Factory .30-30

[Redthies]

So what is your favorite factory .30-30 ammo? I’m hoping my new 336BL likes the 160 grain LeverEvolution, and I also have some Federal blue box 150s to try. Is there anything that stands out in your minds as a good/great hunting round?

[GFK]

My Henry seems to like 150 grain Federals, and my Marlin seems to like 150 grain Winchester. It seems the 150 grain Winchesters Extreme Point flavor have a better grouping. So, it is what I carried the couple of times that I have been out. But, I have not shoot anything yet.

[Rifletom]

Remington 170gr Core-lok and Winchester Super-X 150gr that I bought at the now defunct "Gemco" stores from the late 70's. Pretty much out of those rounds. Now it's handloads. For newer factory offerings, I've heard positive reviews about the Fed blue box and always good reviews about Fed "Fusion" ammo. I'd bet the Barnes all copper rounds work well, if required.

[Vaquero]

No Henry 30-30, but do have a couple Winchesters and Marlins.
Mine see mostly hand loads these days. but,
I have had good results with the Federal blue box stuff, both the 150's and the 170's.

RP

[JEBar]

our 30-30 hasn't seen a factory round since 1965 .... back then we fired 170 gr Winchester Silvertip ammo .... since then we've loaded our own .... we use 150 gr Nosler/Winchester Ballistic Silvertip bullets pushed by 35 gr of W748 powder

[BigAl52]

I think Evan did a test with his Henry and found out that the blue box Federals shot the best in his also. Dont remember which bullet it was 170 or 150. Maybe Esquared will chime in and say

[Rifletom]

our 30-30 hasn't seen a factory round since 1965 .... back then we fired 170 gr Winchester Silvertip ammo .... since then we've loaded our own .... we use 150 gr Nosler/Winchester Ballistic Silvertip bullets pushed by 35 gr of W748 powder

That looks to be a good load JEBar. I load 170gr Hornady FN and 34.0gr Win 748 and a mag primer. Been playing with some 165gr coated cast recently. I'll post that data in the "Reloading" section.

[Vaquero]

Tom I've playin' with some 174 cast, worked up a load that worked in one Winiie and two of the Marlins that I tried them in.
Can't find my notes, believe it was 3031 or IMR 4198.
Still have a few left, probably end up pullin' one to see.

RP

[BigAl52]

Man I hate it when I cant find my notes. Gettin old sucks Randy

[JEBar]

back in the 60's our 30-30 was my Grandfather's bear rifle .... over the years he put more in the cooler than I'll ever see in the woods .... he never practiced, when the season came he simply packed is Model 94 and went hunting .... he preferred 170 gr bullets but if all he had was 150's, he didn't think twice about it .... one of our sons is determined to take a deer with it .... if/when he does, he will be the 3rd generation to do so .... other than that, its mission today is punching paper and ringing gongs .... the 150 gr Ballistic Silvertips have proven to be flat shooting, very accurate rounds