Should I Load for 30-30?

[Hschweers]

If you do start loading for it, I recommend the Lee factory crimp die. For lever action cartridges that use a tubular magazine, I find a strong crimp is imperative.

Do you like to crimp separately, or use a seating/crimp combo?

 

[keystone112]

I crimp separately for lever action cartridges. All others, I use the combination die.

 

[FLS]

I would have components just in case…
30-30 ammo was unobtanium during the Scamdemic.

 

[Sinistram]

If you do start loading for it, I recommend the Lee factory crimp die. For lever action cartridges that use a tubular magazine, I find a strong crimp is imperative.

This! Actually, for anything requiring a crimp the Lee FCD is the way to go.

 

[FredH]

I would shoot factory loads. I loaded 30-30 for decades, mostly a 150 grain Speer or Sierra flat nose to around 2200 fps. Never a problem on anything I shot with it. Hogs and deer, a few coyotes and raccoons. However I got a great deal on 10 boxes of 150 grain Federal Powershok ammo. Shot great and has been killing well just like the reloads. You could add 300 fps using modern powders but it you are shoot animals at less than 150 yards I just see no reason for it. 2200 fps and a bullet designed to start at that speed is just flat going to work.

 

[Hschweers]

I would shoot factory loads. I loaded 30-30 for decades, mostly a 150 grain Speer or Sierra flat nose to around 2200 fps. Never a problem on anything I shot with it. Hogs and deer, a few coyotes and raccoons. However I got a great deal on 10 boxes of 150 grain Federal Powershok ammo. Shot great and has been killing well just like the reloads. You could add 300 fps using modern powders but it you are shoot animals at less than 150 yards I just see no reason for it. 2200 fps and a bullet designed to start at that speed is just flat going to work.

This is the way I’m going for now. Bought ~200 rounds of a few different bullet options to see what it likes. Will save the brass in case I get the itch down the road

 

[Ferrulewax]

Reloading is like fly tying, if you enjoy it there’s usually not a question of buying a new fly pattern or whipping them up yourself.

No way I am tying up a dozen yellow humpies if I can buy them for 2.50 each.

 

[glennjones]

Here's what I did. I saw 30-30 dies and bought some since I already reload, I have never even opened the box I just assume they are in there. If an ammo crunch hits again I've got all the components I just use them for other things. I bought a bunch of federal blue box on sale years ago and they work just fine. At the ranges and velocity you get from a 30-30 I don't believe you are going to see any big difference in bullet performance.

 

[Dougfir]

The other benefit of handloading is keeping a bunch of components on hand for when ammo shortages happen. So, if you're going to buy factory, which seems like a good choice for you, just buy a bunch of boxes of whatever load you like. .