Lefty
posted this
04 March 2008
The rifle is a falling block built on an action originally designed for a handgun as I understand. I certainly appears to be a strong action but the cartridges must fit perfectly as there is no camming action to seat the bullet into the lands. The twist is 1x10 which actually surprised me as the rifle is not crazy about jacketed spitzer bullets. The throat is tight enough that a loaded round with an outside neck diameter of .334 wont chamber. .333 is right on the edge. .311 bullets in unturned cases will chamber if the crimping is perfect. I bought a Lee factory crimp die yesterday. That should solve the crimping problem.
the bullet I have been using is similar to the 31141 except that its nose does not fit the bore as tightly (more rapidly tapered). I had a supply I was using up. Now they are gone. I have a few 311291s and a few 31141s on hand. I am going to try them because I have them. I may not be able to get the 311291 to chamber as it has a .302 nose. I shoot Saeco 315 in my 308 so I do have a supply on hand. I was trying to save them for the 308 but I will try them before I give up.
I am beginning to think my charge of 18 gr of 4198 may be just a bit stout for optimal accuracy. A search of my old issues of the FS revealed a common charge weight of 16.5 gr of 4198 back when the 30-30 was in more common use. My 8 lb keg of 4759 is running on empty so I have purposely not been trying it this winter. Of course the reason the keg is empty is that it often is the best choice for 308 and 3006 - at least for me.
Finally I am also reflecting on the possibility that 4198 is position sensitive in the 30-30 case. I will probably elevate the muzzle vigorously before firing the next time I am at the range. 11 degrees this morning so I am going to start loading prairie dog ammo and give the 30-30 a day off today.
All suggesions are appreciated as I am not experienced at working with a 30-30.
Jim