Which powder is best for 30-30 win.?

[squirt]

I am new to reloading and am needing some opions on which powder to use in my Win.'94 20 inch barrel 30-30. Would IMR3031 (28.9 gr), IMR4320 (30.7 gr), IMR4064 (29.5 gr), IMR4895 (30.2 gr), H4895 (30.2 gr), BLC(2) (34.1 gr), or Realoder 15 (31.1 gr) be the best load. The reason for the specific grains is that I have a lee loader and the dipper holds these amounts of each of these powders.

Thanks in advance for all of your advice.

[riverwalker76]

IMR3031 is what I use. Notice the 3031 in IMR? It's a very good powder for lever gun cartridges. I also use it in 45/70 Gov't, and I use Accurate 2230 in my .223.

[squirt]

I was kinda leaning towards this load because it was middle of the road (not to high, not to low). Leaves alittle screw up room with the dipper and all.

Do you know an approximate velocity for this load?

[ForneyRider]

Varget, IMR 4064 and R15 will make stout loads for 150gr and 170gr.

I've used all three of these, plus AA2230 for 125gr Sierra JHP, 150gr SP, and 160gr FTX.

I used AA2230 for very fast 125gr loads.

[squirt]

Is RL-15 ok for cast bullets? The ones I have are 170 gr Oregon trail laser cast.

[riverwalker76]

I would stick with the IMR 3031. You want to have a 'Medium' load when it comes to Lee Powder Measures. I've used them on hunting trips, and they are a lifesaver. Although, you will tend to go 1 gr. over or under in most instances, just because each batch of powder is different ... even with the same lot. If using Lee Powder Measures ... go with the powder that offers the 'In the Middle' load.

[squirt]

Thanks guys. Keep it coming, I'm loving this!!!!

[Sarge]

At various times I've tried most of the powders you mentioned, with 150 grain jacketed bullets. Among them, H4895 established a clear advantage in consistently providing very good or best accuracy, along with chrono readings virtually matching Winchester's 150 grain load in given rifles.

Can't tell you which charge, though. Each gun is a law unto itself and yours will likely be different than mine.

[squirt]

I think I might try BLC(2) because the dipper loads 34.1 grs. This gives me 2 grs either way to mess up on. If I am not making a smart decision please let me know. Remember, I am loading cast bullets.

Thanks guys

IMR3031 only gives 1 gr to max with my dipper. With me being new at the game I am a little nervous about that.

[totaldla]

I agree with Sarge. I went through the load workup process many years ago for a Marlin 336 and settled on h4895 pushing a 150gr Speer - but your dipper doesn't hold the right amount. I used to use IMR3031, but it is temp sensitive, enough that you get boom in the cold morning and BOOM in the warm afternoon. Hodgdon's extreme-series powders don't do that - which is one reason I like H4895. The other reason is that H4895 is a short stick powder and seemed to meter better for me - not an issue if you are dipping.

[squirt]

Tell me alittle about RL-15. Does anybody use this in 30-30? Does it work well?

[CJ7365]

This week I loaded up some test rounds for my 336, I am testing H335 and W748 and I am using Hornady 160g FTX bullets, CCI primers, I plan on shooting these tomarow, a report to follow

[Pongo]

I use BLC-(2) in my Win 94.

Here is some food for thought.

Hodgdon 26th Edition. Maximum 33.0 gr BL-C(2) with a 170gr jacketed bullet.

Lyman 46th Edition. Maximum 30.5 gr BL-C(2) with a 170gr jacketed bullet.

Hornady 4th Edition. Maximum 35.6 gr BL-C(2) with a 170gr jacketed bullet.

Starting loads would be 10% below the above data in each case.

I know the current Hodgdon data has a heavier maximum load than this earlier data, but I would suggest 34.1 gr BL-C(2) with a 170gr bullet is not a good starting load.

FYI...I don't exceed the 30.5 gr in the Lyman data for 170gr bullet. I also use a standard primer as per Lyman data.

[Old Grump]

I'm assuming by your loads you are loading for 150 grain bullets. I am a 4350 man myself, old habits die hard but from what you listed I would go with 4894 and try to find or make a dipper for 32 grains, (33 top). It isn't the fastest load out there but I like the accuracy and its more than enough for 100 yard deer. For 170 grain bullets 31 grains of 3031 duplicates the factory load with your 20" barrel.

[sc928porsche]

Ive had the best results with H-4895 with the 30-30 in both 150 and 170 grn.

[birdshot]

squirt, borrow a scale and find a good load, then make your own dippers from large handgun cases or cut down rifle cases. silver solder makes it easy to attach your handles.

[bedlamite]

I've used Win748, RL-15, and IMR3031 with success.

[jimkim]

If that dipper throws any of the charges on the chart, it will be the first one I've heard of that isn't throwing light. I agree with birdshot. You need a scale. If you get a scale and a trickler your really stepping up then.

[ForneyRider]

Using the Lee dippers with scale and trickler is pretty fast.

I used a dipper just smaller than the target charge, and trickle the rest in the scale.

Ball powder measures very well in powder droppers, but IMR powders (3031,4895,4064,4320,4350, etc.) can throw +- quite a bit to affect SD and ES. Varget and Alliant Reloder powders can be off +- .3 gr as well.

I use RCBS for everything now.

[Clark]

I like WW748 for 220 gr HNDY RN hot loads.