 TC and they have not arrived yet--so.....I used my 308 neck sizer/shoulder bump die on a couple cases just to see, and it seemed to work great. The case neck was sized properly, and the shoulder did not move measurably, and the case cycles fine in the rifle. I only did 10 like this, and started with some of the charges the Hornady tech guys had sent me. I did not chrono these as they were starting charges, but wish I would have. VERY accurate. Using Win 760 in the bottom of the charge ranges they sent, and everything worked great! Only shot at 100 yards, but damn good shooting, starting from the get go, with a scrubbed to bare barrel, and one patch with Prolix on it run through a week ago when I cleaned it.

I will be sending some fired cases to Forster and asking them to make a custom neck/bump die for me, I really like this sizing option so far.

I'm definitely interested in the velocities I'm getting, so next range trip I will be chronographing the results---
Rig sure shoots well in a few different setups with the 150's

AMAZING groups with the Factory Ammo. Sure nice to get that kind of Accuracy from the get-go.

Were you able to get close to the Factory Ammo - Accuracy wise - with your first Reloads?

What is your impression of the Bore? Smooth, rough, drill lines atop the Lands?

What about the rifle caused you to select it?

HC, I actually received it as a gift. I had been looking at them though, I genuinely like the short bolt through, DBM and integral rail.

My first reloads were very accurate, as good or better than factory test target. I suspect velocity was pretty low, but damn accurate.

I haven't looked at the bore with the HawkEye yet, but to the naked eye it has a mirror finish, and it cleaned pretty easily first time out....

I do like the overall balance and handiness of the rifle, it's only a 20" barrel. After studying the load data on the 30 TC and the 308 from Hogdon's website, I am very anxious to see what the true velocity this rifle is developing. It seems like the velocity estimates just have to be high, but in reality I am not overly concerned about it, if it isn't any more than a 308, I'll be turning it into a 308, simply because I have so much specialized gear for the 308, it won't be worth having a different cal that is so damn similar---I've even thought about it becoming a 338 Federal..we'll see.

I do indeed hope your Bore is better than the T/C rag Contender barrels I had. It sounds like it is. Nothing wrong with a 308Win or a 338Fed, but you might just like that new cartridge.

Just read in today's paper a small article about S&W laying off 80 guys at the "Rifle" manufacturing facility. Seems like folks are tightening their Billfolds in anticipation of more financial bad news. And the Terrorist Attacks if obammer gets in.
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If Marlin brings out their new rifle in Stainless, I'll be real tempted to swap something for one of them. I need to do a Trade Bait accessment anyhow.

The Green Tomatoes that I put into a cardboard box with newspaper over them are slowly turning into RipeTomatoes. Should have a few make it into December.

quote:

Originally posted by Hot Core:


The Green Tomatoes that I put into a cardboard box with newspaper over them are slowly turning into RipeTomatoes. Should have a few make it into December.

that sounds GOOD--I'm hoping our next years attempt at the 'Maters yields a little better tasting ones....at least we got some....made real good spaghetti sauce at any rate!