Need load data for 125 gr spitzer in 30-30

[mattri]

Looking to load some 125 gr Sierra Pro Hunter spitzers in a Stevens 325.

Sierra lists loads for their 125gr flat nose as:

H4198 24.2- 29.7

IMR3031 29.8- 34.6

And Hodgdons lists a load for a 130gr bullet with H4895 as 31.5- 35.

Those are the three powders I have on hand.

Obviously reduce loads to start etc, other than that does anyone have any suggestions/ pet loads?

Thanks, Matt.

[GaCop]

You can safely exchange bullet type with the Sierra/Hornady Data. Your velocities, OAL and point of impact will be different than the flat nose bullet but should be safe.

[mattri]

Thanks for the reply. One thing I find interesting is the difference between Sierra and Hodgdon data re H4198. Sierra lists 29.7 as max with their 125gr flatpoint but Hodgdon lists max H4198 load in a 110gr bullet as being 25.5gr and 24.5 in a 130gr. Obviously bearing surface, ogive design etc come into play but that is quite a jump.

[Luckus]

Not one of the powders you listed, but I use 37.5 grs BLC-2 with 125-130 gr Hornady sp and Speer hp's in my Savage 24 for 2500 mv.

[Gmac5]

I have used T/ C contender load data as they have spitzer ,& hp bullets listed lean towards the slower of the powders to take advantage of longer barrel and denser loading.
Gary

[Eric in NC]

Just wondering - what you using the lightweight bullets for in the 30-30? Varmints and plinking?

[LHitchcox]

My preference is H4895 with 125 BTs, but my uncle only used 3031. One of them will give you the performance you want. The only problem you will likely have is that the magazine will force you to seat the bullet deep in the case. The mag was designed for round nose bullets.

[Luckus]

I use the 125-130gr bullets in my model 24 for coyotes, crows, misc vermin, but would not hesitate to use them on Deer.

[mattri]

Thanks for all the good replies.

The idea behind using this bullet is to have a load that will be good for deer and shoot a little flatter than a heavier round nose for coyotes.

So far have tried a number of loads with H4198 without very good success, going to move on to IMR3031.

[GaCop]

When my son was younger, I loaded 150 gr spitzers for his Marlin 30-30. Good accuracy and slightly more range. I'd load one in the mag and chamber one. Worked very well until he was old enough the handle a bolt action rifle with heavier caliber.

[BobT]

Thanks for all the good replies.

The idea behind using this bullet is to have a load that will be good for deer and shoot a little flatter than a heavier round nose for coyotes.

So far have tried a number of loads with H4198 without very good success, going to move on to IMR3031.


I have had great luck with IMR 3031, since Reloader 12 was discontinued it's been my only .30-30 powder.

[mattri]

IME3031 did much better, producing decent groups at 50 with open sights.

Before I order more bullets to do more testing I need to decide if I want to keep going with the spitzers or try the 125 flat nose bulllets designed for the 30-30. The advantage to the spitzers is obvious, the advantage to the flat nose bullets would seem to be that they could be seated farther out to engage the lands sooner while still fitting in the mag.

This isn't a long range set up by any means, thoughts?

[BobT]

I have had pretty good luck with both of the bullets you mention. The spitzer is a fairly tough bullet, I use it a lot in my .308 - .307 loads, I favor the HP in my .30-30 and .30 Herrett loads, either bullet should work fine for your purpose and at normal .30-30 ranges there won't be too much difference in trajectory. You might give the guys at Sierra a call on the tech line and see what they think. I talked to them last year about the 125gr. spitzer for a pronghorn load for my Striker in .308, they gave me a minimum MV for good expansion and I think it was 2300 fps but I could be wrong, I got 2874 average from the 14" striker barrel. You might try a box of each and let the gun decide.

Bob