30-30 ammo

[YukonGlocker]

I shoot a lot of 30-30, and my ammo stock is dwindling so I'm shopping some of the newer 30-30 factory loads. I tried Hornady LeverEvolution when they came out, but they were one of the lease accurate loads out of my rifles. The old style Winchester Silvertip (150gr.) is one of most accurate loads of my rifles, but Winchester replaced it with a polymer tipped 'Ballistic Silvertip'. Anyone tried the new Silvertips?...or any other newer 30-30 loads?

 

[dennishoddy]

I hate to say it, but the 30-30 has never been known for accuracy.
Its not a "brush buster" as lore has it. Its killed a lot of animals over its history, but I'd sure look for a good bolt gun if your not into AR's.
Quality Bolt guns are a dime a dozen now with the popularity of AR's.

 

[YukonGlocker]

I have 2 Marlins that will lay 5 shots into 1" at 100 yards with factory ammo. What I've found after having and working on dozens of them is that, for the most part, they are really picky about load. It's easy to bring a 4" patterning gun to a 1.5" patterning gun by finding the right load. This isn't about not being into ARs or bolt guns...I just love lever guns. I'd like to try Buffalo Bore's 190 gr. load too, but it's too expensive for playing around with.

 

[dennishoddy]

Cool, If lever guns are your favorite, I can understand.

 

[HiredHand]

YG, Are your Marlins the microgrooved barrels? I recall the Leverevolution projectiles didn't play well with those older Marlins.

 

[YukonGlocker]

YG, Are your Marlins the micro-grooved barrels? I recall the Leverevolution projectiles didn't play well with those older Marlins.

The rifles I tried the LeverEvolution in were micro-groove, and I was surprised at how bad it patterned in mine.

 

[YukonGlocker]

Cool, If lever guns are your favorite, I can understand.

I wouldn't say they are my favorite. I like other platforms too, so I'd be in a tight spot if I had to pick just one!

 

[YukonGlocker]

YG, Are your Marlins the microgrooved barrels? I recall the Leverevolution projectiles didn't play well with those older Marlins.

What has your experience been with the newer Marlins?

 

[_CY_]

recently scored a model 94 so just getting started with 30/30 and are planning on reloading.

 

[HiredHand]

What has your experience been with the newer Marlins?

I don't have any. I heard that the overall quality dropped off at some point after they were purchased by Freedom Group.