New 170gr Federal vs hand loads

[Vaquero]

Picked up a box of Federal 170gr 30-30 ammo this afternoon and wanted to compare to my favorite 170gr load.
Sierra Pro hunters, and 29.2 grs. of IMR 3031.
Off the picnic table in the side yard, 55 yds. to the backstop.

20220504_180200.jpg (85 KiB) Viewed 980 times

The federal had a spread of 5/8" center to center, and mine load was 3/4".

RP

[BigAl52]

Pretty good shootin Id say. Either load would work for me.

[Vaquero]

Pretty good shootin Id say. Either load would work for me.

Right but the factory stuff figures out to $1.32 ea, where as having had the brass and then loading it comes to .54, .55 cents.
But the next lb. of powder may be more expensive. I do have one in reserve.
I just scoped another this evening, my first Marlin. I put a 2x7 Vortex on it, now to see what it likes.

RP

[BigAl52]

Your time loading that stuff is worth something. I realize its a hobby and fun but its still time. Powder Im seeing is about 40 a lb.

[Rifletom]

That Federal shot pretty tight. But, at the price difference, I'd certainly stay with the handloads also. For those that don't handload, the Fed looks good. Darn good shooting either way Randy.

[GFK]

To me, the hand load is more on point! It seems to be closer to center, which should make a difference as it opens in distance.

[DsGrouse]

Your time loading that stuff is worth something. I realize its a hobby and fun but its still time. Powder Im seeing is about 40 a lb.

which is exactly why for the last 30 years i did not reload. Cost wise, it never made sense. Even now, it is arguably a dead even cost factor. I have more time to shoot now, but not the ammo reserves i had 5 years ago. So, that time is taken up by reloading the ammo. it isn't the 1:1 like some people portray it as.

[Vaquero]

Your time loading that stuff is worth something. I realize its a hobby and fun but its still time. Powder Im seeing is about 40 a lb.

Al, those 3 only took a few mins. to load, took me longer to find the dies in that dark cabinet than it almost did to load the 3 rounds.
I use a Lee turret press, so all my dies are all setup, I just pop out one set and pop another in and change shell holders.
Yes it's a hobby and I do enjoy it,
I've said before, I'm not sure if I load to shoot, or
Shoot to reload?

RP

[Slugnut]

Vaquero, was is the velocity of your loadings vs factory ? Also, have you ever tried the Speer 170gr. Hot Core bullets ? My Marlin 336 (30/30) doesn't like them, but my Henry loves them. Maybe it's MG rifling and the Henry is Ballard.

[Shakey Jake]

Pretty close with either one there. Handloading is cheaper for sure.
Jake