Loading for a Savage 170 Pump 30/30

[PJgunner]

I have to agree with Rocky on this one. I'm notorious for loading hot ammo where it's appropriate, but the 30-30 is not one of those times.

I have a Winchester Model 54 chambered to the 30-30 which has a 24" barrel. This rifle with modifications became the famous Pre-64 Winchester Model 70. Now this rifle is much stronger than any lever action or pump action rifle, and I won't try for a 2600 FPS load even in that extremely strong rifle.

The problem wil not be your rifle, but the brass. No rifle is any stronger than the cartridge case sitting in it's chamber. The brass for a 30-30 is quite thin. If the brass lets go, then the rifle could also let go.

Ken Waters, in his great book PET LOADS also used a Winchester Model 54 to see just how far he could go with the 30-30. Results were extremely disappointing and brass life extremely short. I suggest you find a copy and either buy it or borrow it, if someone will allow you to do that, and read what Mr. Waters said about hot loading a 30-30.

I believe your rifle also has a tube magazine like the lever actions, so if you wanted to use spitzer type bullets, you's still be restricted to one in the magazine and one up the spout. I can't help you much on loads with jacketed bullets as all my 30-30 rifles shoot cast lead. Not only is my ammo less expensive, but they can be loaded to full powder and kill deer just fine.
Paul B.