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3030 Contender Load ? 125gr Accubond #194692 10/02/2018 7:00 PM
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I purchased a large quantity of Nosler #52165, .308 125 grain Accubond bullets for loading in a 308. I just purchased a 3030 Winchester 14" barrel for my Contender.
Is this bullet too "stout" to use in my new barrel for deer hunting?


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Re: 3030 Contender Load ? 125gr Accubond [Re: BKS] #194693 10/02/2018 7:16 PM
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REDHAWK1954 Offline
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If it was designed for a 308 I would think it is too tough for the 30 30 contender velocities.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: 3030 Contender Load ? 125gr Accubond [Re: BKS] #194694 10/02/2018 7:23 PM
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OFFSHORE Offline
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I think you're right on the upper side of being to stout for the 30/30 Contender velocities. The Noslers minimum impact velocity is 1600/1800 FPS and I'm sure you could push that pill to 2100 over the top of some Benchmark or 8208 powder. I would see how they shot in your new barrel and then do some bullet construction integrity testing. A lot of people really like the plain o'le Ballistic Tips in their 30/30 T/C's. I also don't see why the Berger Bullets wouldn't do well for you. . .they expand at your T/C velocities. I haven't shot the Hornady Flex Tips from a pistol barrel, but they don't do so well on critters out of a 20" 336 Marlin rifle. They're pretty accurate, but lack the on game performance.

Re: 3030 Contender Load ? 125gr Accubond [Re: OFFSHORE] #194695 10/02/2018 7:41 PM
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karl Offline
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I reload the 30 WCF for a 14" contender and experiment with a variety of bullets.
Shooting the Barns 150gn flat nosed bullet the max velocity I could get was ~2150. Using a 110gn bullet I am getting 2500fps with RL7 (both a little more then 1500 ft*lbs of energy). playing with an energy calculator and adjusting velocity to get equivalent energy I would guess you would get around 2350 with the 125gn pill. If Offshore is correct about the minimum recommended impact velocity (I would contact Nosler to confirm) then I think they would work just fine. A ballistics calculator would give you a maximum recommended range to ensure proper expansion. My gut says you would be ok to ~200 yards, but run the calculations.

Re: 3030 Contender Load ? 125gr Accubond [Re: karl] #194706 10/03/2018 9:48 AM
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dhom Offline
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For what it's worth,,,,,,,,,Nosler told me the 125 Ballistic tips expand down to 1600 fps and Berger said 2000 fps.

Re: 3030 Contender Load ? 125gr Accubond [Re: dhom] #194708 10/03/2018 1:06 PM
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cherokeetracker Offline
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MY 2 cents worth,,,,,
The bullets mentioned are great, but designed for the 308 so look at the twists recommended, as well as the velocities.
(Bergers usually require a faster twist)

I found three powders to work well with flat nosed as well as with 125 and 150 gr pointed bullets, and those are
RL 7
IMR 8208
LeverEvolution
Lever gave me the highest velocities
Phone calls can help.
Oh and yes used in 14" contender...

Re: 3030 Contender Load ? 125gr Accubond [Re: cherokeetracker] #194717 10/03/2018 11:59 PM
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wvhitman Offline
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The ABs don't go fast enough to expand real well (but, some) in the .30-30. Also, watch your loading of them. They're bonded and cause a slight increase in pressure. JD Jones always told me to load them a few grains below BT loads in Contenders.


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