30-30 Etips

[Ojaileveraction]

So I recently got some Nosler Etips for my 30-30.
I've been looking for a lead free bullet and I gave Nosler Etips a Look because of JEBer's recommendation.
And I really liked them. On paper they look like the will work, and the button tip is new and more Lever Action than pointed gummies.
I only thing was I couldn't find reloading data. Just too new I guess.
I contacted Nosler. And they got back to me. Here the quote

"Use the 150gr load data https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/ ... inchester/ Recommend using the middle load charge as a maximum ( non-lead bullets produce higher pressures) Thank you"


And that was my concern due to the longer bearing surface of the cooper bullet.

[Mistered]

I notice TAC is at the top of the load data.
Great powder, clean and meters well.
I use it in my .223 and 'full house' 30-30 loads.

[JEBar]

as per the info in the link provided, 32 gr of W748 has been our long time first choice for pushing Nosler 150 gr Ballistic Silvertips .... I have loaded a few test rounds using 32 gr of IMR 4895 but haven't tested them .... I've never loaded any of their 30-30 E-tips but when we do I'll lower those two loads by 2 gr .... our vintage Model 94 Winchester absolutely loves 150 gr Ballistic Silvertips .... looking forward to following your load development

[Ojaileveraction]

Given the info from Nosler at the absolute maximum these are 100 yard bullets.
I was using regular jacketed bullet data before.

[JEBar]

I'd rate most 30-30 bullets I've used over the years as being 100 +/- yard ammo .... given a clear shooting lane, with open sights, on deer size game, I have confidence in our 150 gr Ballistic Silvertip hand loads out to 125 - 150 yards ....

[Ojaileveraction]

I'd rate most 30-30 bullets I've used over the years as being 100 +/- yard ammo .... given a clear shooting lane, with open sights, on deer size game, I have confidence in our 150 gr Ballistic Silvertip hand loads out to 125 - 150 yards ....

I guess it's not if the bullet can hit the target but will it perform?
I have a realistic understanding of my abilities.
Minimal bullet expansion is a concern.
I'm sure there will be some solid data soon.
And I can get some chrono data.
Didn't want get into full blown development.

[JEBar]

understood .... because of their expansion profile, for hunting bullets, we really like the E-tips when used in rifles that generate high muzzle velocities .... for hunting bullets used in slower speed rifles, we prefer bullets like Ballistic Silvertips .... that is not to say Ballistic Silvertips aren't outstanding hunting bullets at higher velocities .... under circumstances where I feel the need to use a lead free hunting bullet, regardless of speed, I'd go with E-tips

[Ojaileveraction]

California.

[JEBar]

well understood .... locations with similar restrictions are the prime motivation behind the manufacture of such bullets .... under such circumstances I'd load E-tips and push them as fast as possible

[Ojaileveraction]

Here an image of a Nosler 30-30 Etip between a Sierra 170 and 150 flat nose bullets.

20190221_224519~2.jpg (88.46 KiB) Viewed 1545 times

You can see the lead free Nosler is longer than even the 170. The extra length is all in the bearing surface with more bullet in the case.
We will have to see how that effects muzzle velocity.