Loading data for the Hornady FTX bullets seems a little fishy to me.

MuscleGarunt · May 20, 2009, 10:21 PM

Here is the load data that Hornady published for their FTX bullets.
http://www.hornady.com/media/ftx_loa...30_win_ftx.pdf

Here is some random data for the 30-30 with hotter loadings.
http://www.huntingmag.com/guns_loads/30_30_winchester/

To me it seems like the Hornady data is a little conservative. Now I will admit that the rear portion of the bullet that protrudes into the case is a bit longer than a 150 grain bullet but is almost identical to a 170 grain bullet, the Hornady bullet is 160 grains. So why would they publish data like this.

Data for 170 grain bullets is calling for more powder and pushing a higher velocity. It seems to me that you should be able to load at least as much powder for a bullet 10 grains lighter and that bullet should go faster and farther being lighter and more aerodynamic.

Is Hornady pulling the wool over our eyes. After all they probably want their factory "LEVERevolution" ammo to outperform anything you can load, just look at the data.

Shoney · May 20, 2009, 10:23 PM

MuscleGarunt
Their literature states

Quote:

Please note:
The test barrel length for this data is 20" as compared to a 24" test barrel
that is used for our published ammunition ballistics. If you have a longer
barreled rifle, we have found that muzzle velocities will increase
approximately 30 fps per one inch of barrel length added.

Did you factor this into your consideration?

They look comperable velocity wise when using the same barrels, plus they have a much higher BC for a flatter trajectory.

MuscleGarunt · May 20, 2009, 10:41 PM

It seems like you could put a few more grains of any given powder listed in the case. When compared to data for 170 grain bullets from a 20 inch barrel the Hornady data suggests 1 to 4 grains less powder. To me it seems like a guy could use the data for a 170 grain bullet and go with it. The data just seems really slow.

Shoney · May 20, 2009, 10:50 PM

I agree with you on that, except for one little factor. There are a lot of old 30-30's still in service. Their steel will not withstand nearly the pressure of modern firearms.

I think Hornady's Lawyers have that in mind for the anemic data, in case some dip[color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] yoyo loads up a hot load for Grandad's ol' Thuty-Thuty.

MuscleGarunt · May 20, 2009, 11:05 PM

That makes sense. The rifle they tested the bullets in was a Winchester 94. I think it's safe to say that a Marlin 336 with a solid top and side ejection can take a little more pressure.

I've got a Marlin 336 of recent production and had it in mind to go with a little hotter load of 33 grains of RL-15 in a Winchester case for 2200+FPS. I will of course start low and work up.

I was hoping someone else was already using these and could offer some insight on them.

DoinStuff · May 24, 2009, 12:23 AM

It seems we have to attempt trial and error on our own... Here is the data from 10 rounds I loaded and fired recently -

Hornady FTX 160gn Bullets fired in a Model 94 Winchester, 20" Barrel, Winchester primers, H335 Powder:

Powder Weight Volocity
28.2 - 1987
28.4 - 1965
28.6 - 1996
28.8 - 2008
29.0 - 2028
29.2 - 2001
29.4 - 2048
29.6 - 2045
29.8 - 2056
30.0 - 2098

This only tells velocity, not pressure. I am out of H335, my next test will be with R-15, I will post those results when available. Enjoy!

MuscleGarunt · May 24, 2009, 01:11 AM

WoW, thank you. I am waiting on my seater plug for my redding 30-30 die before I can load some up.

First post and very helpful too, thank you.

Red Tail · September 2, 2009, 04:48 AM

Hornady overstates the velocity of their FTX 38 spcl +P rounds. Box says 1270 but the Tech says it is only 1090, so beware. At that price they could be honest.

Gbro · September 2, 2009, 11:03 PM

Did some test loads yesterday and found I need to shop for another powder.(maybe IMR 3031).
So far nothing grouped with the 1894, but the 788 was spot on. Its longer barrel added almost 200 fps.
Someone earlier was looking for data with IMR 4350. My old Speer and Lyman both had 4350 listed but its a wast of components as its just to slow a powder for 30-30, just like someone posted.

May 20, 2009, 10:21 PM	#1
MuscleGarunt Member Join Date: May 20, 2009 Posts: 75	Loading data for the Hornady FTX bullets seems a little fishy to me. Here is the load data that Hornady published for their FTX bullets. http://www.hornady.com/media/ftx_loa...30_win_ftx.pdf Here is some random data for the 30-30 with hotter loadings. http://www.huntingmag.com/guns_loads/30_30_winchester/ To me it seems like the Hornady data is a little conservative. Now I will admit that the rear portion of the bullet that protrudes into the case is a bit longer than a 150 grain bullet but is almost identical to a 170 grain bullet, the Hornady bullet is 160 grains. So why would they publish data like this. Data for 170 grain bullets is calling for more powder and pushing a higher velocity. It seems to me that you should be able to load at least as much powder for a bullet 10 grains lighter and that bullet should go faster and farther being lighter and more aerodynamic. Is Hornady pulling the wool over our eyes. After all they probably want their factory "LEVERevolution" ammo to outperform anything you can load, just look at the data. Last edited by MuscleGarunt; May 20, 2009 at 10:38 PM.

May 20, 2009, 10:50 PM	#4
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	I agree with you on that, except for one little factor. There are a lot of old 30-30's still in service. Their steel will not withstand nearly the pressure of modern firearms. I think Hornady's Lawyers have that in mind for the anemic data, in case some dip[color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color][color=#FF0000]█[/color] yoyo loads up a hot load for Grandad's ol' Thuty-Thuty. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

May 24, 2009, 12:23 AM	#6
DoinStuff Junior Member Join Date: May 24, 2009 Posts: 1	Reloading Hornady FTX 30-30 It seems we have to attempt trial and error on our own... Here is the data from 10 rounds I loaded and fired recently - Hornady FTX 160gn Bullets fired in a Model 94 Winchester, 20" Barrel, Winchester primers, H335 Powder: Powder Weight Volocity 28.2 - 1987 28.4 - 1965 28.6 - 1996 28.8 - 2008 29.0 - 2028 29.2 - 2001 29.4 - 2048 29.6 - 2045 29.8 - 2056 30.0 - 2098 This only tells velocity, not pressure. I am out of H335, my next test will be with R-15, I will post those results when available. Enjoy!

September 2, 2009, 11:03 PM	#9
Gbro Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,084	Did some test loads yesterday and found I need to shop for another powder.(maybe IMR 3031). So far nothing grouped with the 1894, but the 788 was spot on. Its longer barrel added almost 200 fps. Someone earlier was looking for data with IMR 4350. My old Speer and Lyman both had 4350 listed but its a wast of components as its just to slow a powder for 30-30, just like someone posted. __________________ Gbro CGVS For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, But to us who are being saved, It Is The Power Of God. 1Corinthians 1-18

May 20, 2009, 10:41 PM	#3
MuscleGarunt Member Join Date: May 20, 2009 Posts: 75	It seems like you could put a few more grains of any given powder listed in the case. When compared to data for 170 grain bullets from a 20 inch barrel the Hornady data suggests 1 to 4 grains less powder. To me it seems like a guy could use the data for a 170 grain bullet and go with it. The data just seems really slow.

May 20, 2009, 11:05 PM	#5
MuscleGarunt Member Join Date: May 20, 2009 Posts: 75	That makes sense. The rifle they tested the bullets in was a Winchester 94. I think it's safe to say that a Marlin 336 with a solid top and side ejection can take a little more pressure. I've got a Marlin 336 of recent production and had it in mind to go with a little hotter load of 33 grains of RL-15 in a Winchester case for 2200+FPS. I will of course start low and work up. I was hoping someone else was already using these and could offer some insight on them.

May 24, 2009, 01:11 AM	#7
MuscleGarunt Member Join Date: May 20, 2009 Posts: 75	WoW, thank you. I am waiting on my seater plug for my redding 30-30 die before I can load some up. First post and very helpful too, thank you.

September 2, 2009, 04:48 AM	#8
Red Tail Junior Member Join Date: August 23, 2009 Posts: 9	Hornady overstates the velocity of their FTX 38 spcl +P rounds. Box says 1270 but the Tech says it is only 1090, so beware. At that price they could be honest.