18 February 2004, 12:09
7-30 WatersRafsob: The 7-30 Waters is a wonderful cartidge. I am not sure how much information you will find on the 7-30 AI. Since the standard 7-30 Waters is pushing the 45,000 psi envelope already. The only major advantage I can see is your cases won't need trimming as soon. Since you are basically changing the shoulder angle of the parent case vs the 30-30 to 30-30 AI where you are increasing the overall case capacity and shoulder angle there really isn't much to gain in velocity. But after trimming cases for ten years I plan on getting a 7-30 AI in the future.
My current 7-30 Waters barrel is a T/C 14" Hunter. The muzzle break sends my sinus cavities into a new level of pain. I am trading this barrel for a T/C 12" 357 Mag and having it rechambered to a 357 Maximum by Mike Bellm.
One other project you might consider is finding a 14" T/C Super in 30 Herrett and having it rechambered to a 30-30 AI. I am told that if you can find the older style 6 groove T/C barrels they develop less chamber pressure than the newer 8 groove barrels. Go to
www.handgunhunter.com nice article on the 30-30 AI.
Dies are also inexpensive. Lee Precision is making a limited run of 30-30 AI dies for about $23. Bought mine from Midway USA reloading supplies.
I must be crazy because I already own a 14" contender barrel in 7.62x39. Brass grow too much on this one but it sure is fun to shoot. I guess having two 30 cal pistol barrel isn't all bad.
Good luck with your shooting and barrel buying. I highly recommend Bullberry Barrel Works of Hurricane, UT.
www.bullberry.com They list a 7-30 AI as one of the choices they offer along with Redding Dies.