Bullet Seating Depth Question

rodwhaincamo · April 3, 2011, 10:31 PM

I am interested in a 30-30 AI Contender rifle.
The load data I find seems to suggest that loading a heavier bullet seats the bullet further inside the cartridge losing roughly 2 grns of powder capacity. And this is even with the flat nose bullets.
If shooting through a single shot allows me to extend the OAL of the cartridge, can heavier [168-180] boattails be used without taking up case capacity?
Roughly what would 1-2 grns of IMR 3031 give from a 24" barrel [35.0 grns gave 2310]?
Would it be unreasonable to expect an accurate safe load with a 168 boattail of 2400 fps or better yet a 180 grn achieving 2300?
Would a 1:10 twist stablize these at such a low velocity?
I like the idea of high sectional density for good penetration, but with the advent of expanding solids that retain their weight, would you achieve similar penetrating characteristics with say the 168 Nosler E Tip vs a traditional or even poly-tipped 180 grn bullet that could lose nearly half it's weight?
I have also been seriously considering the 6.5mm BRM and 30-40 Krag.
Thanks,

April 3, 2011, 10:31 PM	#1
rodwhaincamo Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,246	Bullet Seating Depth Question I am interested in a 30-30 AI Contender rifle. The load data I find seems to suggest that loading a heavier bullet seats the bullet further inside the cartridge losing roughly 2 grns of powder capacity. And this is even with the flat nose bullets. If shooting through a single shot allows me to extend the OAL of the cartridge, can heavier [168-180] boattails be used without taking up case capacity? Roughly what would 1-2 grns of IMR 3031 give from a 24" barrel [35.0 grns gave 2310]? Would it be unreasonable to expect an accurate safe load with a 168 boattail of 2400 fps or better yet a 180 grn achieving 2300? Would a 1:10 twist stablize these at such a low velocity? I like the idea of high sectional density for good penetration, but with the advent of expanding solids that retain their weight, would you achieve similar penetrating characteristics with say the 168 Nosler E Tip vs a traditional or even poly-tipped 180 grn bullet that could lose nearly half it's weight? I have also been seriously considering the 6.5mm BRM and 30-40 Krag. Thanks,