.30 carbine loading advice

[BamBam-31]

So my 9 YO son has taken a liking to my M1 Carbine. Last week, we burned through four boxes of my S&B ammo stash. Then I looked online to see how much S&B .30 carbine was going for nowadays, and man, that was about $100 worth of ammo!

Okay, we collected all the brass and bought some components. We're loading Win 110 gr. FMJ-RN over 13.8 gr. IMR 4227 w/ CCI SRP to a COAL of 1.675". Book says starting loads are 13.0, max loads are 15.0. The 1.09 aperture on the Auto Disk threw 13.8. Next one up threw 15.0, so we went with the 13.8 just to be safe. Also using the Lee FCD.

Cool thing is, my son is having a blast loading every round on the Lee Classic Turret press. He's doing everything from tumbling gathered brass to tumbling loaded rounds.

Anyways, we need a source for good plinking bullets. Does anyone have experience with the plated bullets from Berry's or Rainer? Should we just stick with jacketed bullets? Anyone have any pet loads for their .30 carbines? Any advice appreciated (and passed along to the next generation ).

[Carcassonne]

I don't know if plated bullets will work at 30 Carbine velocities (2000 fps).

I shoot lead bullets I cast myself. They work OK. I get some leading in the barrel. I think I use Accurate #9 and VV110.


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[Cowboy T]

I shoot my own cast "boolits" in a .44M levergun at around 2,000 fps. No problems.

If you do that with an M1 Carbine, aren't those gas-operated? If so, it should work fine, but you'll just have to remember to check the gas port during your cleaning. Bits of lead can get shaved off and gradually clog the gas port over time. If you see any, just pick it out (gently) with a finishing nail or something similar. But the rifle itself should be just dandy with cast projectiles.

[Mud Eagle]

I buy 110gr FMJ from Hi-Tech Ammo:

http://www.iidbs.com/hitech.zkb?root&GENMENU601C&object-menu6

I also cast using a Lee 2-cavity die (I don't have the number handy right now...). I have never had any issues with lead build-up in the gas port or the gas piston.

[bigbossman]

I buy 110gr FMJ from Hi-Tech Ammo:

http://www.iidbs.com/hitech.zkb?root&GENMENU601C&object-menu6

At $13/100, thats pretty cheap shooting. I've found jacketed for as little as $11/100, so shop around for FMJ, forget the plated, and you won't have to worry about whether the bullet will work right at "normal" loads/velocities.

A quick Google found some FMJ for $75/500 ($15/100), delivered:

http://www.evergladesammo.com/30-carbine-110gr-fmj-bullets.html

I've also found loaded Aguila .30 carbine ammo for as low as $215 delivered for a case of 1000, so you might consider factory stuff to get your brass pile bigger on the cheap.

[BamBam-31]

GREAT info, guys! Thanks.

[bohoki]

ive not had the best luck

ive tried 4227 and 110 and i just cant get them to cycle with 13 grains

i got a case of aguila a couple years ago that stuff is great

[FLIGHT762]

A couple of important things about reloading for the .30 Carbine.

The .30 Carbine head spaces on the case mouth. Be sure to trim any cases over 1.290" to 1.280". Check length AFTER resizing.

There was some imported ammo a few years ago that was too long and there were some out of battery firings, Might have been PMC, but I can't remember. Also, be very sure to seat primers below flush, that can also cause out of battery / slam fires.

[CGT80]

RCBS 2 cavity steel mold 30-115 SP, lubed with Cred and aluminum gas checks, loaded over 11.0 grains of 2400 powder=1668.6 fps average.

It cycles the gun well, but the sights are not adjustable, and I have some feeding issues with some mags. I think my rifle and mags are the issue and not the ammo, as sometimes it feeds just fine.

I have not checked the barrel real well for leading, but lead works great for some people.

[Enfield47]

Ive been using 110gr plated bullets from Rocky Mountain Reloading without any issues with 14 gr of Win 296. I have a friend who has been using the Xtreme plated bullets bullets with 14 gr of H110 with success. I ordered 1,000 of the Xtreme bullets for myself recently based on his success and they are less expensive.

[smle-man]

Is the concern with shooting plated bullets over 1,500 fps about the lead bullet and plated jacket separating in the bore and causing an obstruction?

I've read of this happening with FMJ bullets that have had the tip cut off to jackleg SP bullets (I doubt they'd expand anyway).

[bigbossman]

FMJ for $12.00/100:

http://www.selwayarmory.com/armscorbullets30carbine308diameter110grfullmetaljacket-bagof100.aspx

Currently out of stock, but you can sign up for notification.

[Carcassonne]

I buy 110gr FMJ from Hi-Tech Ammo:

http://www.iidbs.com/hitech.zkb?root&GENMENU601C&object-menu6

I also cast using a Lee 2-cavity die (I don't have the number handy right now...). I have never had any issues with lead build-up in the gas port or the gas piston.

I use Lee's 311-100-2R mold.

[tujungatoes]

My load is 12 grains of 2400 under a 110 xtreme plated. Shoots great. Ejection is consistent enough that I can stand at the shooters 5 o'clock and catch the brass with my hand.

[big103]

Like said make sure you trim.