The venerable .30-30 Winchester. A name that conjures images of rugged landscapes, classic lever-action rifles, and a rich history deeply interwoven with the American West. This iconic cartridge, often chambered in rifles like the Marlin 336 and the Winchester Model 94, has long been a favorite for deer hunting, target shooting, and plinking. While technology evolves, the .30-30 remains a relevant and capable round, especially when paired with the right components. Today, we’re delving into how to unlock the full potential of your .30-30 rifle through handloading, specifically using Hornady’s innovative Leverevolution powder.
Understanding Leverevolution Powder and Why It Matters
Hornady’s Leverevolution powder revolutionized the .30-30’s performance. Developed specifically to boost the performance of the cartridge, it offers several significant advantages over traditional powders. At its core, Leverevolution is a propellant formulated to generate higher velocities within the pressure limitations of the .30-30. This means that you can achieve significantly increased velocities with the same bullet weights as you might with other powders, resulting in flatter trajectories and more energy delivered downrange. This improved performance expands the effective range of your rifle and increases its effectiveness on target.
How does Leverevolution achieve this? It’s a slower-burning powder compared to many of the propellants typically used in the .30-30. The specific burn rate is optimized for the unique constraints and performance demands of lever-action rifles. This allows for complete combustion of the powder charge within the barrel, maximizing energy transfer to the bullet. The result is a significant increase in muzzle velocity, which translates into greater downrange energy and less bullet drop. If you want to get the maximum performance from your .30-30, understanding this powder is key.
Selecting Your Components: A Foundation for Success
Handloading is a craft, and the quality of your components directly impacts the results. Choosing the right bullets, brass, and primers is essential for safe, accurate, and consistent loads. Let’s explore the key elements.
Choosing the Right Bullets for Your .30-30
The bullet is the business end of your load. The choice significantly affects the trajectory, energy transfer, and overall terminal performance. The .30-30 is most commonly associated with bullets in the one hundred fifty-grain, one hundred sixty-grain, and one hundred seventy-grain weight ranges. Leverevolution performs exceptionally well with these popular weights.
One of the biggest advantages of Leverevolution comes when used with Hornady’s Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullets. Designed with a soft polymer tip, these bullets allow for a significant increase in ballistic coefficient compared to round-nosed bullets that are traditionally used in lever-action rifles. The FTX bullets can also safely be stacked in the tubular magazines of these lever-action rifles.
- Hornady FTX Bullets: The ideal choice for use with Leverevolution. Designed specifically for the .30-30, these bullets offer a high ballistic coefficient, excellent expansion, and impressive downrange performance. Their polymer tip aids expansion and provides greater accuracy.
- Other Bullet Types: While FTX bullets are highly recommended, various other designs also work well. Consider pointed soft-point bullets or round-nosed bullets, but *always* make sure they’re designed for safe use in tubular magazines if you’re shooting them in a lever-action rifle. The pointed bullets can potentially cause a discharge if one hits the primer of another, which is why FTX bullets are the choice.
The Importance of Quality Brass
The brass casing holds the bullet, powder, and primer. It must be robust and dimensionally consistent to ensure safe and accurate reloading. Invest in quality brass from reputable manufacturers. This helps prolong the life of your brass and ensures consistency in your loads.
- Brass Brands: Top brass brands include Winchester, Hornady, and Remington. These brands provide a reliable and consistent product that will provide great results.
Primer Selection: The Spark That Ignites the Charge
Primers initiate the ignition of the powder. Choosing the right primer is crucial for consistent ignition and accuracy. In the .30-30, large rifle primers are the standard.
- Large Rifle Primers: Use standard large rifle primers. The exact brand often makes little difference, but Federal, CCI, and Winchester are all reliable choices. Primer choice, however, is a key element of achieving consistent shot-to-shot performance.
Precise Load Data for the .30-30 with Leverevolution Powder
***DISCLAIMER: Handloading ammunition is inherently dangerous. The data provided below is for informational purposes only. Always start with the minimum recommended load and carefully work your way up, closely monitoring for pressure signs. The user is solely responsible for all handloading activities and must prioritize safety.***
This information is based on testing done with particular equipment and components. *Always* consult a reputable reloading manual, cross-reference the data, and always start low and work up. These loads should only be used with properly functioning firearms.
Before you begin, you need a good reloading manual, a reliable scale to measure out powder, and a chronograph is a useful tool for measuring the results of your loads. Never mix components or exceed the listed data.
Load Data Tables:
These tables provide a starting point. *Always* reduce the starting load by ten percent and work your way up carefully.
(Table 1: Hornady FTX 160 Grain Bullet)
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Powder | Starting Load (Grains) | Starting Velocity (FPS) | Maximum Load (Grains) | Maximum Velocity (FPS) | Primer Type | Brass Type | COL (Inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One hundred sixty grains | FTX | Leverevolution | Thirty | Approximately two thousand | Thirty three | Approximately two thousand two hundred | Large Rifle | Your Choice | Two point five five | Crimp to spec. Consult reloading manual. |
(Table 2: Bullet 150 Grain)
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Powder | Starting Load (Grains) | Starting Velocity (FPS) | Maximum Load (Grains) | Maximum Velocity (FPS) | Primer Type | Brass Type | COL (Inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One hundred fifty grains | Flex Tip eXpanding | Leverevolution | Thirty two | Approximately two thousand two hundred | Thirty five | Approximately two thousand three hundred | Large Rifle | Your Choice | Two point five five | Crimp to spec. Consult reloading manual. |
(Table 3: 170 Grain Bullet)
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Powder | Starting Load (Grains) | Starting Velocity (FPS) | Maximum Load (Grains) | Maximum Velocity (FPS) | Primer Type | Brass Type | COL (Inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One hundred seventy grains | Round Nose | Leverevolution | Thirty | Approximately two thousand | Thirty three | Approximately two thousand one hundred | Large Rifle | Your Choice | Two point five five | Crimp to spec. Consult reloading manual. |
Important Notes for all loads: This data is a guideline. Always start with the minimum load and work up in small increments (e.g., point five grain increments) while observing for signs of excessive pressure. Consult a reloading manual for specific guidance. These loads were tested with a variety of Marlin and Winchester .30-30 rifles. *Always* observe the safe overall cartridge length (COL) for your specific rifle. COL is a critical safety consideration in lever-action rifles to ensure reliable chambering.
Safety: The Uncompromising Rule of Handloading
Handloading demands unwavering attention to safety. It’s a process filled with potential hazards. Thoroughly understanding and adhering to safety protocols is paramount.
- Pressure Signs: Monitor for pressure signs like flattened primers, cratered primers, difficult bolt extraction, or expanded case heads. Any of these signs indicate excessive pressure, and you must immediately reduce your powder charge.
- Double Check Everything: Double-check every measurement – especially the powder charge. Errors in powder measurement can have catastrophic consequences.
- Careful Inspection: Inspect every loaded cartridge carefully before firing. Check for proper bullet seating, crimping, and any signs of damage.
- Reloading Manuals and Tools: A comprehensive reloading manual is an indispensable resource. Use high-quality reloading equipment, including a scale, calipers, and a case trimmer. A chronograph is an invaluable tool for assessing your loads and optimizing performance.
Loading Process Guidelines
The handloading process requires precision and a methodical approach. Here’s a general guide:
- Brass Preparation: Clean the brass, trim the cases to the correct length, and chamfer and deburr the case mouths.
- Priming: Prime the cases using a priming tool or your reloading press.
- Powder Charging: Carefully measure the powder charge using your scale and a powder dispenser.
- Bullet Seating: Seat the bullet to the correct overall cartridge length (COL). For lever-action rifles, accurate COL is crucial for safe operation and feeding from the magazine.
- Crimping: Apply a consistent roll crimp to secure the bullet.
- Final Inspection: Inspect the finished round for any defects or errors.
Tips for Accuracy and Peak Performance
- Seating Depth: With the Hornady FTX bullets, try to get the bullet as close to the lands as possible.
- Crimp: A consistent and firm crimp is essential for consistent ignition and bullet release.
- Rifle Maintenance: A clean barrel is a more accurate barrel. Clean your rifle barrel regularly.
- Group and Pattern: Use target practice to verify and fine-tune.
Conclusion: Unleashing the Potential of Your .30-30
Handloading with Leverevolution powder opens the door to enhanced performance in your .30-30 rifle. By carefully selecting your components, following safe handloading practices, and paying attention to detail, you can create ammunition that optimizes your rifle’s accuracy, velocity, and downrange energy. Remember, handloading is a rewarding but serious undertaking. Prioritize safety and always approach the process with a commitment to precision and responsibility.
Do not hesitate to consult multiple sources and seek expert advice if you are unsure about any aspect of the process.
Remember to enjoy the process and the results!
Call to Action:
Share your Leverevolution loading experiences and ask any questions in the comments.
