Benchmark 2 in the 30-30?

[andym79]

Hi guys just wondering if anyone had used Benchmark 2 for loads in the 1400fps region in their 30-30?

I currently use 2205 and 2207, I have shot some with 2206H with good results. I may be wrong but I suspect BM2 might be a sweet spot.

The projectile I use is a 170GN. I am guessing a good load would be between 18-22 grains. I would really like to hear from anyone who has.

Should add this is a cast projectile!

[Gregg]

Nothing to do but try mate.

I haven't done what you're asking but it looks to be a promising powder.

Lots of blokes swapping from their tried and true powders 2206H, 2208 etc. for different calibres to the Benchmark 2.

Worth a try I say.

[feedr]

The projectile I use is a 170GN. I am guessing a good load would be between 18-22 grains. I would really like to hear from anyone who has.

Should add this is a cast projectile!

Just in case you haven't seen this there is load data for the 170gr pills and the 30-30 with Benchmark 2 on the ADI site.

30-30 Winchester load data.

Min load 25.3gr. 1894fps
Max load 27gr. 2001fps

Does a cast bullet change anything?

Sorry if chiming in with useless info if that's the case, just FYI in case that data wasn't there last time you looked.

[andym79]

Yere I will dial it back 20% and see how it goes, cast takes less powder to get to the same velocity!

[feedr]

cast takes less powder to get to the same velocity!

Didn't know that, cheers.

[sha]

Why less velocity for a cast bullet if I can ask?

If a factory bullet and cast bullet are both 150gr (or whatever weight) they should move the same?

[andym79]

Resistance in the throat on launch the softer lead takes less to get it going than the copper jacket so the same amount of powder will drive it easier. It takes less pressure to swage a soft piece of lead down the bore.

Try slugging your bore with a jacketed bullet!

That is the reason why with few exceptions reduced loads are not recommended with jacketed bullets, if the pressure is too low they can get stuck in the throat or bore and cause an obstruction, which if not picked up on can be catastrophic for the rifle and maybe the shooter. If you reduce a load too far with a lead bullet, it won't stabilise and probably hit the ground ten yards in front, I doubt you could stick cast in the barrel, unless you were trying.

[Seconds]

Try slugging your bore with a jacketed bullet!

Even more fun, try removing it after it's stuck in there

[sha]

Cool. Thanks for the info Andy.

Leaning more and more here.

[disco2]

Hi andym79, I don't know if you ever got an answer to your original question. It's taken me until today to finish working up loads for my Winchestsr .30 30.

Benchmark 2 is a great powder if you are using jacketed bullets and is a fairly slow (comparatively) burning powder.
If using reduced loads,

Here is the one I use. 9 grains of AS30N pushing a 165grain, Hawkesbury River copperhawk, flat nosed lead projectile. .
Gives consistent velocities of 1365fps and will give a 2" group at 100mtrs with Williams peep rear sight and a tru-glo foresight.
Could be way more accurate than that, however my foresight completely covers/obsqures an 8" round target at 100mtrs. So it's really guess work. Point it at the middle, fire and it gives consistent 2" groups. Sometimes 3", but a pig at 50mtrs will never know the difference. It's really soft shooting with little recoil.
AS30N is a fast burning pisto/shotgunl powder and if you are going to keep going down the reduced load and lead projectiles path, grab an old Lymans reloading catalogue. An old bloke gave me that advice. I stumbled on an old 1970 edition and haven't looked back. Cover the majority of rifle/pistol calibres in both jacketed and Lead.

Good shooting.

Cheers

Richard
llkliw .