I am looking for a new load to try in my 30-30 AI for 120-130 gr bullets in a 14" contender. I have been using a load with 4198 and it is good. But that powder is a "pain" through my powder measure. I also have worked up a good load with Ball-C, but I believe that it is probably a little slow for the short barrel & light bullets(big boom & plenty of flash).

Thus, ideally I would like to find a middle of the road load (2400 fps or more) using a powder that flows through a powder measure relatively accurately and is appropriate for this caliber in a contender. I would appreciate any of your experiences to give me a starting place.

Thanks.

RL-10X did very well in my 30-30AI w/ 130gr Hornady SP's. Start around 31gr and work up. My barrel liked 35gr and chrony'd over 2500fps.

I load with AA2460 for fire forming and it would work well for hunting as well. A good load that would burn well. But the real question is why don't you buy a different powder throw that feeds stick powder better. I use a LEE throw that only costs $20-$25 at midway. I too use 4198 and love it. So why change if it works. Just my thoughts.

Lars

I hate to say it but I use 4198 as well...

Good point. My Redding varies as much as a grain from charge to charge when I am loading 4198. Which Lee measure do you have? I also have a Hornady on my bench but have not tried it with 4198. I guess that I just used the Redding out of habit without considering that another might do a better job with stick powder.

You might try 38.0 grs AA2520 or 36.0 grs H322. These loads give between 2450-2500fps in my 14" Contender.

It's called the LEE perfect powder measure. And it's only $20.99 in stock at midwayusa right now. I'll have to admit that it looks like a cheap throw, but even my $130 rcbs throw doesn't throw powder as nice as the LEE. The Lee won't throw ball or flake powder either, but again it will run stick powder like no other. It is a good buy.

Lars

Thanks. I will order one.

I run what the barrel likes and just put up with the troubles… but I will look at the Lee thrower! THANKS!!!!