Have new rifle, need a mold!

centershot · Post by **centershot** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:48 pm

OK, so I have decided to leave my new 336 as a 30-30 instead of rebarreling to 38-55. Now, I need a bullet mold. This rifle has micro-groove rifling and I'm not familiar with this at all. I was thinking of Lyman #311041, Lee #90368 (309-170-flat point), or Lee 90371 (312-185-1R). I'd really appreciate some input from those of you who shoot cast from your micro-groove 30-30's!

centershot

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 1:23 pm

Lyman.

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 1:45 pm

Go with the lyman, or one of RCBS's bullets. I'm growing more fond of RCBS bullet molds everytime I get another one.

You'll need to slug that barrel, and try to get the bullet at least .002 over diameter. Also clean the snot out of the barrel to remove any traces of copper or other fouling.
With a clean barrel, a properly sized bullet using a GOOD lube those Marlin will run cast alright.

Poohgyrr · Post by **Poohgyrr** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:03 pm

I'm new to casting, but have been hearing good things about Marlins and molds from Michael (Ranch Dog) over on Cast Boolits

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/

I believe his 30-30 molds aren't due in until April ! but the field reports say they seem to work pretty well, and he will stock them. I have heard nothing but good about his customer service.

http://ranchdogmolds.com/

Yance · Post by **Yance** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 9:25 pm

Take a look at SAECO's #315. 170 FP gr, "tapered", designed especially for the .30-30. Bottom band on mine runs about .312, nose around .301-.302. I size mine .311.

homefront · Post by **homefront** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:36 am

Yance,

Can you recommend a good load for that bullet?

centershot · Post by **centershot** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:46 pm

Are you fellows running those bullets through a Micro-groove barrel? If so, please give me an idea of the velocity you are getting with your loads, I'm looking for 2000 fps from a 170 gr bullet. This rifle will be used for the "lomg range" competition in Cowboy Lever Action Silhouette matches, I'll need to knock down steel rams @ 200 meters.

Thanks,

centershot