30-30 did begin life as a cartridge engineered for BP. Very quickly smokeless loadings came into the picture making it among the first of the smokeless loaded sporting cartridges.
Yes, you can load the 30-30 with BP. There are some things for you to consider. You may not WANT to load your 30-30 with jacketed bullets if you are going to play with BP. You might create a serious problem with pressures if you dont know what you are doing.
You should consider using cast lead bullets of a suitable diameter for the barrel you are shooting them through. While not essential, a lubricated cast lead bullet is the way to go for BP cartridge loadings. Dry bullets of a suitable diameter will work.
There are some lead bullet loadings in certain cartridges that are paper-patched loadings. You probably wont use paper-patched bullets in the 30-30.
Air space in the case is a problem with BP loadings and you certainly dont want to "compress" a black powder load either in the modern 30-30 thin walled cases. There is a product in the grocery store called CREAM OF WHEAT that some will use as a filler in a BP loading to prevent air space in the case. Dont overfill and compress your load.
If you are serious about loading BP in cartridges, it is a great hobby. But you really need to know what you are doing. It is not something you can "casually" do. Find someone experienced at it, and spend some time with that person and learn before you leap off into it.
The 45-70 is a very easy cartridge to handload - especially with BP loadings. There is lots of information available and lots of accessories available. There is no shoulder to worry with on that straight-walled case. It sizes easily and if you are going to use the same cases over and over and over, dont crimp, unless they are going into a magazine or a double-barrelled weapon.
Good luck with your project.
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