30x44 Loads

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doctorjonathon

Guest
I can't seem to find any definitive chart on powder charges/types for 30x44. It seems that several members have charts that they send by private message, but nothing is searchable. This post is an attempt to create a starting point for loads including as many powders and bullet weights as possible.

Who can help?

Also, does anyone have information about hunter class matches in the Portland Oregon area?
 
Well, 30x44's can use a lot of different powders. N-133, 322, 748, Benchmark, Brigadeer Scot (4197). I even know a couple guys using 4198, a bit fast for my taste. Most all of the loads are near full case to slight compressed loads. Best bet is to start light w/ a chronograph and sneak up on 2950-2975 FPS. That all assumes you are using slow twist barrels and 1" or shorter jackets, 112-125 grain weight.

:eek:
 
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Here are some of my loads that worked when I shot a 30x44. I now shoot a 30HBR (30X47 with a sharper shoulder).

As of 1999:
Berger 125 flat base, 36.8G of H322, with a CCI BR2 primer. This gave consistent .223" groups.
Berger 125 flat base, 65Culv of 748, with a BR2 primer. Gave .293 groups.

As of 1997:
Berger 125 flat base Moly, with 36.2gr of 4895, with a BR2 primer. Gave one hole .209" groups.
Berger 125 flat base Moly, with 37.5gr of (old) 8208, with a BR2 primer. Gave .299" groups.

All these loads were shot through a Hart 1/15 barrel with a trued Rem 700 action with metal work by Frank Wilson and Felix Jarrett. A sweet little rifle.

Good luck with your effort...virg.
 
Why not use H4198 like the 30 br guys? I appreciate all of the above and will begin the experiment at the range tomorrow.
 
Hi doctorjonathon, They shoot VFS in Roseburg, Ore. but not Hunter. Very low winds, easy place to shoot at Roseburg Rod & Gun Club. Check their website for dates. Some shoots in LaGrand, Ore. (only club matchs, I think). Some VFS at Tacoma Revolver and Rifle Club at Tacoma, Wash up to 300yds. Not aware of any in Portland. Don
 
doctorjonathon said:
Why not use H4198 like the 30 br guys? I appreciate all of the above and will begin the experiment at the range tomorrow.
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This is a very good idea IF you are using lighter bullets. If you are using heavier bullets it may not be such a good idea. I shot a 30-44 for quite a few years and used the faster powder in mine. I shot 112 through 118g bullets in mine most of the time.

Two, easy to get powders are H-4198 and Re-7. Both are quite close in speed. In practice, the Re-7 is a tad warmer. Some I have heard of use Vitivori N-130 with good results. I used it years ago when it was reasonably priced and obtainable all the time. There have been times when it hasn't been available. In my opinion, it is the best of the three and a very good one in the 30 BR as well.

In reality, the H-4198 is so close to N-130 you may not be able to tell the difference. There is also a Norma powder worth considering as it works very well in the 30 BR, it has been reported here.
 
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Thanks,

I took it out for the first time and fire formed the new brass. H4198 and 125 gr Chism bullets will be tested in a few weeks as I work up a load.
 
In reality VV130 is slower than 4198 by about 150 fps. It is superior in the 30BR case as well as the 30 X 44. Try 37.5 of 130. VV135 will also work.
 
Maddog said:
In reality VV130 is slower than 4198 by about 150 fps. It is superior in the 30BR case as well as the 30 X 44. Try 37.5 of 130. VV135 will also work.
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It has to be slower than it was 5 or so years ago then but I am not saying it isn't. Things tend to change over time.
 
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Just got back from the range and learned alot about the 30x44. 37.5 grains of H4198 with a 125 grain chism bullet produced a .127 best group in the typical Northwest spring rain.

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