anybody ever build a 30-30 bolt action ??

[Savage1920]

In reply to post #19

The twist rate was one of the more difficult decisions. Since I’ll be shooting cast bullets in the range of 150 to 170 grains at a range of 100 yards, I opted to go with a 1 in 12 twist. I almost went with a 1 in 10. However, the twist rate formulas I used for the bullets and velocities I expect kept pointing to the 1 in 12.

Also, if a 1 in 12 was good for the people who originally designed the 30-30 Winchester and the 30 Remington it should be good enough for me. If I was going to shoot bullets in the range of 180 to 220 grains I probably would have gone with the 1 in 10.
Right now I have a Krieger #4 contour CM barrel .300/.308 with a 1 in 12 twist waiting for the chambering reamer to arrive.

Yeah ok I was just wondering. I thought you might be going with something slower with cast bullets. I think they went with 1in16 in the 32cal with cast bullets in mind. Wasn't sure what twist would be best in 30cal with cast bullets.

[gpb11]

In reply to post #21

The 32-40 and 32 Winchester Special twist rates of 1 in 16 always seemed kind of slow to me. I suspect that the 1 in 16 originated with the 32-40 due to soft lead bullets and black powder, and that the 32 Winchester Special inherited that even though it was a true smokeless jacketed bullet cartridge. It might have been better off with a 1 in 14 twist which is the twist rate that the 32 Remington ended up with.

Twist rate selection seems almost as much art as science, at least to me. I'll find out if I guessed right next spring.

[671RTO9513]

I used to have a 32-40 with a 1 in 20" twist. It was wonderfully accurate with 165 grain round nose cast and a case full of black.

[Savage1920]

In reply to post #21

The 32-40 and 32 Winchester Special twist rates of 1 in 16 always seemed kind of slow to me. I suspect that the 1 in 16 originated with the 32-40 due to soft lead bullets and black powder, and that the 32 Winchester Special inherited that even though it was a true smokeless jacketed bullet cartridge. It might have been better off with a 1 in 14 twist which is the twist rate that the 32 Remington ended up with.

Twist rate selection seems almost as much art as science, at least to me. I'll find out if I guessed right next spring.

That makes sense. Anyway I really like the 30 Remington I have two a Model 14 pump & Model 8 semi auto. Would love to have a bolt action. Maybe I'll build one someday too. Cant wait to hear how yours does.

[tbled52]

I have a old 30-30 Stevens bolt not sure on the age. My guess would be 70s. Iron sights. Its a good gun

[1983Weatherby]

I have a 30-06 and shoot the 140grain hornady round nose bullets meant for a 30-30. At 100yards it's a paper punching machine! Move out to 200 and it's still pretty good pattern, but drops 6" due to the bad BC. I don't see the want for a 30-30 unless it's a camp rifle. Bad BC = a lot of drop.

[DaveC]

Remington made their 788 in 30/30 and it was extremely accurate and you could load pointy bullets. If you find one at a gun show they sell for around $600 ($700 asking) in my area. But, I’d go with .308 because it’s much more versatile.

[oldbrass]

Yep the .308 will do a lot, loaded with cast bullets its probley an excellent brush rig.As for a 30-30 build Sometimes I think out loud on the forum to get new ideas, If something has ever been tried I`m certain someone here knows about it, So how cool would a left-hand 30-30 bolt gun be ?? Probley not the most practical of firearms but It would be fun I`m sure of that !!