I posted this above at the Wildcat forum but didn't get much info. I recently acquired a Virgin Valley Custom Guns carbine barrel in 7mmx30-30AI. Can anyone educate me on this round? How does it compare with the 7x30 Waters or 7x30 Waters AI?. Any case forming tips? Loads? All info is greatly appreciated. BTW, its a shooter

I would think that it would be pretty much the same in performance as the 7-30 AI. Why wouldn't it be? It isn't shorter, longer, fatter or tapered more or less or with a longer or shorter neck? I doubt that there is enough capacity difference to make a noticeable ballistic difference.

The 7-30 Waters as commercially loaded is pretty much an improved cartridge as is. It could have a little less taper and a little sharper shoulder and a little longer neck. So, in forming, I'd just make sure you have a good lube on the case, making sure not to have to much and a very thin coat on the shoulder to be. You don't want lube dents. Follow Mike Bellm's advice on case forming so that you headspace on the shoulder.

You could simply fireform 7-30 Waters ammo in the barrel (if I'm remembering case dimensions correctly).

I haven't seen any published data on the cartridge so I'd start with 7-30 data and work up. In my 7-30 Waters (NOT an improved) I like the Nosler 140 gr. BT and the Hornady 139 gr. FP. The factory 120 gr. load works ok, but I like the heavier bullets a little better. 130s are a good compromise and produce velocities which split the difference between the 120 and 140 gr. bullets.

One thing you didn't mention was if this was a Contender or Encore barrel. If it is a Contender, and you don't like it, let me know if you want to sell it and the dies.

[ 09-20-2003, 21:29: Message edited by: Hobie ]

Hobie,
It's a Contender Carbine barrel from VVCG. Real sharp looking! BTW I'm down I-81 between Exit 24 and 26. thanks for the info.
Pat