load data for lyman 311041 173gr 30-30 bullet

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 4:53 pm

I just took the plunge and ordered the Lyman mold from Midway.
I will be useing WW to cast.

Who has a favorite load for this bullet?
I've read that around 1750 fps is the sweet spot.

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:51 pm

JimT · Post by **JimT** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:19 pm

The 170 gr. jacketed bullet data can be used. I have run them a lot faster than 1700 with good results. If you are casting your own be sure they are fairly hard and that you have an excellent lube.

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:20 pm

JimT wrote:The 170 gr. jacketed bullet data can be used. I have run them a lot faster than 1700 with good results. If you are casting your own be sure they are fairly hard and that you have an excellent lube.

Will casting with WW, lee lube, and lyman gas checks work?

JimT · Post by **JimT** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:31 pm

WCF3030 wrote:
JimT wrote:The 170 gr. jacketed bullet data can be used. I have run them a lot faster than 1700 with good results. If you are casting your own be sure they are fairly hard and that you have an excellent lube.
Will casting with WW, lee lube, and lyman gas checks work?

The wheelweights work just fine. That's what I use. If I want them harder than normal I drop them hot from the mold into water. But normal air-cooled bullets from wheelweights are normally good.

I am not sure about the Lee Lube. I use only Apache Blue. The nearest thing to it is LBT Blue. I have run bullets over 2400 fps with no problems using the Apache Blue.

But .. it is not available anymore. I have a gallon or so left and it is under armed guard!

But the LBT Blue works as well I believe.

I am sure there are other lubes that are good. You have some fanatic bullet casters on this Forum who should be able to steer you in the right direction.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:33 pm

WCF30-30, I have found 18 gr of IMR 4198 to be a super accurate target load at just below 1600 fps in my rifle. I have used up to 23 gr IMR 4198 with the 311041 bullet wich is getting hot and they still shot very good.
Lee alox will work well as will the Lyman gas checks.
I just dont like the mess with LLA so prefer lubing with Alox/beeswax in the luber-sizers after sizing in a lee push through die first with a very light touch of Imperial sizing die wax to lube bullets as they pass through the Lee die and wiped back off before lubing.
This is extra work but makes verrrry good bullets. Have fun!!

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:46 pm

Thank you gentalmen.
I'm still new at the casting thing and just spent as much money on the Lyman mold as I have on all of my other casting equimpment combined.
But I'm already hooked and will buy the keith style 170gr 38 cal next.

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 11:46 am

Good info so far.
Thought I would btt and see if anyone else wants to add any info.

Junior · Post by **Junior** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:50 pm

Start with 19 grs, 21 max, of H4198; or 25 grs, 29 max, of H4895. That's according to the Lee manual, and it matches my experience with the 311041 and the C309-170F, both in air cooled wheelweight alloy.

Trim your cases. Use a Lee Factory Crimp Die. IME, the AV of groups vary 100 fps with a varied crimp. I like a medium crimp. You'll have to define "medium" for yourself.

Use a double dose of Lee Liquid Alox. One before sizing (with Lee push through dies) and another one after they've dried. Put a small fan on the spread-out lubed bullets and they'll dry much faster.

I keep my AV below 1900 fps and never have to clean my barrels.

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 7:14 pm

Thanks Junior.