Spring has sprung. Get out and shoot your Henry
New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
- Vaquero
- Ranch Boss
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New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
Picked up a box of Federal 170gr 30-30 ammo this afternoon and wanted to compare to my favorite 170gr load.
Sierra Pro hunters, and 29.2 grs. of IMR 3031.
Off the picnic table in the side yard, 55 yds. to the backstop.
The federal had a spread of 5/8" center to center, and mine load was 3/4".
RP
Sierra Pro hunters, and 29.2 grs. of IMR 3031.
Off the picnic table in the side yard, 55 yds. to the backstop.
The federal had a spread of 5/8" center to center, and mine load was 3/4".
RP
5 x
Monte Walsh "You have No idea how little I care".
Ain't No Apologies for My Temperament
Si vis pacem, para bellum
H001, H006, H012
Ain't No Apologies for My Temperament
Si vis pacem, para bellum
H001, H006, H012
Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
Pretty good shootin Id say. Either load would work for me.
1 x
Don't worry about getting older and still doing stupid stuff. You'll do the stupid stuff as always, only much slower. Hold my beer and watch this.......
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- Vaquero
- Ranch Boss
- Posts: 10334
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2016 12:56 am
- Location: Somewhere between Memphis & Nashville
Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
Right but the factory stuff figures out to $1.32 ea, where as having had the brass and then loading it comes to .54, .55 cents.
But the next lb. of powder may be more expensive. I do have one in reserve.
I just scoped another this evening, my first Marlin. I put a 2x7 Vortex on it, now to see what it likes.
RP
2 x
Monte Walsh "You have No idea how little I care".
Ain't No Apologies for My Temperament
Si vis pacem, para bellum
H001, H006, H012
Ain't No Apologies for My Temperament
Si vis pacem, para bellum
H001, H006, H012
Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
Your time loading that stuff is worth something. I realize its a hobby and fun but its still time. Powder Im seeing is about 40 a lb.
1 x
Don't worry about getting older and still doing stupid stuff. You'll do the stupid stuff as always, only much slower. Hold my beer and watch this.......
H001T .22LR
H001T .22LR MONUMENT VALLEY
H003T PUMP .22LR
BBS .41 MAG
SS .357
SIDE GATE 38-55
H001T .22LR
H001T .22LR MONUMENT VALLEY
H003T PUMP .22LR
BBS .41 MAG
SS .357
SIDE GATE 38-55
- Rifletom
- Deputy Marshal
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- Location: California Territory
Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
That Federal shot pretty tight. But, at the price difference, I'd certainly stay with the handloads also. For those that don't handload, the Fed looks good. Darn good shooting either way Randy.
1 x
Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
To me, the hand load is more on point! It seems to be closer to center, which should make a difference as it opens in distance.
1 x
Actions speak louder than words (Matthew 7:16-20).
Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
which is exactly why for the last 30 years i did not reload. Cost wise, it never made sense. Even now, it is arguably a dead even cost factor. I have more time to shoot now, but not the ammo reserves i had 5 years ago. So, that time is taken up by reloading the ammo. it isn't the 1:1 like some people portray it as.
2 x
- Vaquero
- Ranch Boss
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- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2016 12:56 am
- Location: Somewhere between Memphis & Nashville
Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
Al, those 3 only took a few mins. to load, took me longer to find the dies in that dark cabinet than it almost did to load the 3 rounds.
I use a Lee turret press, so all my dies are all setup, I just pop out one set and pop another in and change shell holders.
Yes it's a hobby and I do enjoy it,
I've said before, I'm not sure if I load to shoot, or
Shoot to reload?
RP
1 x
Monte Walsh "You have No idea how little I care".
Ain't No Apologies for My Temperament
Si vis pacem, para bellum
H001, H006, H012
Ain't No Apologies for My Temperament
Si vis pacem, para bellum
H001, H006, H012
-
- Cowhand
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Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
Vaquero, was is the velocity of your loadings vs factory ? Also, have you ever tried the Speer 170gr. Hot Core bullets ? My Marlin 336 (30/30) doesn't like them, but my Henry loves them. Maybe it's MG rifling and the Henry is Ballard.
1 x
- Shakey Jake
- Drover
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Re: New 170gr Federal vs hand loads
Pretty close with either one there. Handloading is cheaper for sure.
Jake
Jake
1 x