Load info

HorseshoerJT · August 28, 2008, 09:03 PM

Just recieved my new pistol. T.C. Contender with 16.75 inch barrel, from Bullberry Barrel Work's. 30/30 cal., muzzle break, custom wood. I would like to shoot Nosler 125 grn ballisitc tip B/T's. Any help with a starting point with load recipe will be appreciated. Some folk's I talk to suggest W748 powder. Sierra book suggest IMR4198? What do you think?

rg1 · August 29, 2008, 06:46 PM

The new Lyman 49th Manual lists only 3 powders for the 30-30 tested in a
14" Contender. They used Win cases and Win LR primers. The 3 powders tested with the Sierra 125 SP bullet were IMR4198, IMR3031, and Win 748.
IMR-4198 from 24-26 grains 1909-2159fps
IMR-3031 from 28-32 grains 1893-2239fps
Win 748 from 35.5-41 grains 1907-2210fps
This is with the Sierra bullet and not Noslers. Overall length with the Sierra 125 SP is listed at 2.600" oal. The 748 will fill the case more as the 41 grains is a compressed load. Either powder will work ok but I tend to stay away from the fastest powder and the slowest and in this case I would try the 3031 first. 748 is a little temperature sensitive.
I've got a Remington XP-100R pistol in .223 and I find they are a little tricky to shoot accurately. Completely different than having a stock against your shoulder for support.

crowbeaner · August 29, 2008, 07:15 PM

Start with 34.0 of WW 748 and work up in 1/2 grain increments. One of the best bullets for your Contender in the 30/30 is the Hornady 130 grain spirepoint, #3020. It's a bit on the light side for 308 and 30/06 rifles, but does an admirable job on smaller deer and antelope in the shorter barrels. You can also use BLC2 if you have some; it is close to 748 and really shoots well.

Loader9 · August 29, 2008, 07:39 PM

Out of my 16", I'm using 35.0 gr H335 with the Nosler bullet. But be prepared to set the woods on fire. The muzzle flash is pretty big. I also use this same load with the 110 gr Carbine bullets. Both shoot under an inch at 100 yds. The 110 loads I use primarily to move folks away from me at the range. The muzzle blast is painful. Out of a 10" barrel it's blinding. You might also try SR4759. It's very bulky and the 19.0 grs under a 150 gr bullet almost shoots in a hole at 100 yds. The 19.0 grs will almost fill the case and there is little muzzle flash.

August 28, 2008, 09:03 PM	#1
HorseshoerJT Member Join Date: July 24, 2008 Location: NORTHERN California Posts: 28	Load info Just recieved my new pistol. T.C. Contender with 16.75 inch barrel, from Bullberry Barrel Work's. 30/30 cal., muzzle break, custom wood. I would like to shoot Nosler 125 grn ballisitc tip B/T's. Any help with a starting point with load recipe will be appreciated. Some folk's I talk to suggest W748 powder. Sierra book suggest IMR4198? What do you think? __________________ Hunt hard, Teach a kid to hunt, Enjoy life.

August 29, 2008, 06:46 PM	#2
rg1 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Posts: 1,125	The new Lyman 49th Manual lists only 3 powders for the 30-30 tested in a 14" Contender. They used Win cases and Win LR primers. The 3 powders tested with the Sierra 125 SP bullet were IMR4198, IMR3031, and Win 748. IMR-4198 from 24-26 grains 1909-2159fps IMR-3031 from 28-32 grains 1893-2239fps Win 748 from 35.5-41 grains 1907-2210fps This is with the Sierra bullet and not Noslers. Overall length with the Sierra 125 SP is listed at 2.600" oal. The 748 will fill the case more as the 41 grains is a compressed load. Either powder will work ok but I tend to stay away from the fastest powder and the slowest and in this case I would try the 3031 first. 748 is a little temperature sensitive. I've got a Remington XP-100R pistol in .223 and I find they are a little tricky to shoot accurately. Completely different than having a stock against your shoulder for support.

August 29, 2008, 07:15 PM	#3
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	Start with 34.0 of WW 748 and work up in 1/2 grain increments. One of the best bullets for your Contender in the 30/30 is the Hornady 130 grain spirepoint, #3020. It's a bit on the light side for 308 and 30/06 rifles, but does an admirable job on smaller deer and antelope in the shorter barrels. You can also use BLC2 if you have some; it is close to 748 and really shoots well. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

August 29, 2008, 07:39 PM	#4
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	Out of my 16", I'm using 35.0 gr H335 with the Nosler bullet. But be prepared to set the woods on fire. The muzzle flash is pretty big. I also use this same load with the 110 gr Carbine bullets. Both shoot under an inch at 100 yds. The 110 loads I use primarily to move folks away from me at the range. The muzzle blast is painful. Out of a 10" barrel it's blinding. You might also try SR4759. It's very bulky and the 19.0 grs under a 150 gr bullet almost shoots in a hole at 100 yds. The 19.0 grs will almost fill the case and there is little muzzle flash.