Reloading for an old Model 1894 30-30

[bowhunter307]

I have an old Winchester model 94 (4-digit serial number) in 30-30 that I would really like to work up some reloads for close range whitetail hunting. I know a lot of people would say to not shoot it given the value/rarity, but the person I inherited it from would want to see it used and not sitting in a safe.

I would like to find a sweet spot for low-power reloads that I can use for whitetails, 50-100 yd shots, and also not put a beating on the gun. I've found a few recipes for reduced recoil loads online, but they all seem to use either magnum pistol powders such as Unique or rare rifle powders like H4895 - both of which are unobtainable lately.

I have a few powders on hand that I think might work, but can't find any real load data out there that's sub-2,000 fps or under 28,000 PSI. I'm not sure whether to be in the ballpark of a lighter, 110-125 grain bullet in a light load or if I should go with something heavy like a 170 Sierra FN Hunter. Any input here would be appreciated. I have a few rifle powders on hand that I'm hoping might work:

- H4350
- CFE 223
- Varget
- 8208XBR
- H335

The way I'm leaning is a light load of either Varget or H4350 with the 170 Speers to aim for a velocity of around 1,900-2,000 fps - but I suppose I'm looking for confirmation on my approach or mindset.

Also - I've shot it a few times with factory ammo and it's been 18-24" high at 100 yards, leading me to believe the front sight post was for heavy projectiles propelled by black powder. I'm guessing I'll likely need to replace the front sight post for nearly any load I develop, even reduced recoil loads with 170-ish grain bullets (educate/correct me here if I'm wrong).

Open to any education, corrections or insight on the matter.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

I would just try some loads that are in the Hodgdon manual and use a starting load of something with the lower PSI. Leverevolution and 3031 are pretty good powder for low pressure to velocity ratio. You can reduce 3031 also, but not sure you would need to for a hunting load and I would find out what the minimum impact velocity is from the bullet manufacturer.

Lyman Cast Bullet handbook has it at 21.6gr starting under a 170gr #31141, so somewhere between there and the 27.5 starting load for the 170gr Sierra FN from Hodgdon is going to get you between 1500 and 1960 fps.

 

[Wolfshead]

I load for my 94, but it is a 1980 .
Of the powders you have listed both Lyman’s and Hornady list H335 for most bullet weights.
I think Lyman’s listed 4350 for a light weight bullet.
Hornady also lists XBR for some of its bullet weights but not all.
Even with starting loads and light to weight bullets your pressure is going to be approximately 28,000 or more I believe.
If you could get some IMR 4064 then you’d be able to get under 28,000 to around 27300 according to Lyman’s manual.
H335 with a 170 flat nose jacketed bullet will get around 26,700 also Lyman’s.
All starting loads.
Personally given the age of your rifle I might consult with a gunsmith before it shot it.
You have a piece of history to be honest.