Hornady LEVERevolution

JohnnyReb · Post by **JohnnyReb** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:11 pm

Has anyone tried this round in 30-30? That was to be the whole idea behind a pointed bullet in a tubular magazine.

John in MS · Post by **John in MS** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:37 pm

We had some reports from users on the old board a while back. From what I recall, they were pleased with the accuracy and it was apparently very effective/destructive on game.

Hopefully some of the folks who have used them can elaborate.

John

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:39 pm

Can't speak to the 30-30, but the 45-70 is about as accurate and realiable as any factory ammo. It does shoot flatter. If the darned deer would cooperate, I could let you know about terminal performance.

JohnnyReb · Post by **JohnnyReb** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:03 pm

I feel your pain jeepnik.....
Now if someone could make ammo to "freezeframe" the deer then we could all give some reliable info.

In a recent post , I had noted the availability of several relatively inexpensive Marlins in 30WCF in my area.....just trying to find an excuse to buy one

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:17 pm

It is super accurate in my Marlin 336A (1950), and Win. 94 (1956). It shoots about 6" higher than Rem. 170 gr. factory ammo at 100 yd.
Give it a try, you will like the way it groups.

JohnnyReb · Post by **JohnnyReb** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:26 pm

Wow! 6" @ 100 yds is a serious performance increase...

John in MS · Post by **John in MS** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:07 pm

"Wow! 6" @ 100 yds is a serious performance increase..."

Actually, I suspect that barrel vibrations and the barrel position
as the bullet exits the muzzle account for most of that difference.

For example, if you take a Sierra 150 gr. BTSP, the drop from
the muzzle to 100 yards is -5.74" at 1800 fps.

The same bullet's 100-yard drop at 3500 fps is -1.48", or roughly
4.3" difference in drop, for 1700 fps difference in muzzle velocity.
Obviously, there's no way the LeverEvolution is going 2000 fps faster
than standard .30-30 velocity, even with its better ballistic coefficient,
which primarily makes a difference at longer ranges.

For example, if you take a 150 gr. Sierra FN and compare it to their BTSP, both at 2300 fps, the difference in drop is only 0.2" at 100 yards.

For a closer (rough) comparison between the 170 gr. and LeverEvolution ammo, Sierra's 170 gr FN at 2000 fps drops 4.80" at 100, vs. their 150 gr. BTSP at 2400 fps, which drops 3.19" -- only a difference of ~1.6" between the two bullets... No way is there enough pure velocity difference and ballistic coefficient improvement to account for 6" difference in trajectory at 100 yards between standard .30-30 and the new LeverEvolution ammo.
John

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:33 pm

My mention of the impact change of 6" in my rifles was not to say that the performance was that much greater but to let you know that they most likely will not print in the same place as what you have been shooting. If you want to try them on game,be sure to spend some serious range time to zero with them.

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:13 pm

Accurate and fast, 2272 fps - 160 gr - 3 x 1 1/16" at 100 yds. 20" barrel - 26" barrel approx 2400 fps. - both Winchesters.

handirifle · Post by **handirifle** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:23 pm

From my readings, those with the marlin rifles made for it are seeing VERY impressive results in accuracy.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 7:26 am

I, too, get about a 6" difference @ 100yds in the POI of my Marlin .35 - but much less (about 1 1/2") in my M1895SS .45-70.

I've readjusted my .35's peep accordingly- but, IMHO, the .45-70's close enugh, for government work !

Post by **Old Savage** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:03 am

I got about the same results as Pete in the 45-70. Have to look at the 30-30 targets.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:39 am

Well..............If ya think about it, the 1895's only about 3 bullet hole diameter's off !

Eric M. · Post by **Eric M.** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 2:00 pm

We had had some Hornady Reps. at the Gun Club last month, showing the Levereverlution.
The consensus for the guys that shot it was that it was very accurate.

Just to be a jerk, I told them that I have my levers for close shooting, and if I need something to shoot farther and flatter, I'll put down my 45/70 and take my 300WinMag to the field.
I asked them if any of their bullets could match the 300Mag for ballistic performance.
All that I got from them was a dirty look

which is what I was expecting.

Eric

JohnnyReb · Post by **JohnnyReb** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 5:00 pm

JohnnyReb wrote:Wow! 6" @ 100 yds is a serious performance increase...

John in MS. Thanks for the amazing info.

I realize I used the term performance too broadly.....

MikeS. · Post by **MikeS.** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 6:42 pm

I've fired 6 rounds of 160 grain thru my 336 and they did well at 100yds. I paid 21.50 for the 1st box and then found it at a gun show last week for 15. I bought 5 boxes. And I don't even hunt.

86er · Post by **86er** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 7:12 pm

The 30-30 cartridge in LeverEvolution is much more impressive than the 45-70. I get better ballistics than the LeverEvolution in 45-70 with my Grizzly Cartridge load of 405gr Kodiak @ 2000 fps.

gcs · Post by **gcs** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 2:15 pm

Well I tried to respond yesterday to this but had to wait to get registered, apparently I have trouble reading directions,lol.

Anyway, I used the 30-30 LR in two older 336's and they are VERY accurate in these guns, I've taken 5 whitetails with it and I'll never use another factory's round for hunting again unless they stop making these things.
The LR is a 30-30 on steroids.
I've used Rem. CL's , + Win PP's, the 150's performed best, they all produced dead deer, but.... the LR's, flat out out performed them all. ALL deer taken so far dropped at the shot, or died within sight of the stand, even two marginal hits when the deer moved as the trigger let off. I can't say that for the 170CL's. Devastating wound channels and shock. I want them dead right now so I don't have to look for deer in the dark, in bad places. This round does that.

I could care less what they'll do at 200 yards or more, I don't care if Hornaday never releases the bullets, I don't care who argues"If it's not broke don't fix it"
After several truck loads of deer, these things are THE best 30-30 rounds I've EVER used in over 38 years!
PERIOD.

Post by **Old Savage** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 2:27 pm

gcs, good clear report, thanks.

Hornady LEVERevolution

Hornady LEVERevolution

Don't think it's quite that dramatic...