Long Range Rifle Ammo

[St. Louis Suomi SASS #31905]

Howdy:

 

Would a 30-30 Win Mod 94 be acceptable for a Long Range Rifle? Also, I have neve seen 30-30 ammo that is 100% lead (all I have ever seen were soft point jacketed). Assuming I can obtrain a mold for a 308 caliber 30-30 type projectgile (I think Lee has some) I think it would be rather difficult to push that out a barrel at under 1000 FPS - possibly hard cast might do the trick. If you go faster than that you might lead the barrel up which brings up the next question, gas checks - that would make it safe to run up to 1500 or so without loading your barrel with lead. And hitting a target 100 yds out would not endanger anyone from pieces flying back to the firing line. So what are the rules, if any?

 

Thanks for any feedback in advance as I am getting my stuff together for this.

 

STL Suomi

Edited October 12, 2013 by St. Louis Suomi SASS #31905

[Tex Jones, SASS 2263]

Yes, 30 30s are allowed in long range matches. Some, but not all, bullet manufacturers make lead bullets for that caliber. Also, only main match rifles are limited to MV of 1400 fps or less. Gas checks are allowed for long range. Look at the Shooter's Manual on the web site for more details.

[NUNICA KID,SASS #68454]

Hunters supply is who ya need to call. Bullets can be driven in 1400 fps area with no leading. Great people an great bullets. Myself an several pards use there products an are more than happy. Good prices also. Here is there # 505-716-4369 NK

[Butch McGie, SASS#71758]

I use 170 gr Laser cast bullets which have an inlet for a gas check. Lee has a 309 sizer/ gas check installer for around $15. They spin out of my 94 AND 336 at around 1600-1700 with no appreciable leading. The Lee reloading manual has a chapter for reduced loads, and there are a number for 30/30.

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

30-30 is not used much for true long range because it just isn't accurate enough with lead slugs past 200 yards. But, many SASS "long range" matches are not shot that far anyway. 38-55 or 45-70 are the two common calibers for those games. 45-70 takes a lot less messing around to get going, but recoil is a little more.

 

A good hard cast lead rifle bullet will stand up to at least 1800 FPS, sometimes more. Use good quality lube. Water drop the slugs if you are making them yourself or learn the art of heat treating the sized, unlubed bullets.

 

More than just Lee molds exist to make good 30 caliber bullets (thank goodness). Lyman is the old standard for rifle bullet molds, RCBS has some nice ones, but Accurate and NEI molds are really nice.

 

Good luck, GJ

[St. Louis Suomi SASS #31905]

Howdy (again):

 

Thanks Pards! That is what I was looking for. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time and effort to answers my questions.

 

STL Suomi

[Griff]

A .30-30 "...just isn't accurate enough ,,, beyond 200 yards..."? Nonsense! My 26" rifle regularly, like every time I pull the trigger, busts clay targets at 300 yards. 150 grain GCFN from a Saeco #316 mold, cast of 6:1 wheel weights:linotype pushed @ 2190fps... And then I pick on the pieces left over. But, I cheat... I hafta use x-sticks 'cause I ain't that good a shot! Ask Dusty Doddems... oh wait, he'll probably lie and tell ya different! G. Joe, next time I come thru I'll bring one and we'll go shoot.

 

But, yes, carbines can be a little less accurate.

[paisano]

I shoot a Marlin 336 in Cody Dixon. At those distances, it works fine. Several loads using Trailboss are available for lower velocities. I have found.30 caliber bullets available in many places. There are several guys who sell them on Gunbroker. Good luck!

[Butch McGie, SASS#71758]

I can clang a propane tank at 400 measured yards with both the 94 and 336 , 170 gr GC at 1800. That is not to say one could down a deer with the energy at that distance, but for a target cartridge, the 30 30 will reach out and touch something.

[Muleshoe Bill SASS #67022]

STL Suomi,

What distances ae you talking baout for long range. In you post you mentioned 100 yards. Are you looking to shoot 200 - 400 yards? 500-1000?

[Reuben McCoy Rankin # 34239]

Missouri Bullet Co. has the bullets you need.