After my disappointing attempt to mount a scope on my Winchester M94 AE rifle, I decided to use my 30-30 T/C Super 14 barrel to deer hunt. I have a 2x EER scope mounted on that barrel which cures the "old man" eyes I was having with the open sights on the M94 Winchester - hence the scope mount attempt.

Trying to get the T/C 30-30 barrel dialed in was proving challenging with the MP 312-150-HP bullets I had cast. Using LeveRevolution  powder, I was getting 12" groups at 50 yards. That was certainly poor performance and the deer season opening day was drawing near. Today I made another attempt with the same bullet using IMR-3031 powder. Group size was not small enough to trust a well placed shot out to 60 yards. Pass on that 30-30 system.

I had also cast some bullets for the 38-55 T/C with a Bullberry barrel. Fortunately my beautiful wife purchased that 14" barrel for me as a Christmas gift the year before Bullberry closed its doors. I have an older Leopold 4x EER scope mounted on it. Using a N.O.E. SC379-235-HP mold, I ran off some HP bullets in Lyman #2 alloy. After sizing them to .376" for the Bullberry barrel at .375", I decided to try and use Shooters World MP Black propellant as well as IMR-3031 for the test loads.

I fired two IMR-3031 loads on the target at 58 yards and got a pretty good group about 2" low. For giggles, I then fired two cartridges with the 33 grain (by weight) MP Black load. DANG! They printed at Point-Of-Aim with a 2" group. There was less recoil than the IMR-3031 loads (expected) but certainly enough velocity to get the job done. I don't know the actual velocity yet but I sure am going to use this rig for the season.

After firing the cartridges, I noticed the bore was immaculate, unlike all the residue left from the IMR-3031. The cartridge cases were bright and shiny like new ones. This is very impressive performance with Shooters World MP Black and the N.O.E. bullet. By the way, I used the Starline 2.125" (long) 38-55 cases.

Here is a shot of the cases after firing. The cruddy ones are IMR-3031 and the shiny ones are MP Black.

The T/C Rig

I am very happy with this Bullberry barrel and its performance with the N.O.E. 379-235-HP bullet and especially the performance of the combination with Shooters World MP Black propellant.

Have a spooky Halloween and a fantastic hunting season this year. Be safe! And DON"T shoot any women walking across a field like that dope did on Sept 21 in Delaware. Good Lord.

 

 

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.