I want a load for my contender. I shoot best (4"@75yds) with 150gr Federal factory loads.

I want to replicate or better (gasp!) that with a hand load.

To date I have tried ( all Lymann #48 Book)

110 gr Horn SP/41 gr 748
150 gr Sierra SP/ 38 gr 748
150 gr Sierra SP/ 28 gr 3031
150 BTB LFPGC/8 gr Unique (YUCK!)
180 Hornady SP/ 27gr 3031 (best yet)


None of these load pack the whop of the 150 grain Feds. I know the 18" flash tells me that I am not burning effeciently, who cares if it groups.

Would I be OK to switch to a slower powder like H4350. I think I need a better smack on the back of that slug to make it grab the rifling.

My goals are to end up with a cheap gopher load and a 125 yd deer load before I wear out the barrel.

One of the better loads for a single-shot 30-30 is the 130 gr Hornady FBSP (#3020 SP). This spire point bullet will do varmits and deer a world of hurt. IMR3031 has always been a good choice for this cartridge.

With a 10" T/C bbl, Hornady manual #5 lists this powder/bullet combo as 1750 fps with a starting load of 30.0 grains. Max load is 32.9 grains for 1950 fps. You should be able to gain approx. 100 +- fps with your 14" bbl.

Think you'll be impressed with the accuracy, too!

Reloader7 is a great powder to play around with in .30-30 T/C's

Also try the Speer 130gr FN bullet. :)

The only thing a slower powder like 4350 will give you is more muzzle blast. Your best bet is to stick with slightly lighter than standard bullets (that 130 is good, the 125 Nosler Ballistic Tip is the BEST) and a powder to match.

I'd be toying with the 125 BT over one of the following: H322, AA2015, RL-7, RL-10X, Benchmark, Ex-Terminator, AA2230, or W748. Old reliable 3031 isn't bad either, but I wouldn't go slower than that.

I managed to get 2300 fps from a 14" Contender in .30 Herrett using the 125BT, so you should be able to get 2400 at least.

I have shot a 14" T/C Contender in 30-30 for years as well as a Magnum Research Lone Eagle single shot hunting handgun and this is the loas that I use in both -

CASE: 375 Winchester brass necked down and fireformed in chamber...

PRIMER: CCI-200

POWDER: H-4895 / 35.2 gr.

BULLET: SPEER 150 gr. Grand Slam

VELOCITY: 2,400 fps.

ACCURACY: Both guns wear a Bushnell Trophy 2X-6X handgun scope and will shoot 3-shot groups under 1-inch at 100 yards from a bench...

The above listed load was safe in MY GUNS and the powder charge should be reduced by 10% for starting loads and then worked up gradually, watching for signs of excessive pressure....

A