Thread: 3030 loads

Hi guys, I just got some Hornady F X T 160gr "LeverEvollution" bullets to try in my 16" Marlin 3030, thinking off starting with 30gr 3031 powder, any one had a try with these slugs. I could probably use them in my .308 as well, but may vaporise a deer being designed for a 3030.

they will work in the 08 just keep speed down as they pretty soft. the factory loadings are hot for 30/30...they print quite a bit higher than other factory loads in my mates Marlin....they work well from what Ive seen at business end of things.

I've started off at 30 grains of AR2208. Hits the target at the range and kills stuff at close range in the bush. Early days still but I can't say groups at 100m are any better than other projectiles.

Cant see that they do anything that a old school flat nose wont out to 200. They might encourage you to shoot at things that are further away than you really should cos theyre pointy and streamlined but over open sights why bother.

The flat nose ones are the way to go with the 3030, I loaded up with box of 170gr ones and sighted them in 100m at the range. I've got a Weaver1-3 x40 on top so not to bad at 100m, in the deer kill zone so will use there's for bush hunting. I was in Reloaders and needed some bullets, no flat nose ones so I grabbed the F X T`s, Will wait till all the 170g are gone as I will need to resight with the 160g ones I think, will try a few and see how they go.

I’m sceptical about the FTX. The loaded FTX ammo is loaded hotter than standard loads, I think to subconsciously make people think it has something to do with that revolutionary rubber tip - of course it won’t affect MV. All it does is improve BC, however at short ranges to which the 30-30 and other lever action cartridges are suited, this isn’t going to be noticeable. It’s a marketing ploy.
People don’t appreciate the effect that the large meplat of a FP or RN bullet has on a game animal. Unless you’re shooting at extended ranges, there’s no need for a spire point. I’ve also had the issue with the one pack of FTX ammo I’ve used (in 25-35) that the last cartridge gets skewed by the magazine follower and lodges against the front of the loading gate, jamming the action.

TL;DR: they’re shit.
/rant.

If you have the FTX's, then use them.

Tanquerays caution about them skewing in the magazine is a real one, try your rifle and see if they will feed without any hitches.

I have not used 3031 as its never available to me down here, and I have found that 2208 will do very well in the .30/30. I would use 170 grain data: if you try 2208 you should be able to go up to around 33.5 - 34.0 grains and should be able to get around 2100-2200fps even in your short barrel.

I have not used the FTX in my other rifles, although I have loaded 170 grain FN Hornady Interlocks in a couple of .30/06's, and they work really well at up to 2500fps and kill very well. (And are very accurate also) I asked Hornady and they told me that bullet would work up to that muzzle velocity, and they were right. I seem to remember I used 2213sc for that in the .30/06, you would probably have to try something else in the .308 to get them going slow enough.

The .30-30 bullets are made specifally to expand at .30/30 velocities; they have been making them for a long time and have got the design down properly. I don't know if pushing the FTX in a .308 would be appropriate, but you should be safe enough if you run them around 2400 fps.

I use the 3031 for my Sharps as it is good in the 45-70 and as I can also use it in the 308 and 3030 I do. But yes, I`m thinking leave the 3031 for Sharps shooting and get some a d i 2208 for the other two and just use the F X T `s in the 3030. The best way is to load some up with a medium load and give them a try to see if the gun likes them.

Originally Posted by homebrew.357

Hi guys, I just got some Hornady F X T 160gr "LeverEvollution" bullets to try in my 16" Marlin 3030, thinking off starting with 30gr 3031 powder, any one had a try with these slugs. I could probably use them in my .308 as well, but may vaporise a deer being designed for a 3030.

Hi if they work for you the FXT 160"s I have an almost full box I could sell you, I found 170 gr Sierra Pro-Hunter and Hogdon Lever Evolution worked for me in my 16 " Marlin.