Max Performance .30-30

[OXN939]

Been on a lever kick the last few years after finding a load my 336 really likes. It's nothing crazy- 150 TSX doing about 2125 FPS MV- but has been super effective in both water jug testing and on several large whitetail I've killed with it.

While considering which rifle to take elk hunting this year, it occurred to me that a short, handly lever would be pretty much perfect for the tag I have- dense timber with most shot opportunities between 50 and 100. I'll also be moving to AK next year, and the new Marlin trapper would fit like a glove in a supercub.

So. Anyone got real world experience with the upper end of .30-30's humble performance envelope? I feel like 100 and under with a stout projectile like the TSX is a pretty effective package, but where would you guys draw the line? Elk, moose, bears? Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[vonb]

I’ve found a max load of LeverEvolution powder and a 160 FTX to be the ticket. It gets me 2,370 fps out of a 336 with a 20” barrel. Not much it won’t do within reasonable distance.

 

[OXN939]

I’ve found a max load of LeverEvolution powder and a 160 FTX to be the ticket. It gets me 2,370 fps out of a 336 with a 20” barrel. Not much it won’t do within reasonable distance.

Heard good things about Leverevolution, and Barnes load data does show it as their fastest listed powder. Might have to grab a pound to try.

125 probably the farthest I'd shoot anything over the size of a deer, but there is this dude straight locking one up at like 300. The more I pull the thread, the more convinced I get it would be just fine for anything in North America at peep sight range

 

[FredH]

At 30-30 speeds the standard factory loads from the Big three are excellent. Very good penetration and expansion even out to 200 yards. I have taken a lot of game with 30-30 rifles and 150 grain factory loads and my handloads that mimicked them.

 

[ItsBrettyWap]

I need to get my dads .30-.30 out....

 

[Wolfshead]

I’ve found a max load of LeverEvolution powder and a 160 FTX to be the ticket. It gets me 2,370 fps out of a 336 with a 20” barrel. Not much it won’t do within reasonable distance.

I have a similar experience as you.
I can’t post MV as I have not chrono’ed it yet, but the 160 FTX and Leverevolution powder is a wonderful combination in my model 94, 30-30.
I have loaded up some Barnes 150s because NewYorkistan keeps threatening to go non-lead on state lands.
I’ll have to report back as to what I think about those.
I will say that the FTXs and Leverevolution powder has made my rifle a 200 yard gun.

 

[Wolfshead]

Update on my muzzle velocity for my FTX and Leverevolution handloads.
I had a chance to get to the range later Monday morning and they averaged 2360 fps.

 

[Ringbill27]

I’ve worked on the Hornady Monoflex 140 grain using LeverEvolution and found decent accuracy and speed up around 2500fps. With in 100 yds I cant see how the monoflex or the TSX wouldn’t work on elk. You’d be well within the expansion threshold. If it were me I’d probably increase my charge and run that 150 as fast as accurately and safely possible.

 

[Wolfshead]

I’ve worked on the Hornady Monoflex 140 grain using LeverEvolution and found decent accuracy and speed up around 2500fps. With in 100 yds I cant see how the monoflex or the TSX wouldn’t work on elk. You’d be well within the expansion threshold. If it were me I’d probably increase my charge and run that 150 as fast as accurately and safely possible.

I’ve talked with others about Barnes accuracy and having to completely clean your barrel before shooting them to be accurate.
In regards to the Monoflex, have you had to do anything “special” to get them to shoot well in your rifle?
I’m having trouble with my .308 and getting an accurate load for the 130 ttsx and I’m apprehensive about the Barnes in my model 94.
Still might try some of the Monoflex because of how well the FTXs work.

 

[Ringbill27]

I’ve talked with others about Barnes accuracy and having to completely clean your barrel before shooting them to be accurate.
In regards to the Monoflex, have you had to do anything “special” to get them to shoot well in your rifle?
I’m having trouble with my .308 and getting an accurate load for the 130 ttsx and I’m apprehensive about the Barnes in my model 94.
Still might try some of the Monoflex because of how well the FTXs work.

I guess I’ll say this. Load development was more difficult with monos before I would cleaned the barrels out. I also haven’t noticed any problems with accuracy when switching back to regular bullets after cleaning and shooting monos.

With the 30-30 I think I cleaned the barrel out. It’s an iron sights rifle and if a get 1”-1.5” groups at 50yds I’m happy.

I don’t see iron sight well.

I’ve found that monos are happy being seated to the listed COAL as well but with most the cartridges I load. I seat them as long and the mag and feeding allows. Monos like longer jumps.

What loads are you working on with the 130ttsx and the 308?

 

[Wolfshead]

For my 308 I’ve tried Barnes 130 ttsx and Varget, and the best 10 shot group at 100 was approximately 3”.
I currently use 150 grain Nosler Accubonds and Varget and can shoot clover leaves at 100.
I’ve loaded up some 130s with Ramshot TAC to see what i can get.

I bought a box of the Barnes 150 for the 30-30 and loaded them with the Leverevolution powder and we’ll see about those.
The reason I bought those was they were about $10 a box cheaper than the Monoflex. So I’ll shoot the Barnes and see what I can get out of that.

The reason I’m looking into the coppers is I’m in NY and they every year it gets brought up in the legislature about going monos on state lands. Part down state already is, so I’m trying to be prepared in case it goes state wide.

I have a great load for my 94 with the FTX and have shot very tight groups at 50 yards, using a Williams peep sight.

This is a five shot group at 50 yds. The upper left shot was a self induced flyer. I hadn’t squeeze the lever before pulling the trigger and was not prepared for the shot. You can see the other four
Below the bullseye.

 

[SloppyJ]

I went through this with my 30-30 as well. I don't feel the velocity advantage is there in this cartridge to even consider a mono bullet and think it's handcuffing an already moderate cartridge. Mine loved the 150gr interlocks and 3031. I skipped the lever powder due to the temp sensitivity as I have a wide range of hunting conditions throughout the season.

My advice, find a better bullet. The 170 partition would be my pick and you get the best of both worlds as far as expansion and pass through capability.

 

[Ringbill27]

For my 308 I’ve tried Barnes 130 ttsx and Varget, and the best 10 shot group at 100 was approximately 3”.
I currently use 150 grain Nosler Accubonds and Varget and can shoot clover leaves at 100.
I’ve loaded up some 130s with Ramshot TAC to see what i can get.

I bought a box of the Barnes 150 for the 30-30 and loaded them with the Leverevolution powder and we’ll see about those.
The reason I bought those was they were about $10 a box cheaper than the Monoflex. So I’ll shoot the Barnes and see what I can get out of that.

The reason I’m looking into the coppers is I’m in NY and they every year it gets brought up in the legislature about going monos on state lands. Part down state already is, so I’m trying to be prepared in case it goes state wide.

I have a great load for my 94 with the FTX and have shot very tight groups at 50 yards, using a Williams peep sight.

This is a five shot group at 50 yds. The upper left shot was a self induced flyer. I hadn’t squeeze the lever before pulling the trigger and was not prepared for the shot. You can see the other four
Below the bullseye.

I tried varget with the 130gr I didn’t get the best accuracy or speeds. A found a max load of BL-C2 get me speeds and small groups.

I had I Lyman’s 66 on my rifle until Covid with it broke and was unable to find a replacement. I always shot the peep sight better. I better get it ordered.

I went with the monoflexs for the same reasons you went to Barnes they were much cheaper when i found them on sale.