Contender 30-30 AI
Digging through the safe last weekend, I rediscovered my 14" 30-30 AI barrel that I have had for 15+ yrs. However, never really spent any time working up loads for it. Have renewed my interest in it and am going to start working up some loads using 165 gr bullets. Does anyone have any experience with this combination or can you suggest a good powder and starting point. I have many AA, RL, H & IMR powders. While 3031 & 4895 are commonly used for the regular 30-30, I seem to remember that the RL (15 maybe?) was one that I played with a little back when. Also seem to recall Paco Kelly using 414. I would welcome your thoughts.
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Different powders are not required. Ones that work in the regular 30-30 will be perfect for the Ackleyed version. I'd highly recommend RL-15. You can start your load work a grain under maximum for the regular version (even if your brass isn't already fireformed) and work up to a bit over the regular maximum. But not much over; 30-30 brass isn't that strong, and the Contender is just about maxxed out at normal 30-30 pressures.
The 30-30 is one of the few rounds that genuinely see "improvement" by being Ackleyed. Stronger guns can take more advantage of that than the Contender, but it is still a great round in the T/C. Enjoy it!0 -
The 14 inch 30/30 AI is one of the best deer hunting calibers in the Contender.
" except for my 375JDJ I mean "
A 125 grain Ballistic tip and 3031 is what every one used on deer around here, and a few guys have made some awesome shoots doing it... I believe the 165 is a bit heavy for the shorter barrel though....0 -
Thanks for your thoughts. I had this bbl improved a number of years ago in an attempt to get performance close to a friends 300 savage contender. The 165s are the bullets that J D recommends for the 309 (which we both owned at the time). Since I have a couple of 6.5 JDJs, a 7-30 Waters, a 338 JDJ, & a 7-08 Encore (plus a few more[;)]), I am just contenplating playing with the 30-30AI. However, I will definitely try the 125 gr BT. Sounds like they might be fun. 0
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