Cast 30-30 Loads - 200yds?

[Rooster59]

Looking forward to casting my first batch of bullets with my TLC311-165RF mold after Christmas. Was wondering how well the 170gr loads do out to 200yds.

I am hoping to find an alloy and load that would allow me to dump my 150gr jacketed loads and still maintain reasonable ability to harvest deer to 200yds with that cast bullet in a scoped Marlin 336.

[Ranch Dog]

Rooster, it all boils down to the quality of the alloy and the consistency of your casting technique.

If you want the distance for hunting, that means you are going to need to put the pressure to your loads so that the bullet has the killing authority needed downrange. I suggest a Lyman #2 (clone) alloy with #8 bird shot added for the antimony and then water quench the alloy at the drop. I add one ounce of shot by volume which is just enough to cover the surface; a single, loose, layer of the Lee Pro 4-20 pot.

[Rooster59]

Thanks RD. Not sure it is part of my plan but thought I would check. I will likely try to get an accuracy load for 100yds or less with the 165. If I feel certain that I'll use the 336 out at 200yds then it will have to go to deer camp setup for jacketed.

[Ranch Dog]

Thanks RD. Not sure it is part of my plan but thought I would check. I will likely try to get an accuracy load for 100yds or less with the 165. If I feel certain that I'll use the 336 out at 200yds then it will have to go to deer camp setup for jacketed.

I have several 30-30's set up just exactly as you intend, as 200-yard deer rifles, using the TLC311-165-RF (both the original & revised designs) and the C311-170-RF. These rifles, a Glenfield 30, Marlin 336BL, and a Rossi Rio Grande use a full load of BL-C(2)

[Rooster59]

What kind of zero do you use and trajectory does your rifle achieve? Mine is a 336TS with the 18.5" barrel. Maybe a bit short for a long reach.

[Rooster59]

Ran those numbers thru a ballistics calculator. Looks like if I can achieve the spec velocity then the bullet should fit within a trajectory of 3"+ at 100 and 3"- at 200.