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30 Nosler velocity vs. Freebore questions

Joined
Feb 3, 2024
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17
Location
WASHINGTON

Maverick021485

New member

I've done the best research I can about the 30 Nolser and which reamer to use for the Berger 215s. Consensus is a .200"-.205" reamer to hit the 3100 node. So here's what I have and what my questions are. Being as the SAAMI reamer has .110" fb, would I gain anything at this point by throating the chamber another .090"?

Rifle is a Weatherby Mk V, 27" Bartlein #3 1-8 twist, SAAMI chamber reamer was used.

Load data is ADG brass, F215, H1000 81.5gr (not compressed at all) 214gr Hammer Hunter, COAL 3.592"(.020" off jamb), 3163 fps. This is just below max pressure without showing and signs of pressure.
 
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If you are above or below the standard 26" barrel length, how are you going to stay/find this 3100fps node?
I have never designed, chose a barrel length because of a node.

You could get a throating reamer and advance the throat until you find something worthwhile, or you could just run it in giving you .200" freebore and work with that.
Personally, all my own reamers in 30 cal run .240" for 210/215/230's in a pinch. All will work somewhere in that length without worrying about a particular node, which I do not believe occurs across all barrel lengths anyway.

Cheers.
 

Maverick021485

New member

I've done the best research I can about the 30 Nolser and which reamer to use for the Berger 215s. Consensus is a .200"-.205" reamer to hit the 3100 node. So here's what I have and what my questions are. Being as the SAAMI reamer has .110" fb, would I gain anything at this point by throating the chamber another .090"?

Rifle is a Weatherby Mk V, 27" Bartlein #3 1-8 twist, SAAMI chamber reamer was used.

Load data is ADG brass, F215, H1000 81.5gr (not compressed at all) 214gr Hammer Hunter, COAL 3.592", 3163 fps. This is just below max pressure without showing and signs of pressure.
I currently run a 30 Nosler and have since 2015. My current set up is:

82.1 Grains RTMBO - at 2990 fps with a 210 ablr - I can go faster and hit 3158 in ladder testing and just started to see pressure signs. I have a SAMMI minus chamber - very tight to ensure brass is held to minus tolerances - the most accurate node <.35 MOA is at 2990
Chmbr freebore .190
ADG Brass
26" 9.25 twist bbl
COAL to lands 2.922
COAL to OGV 2.909

Yes you would gain some case capacity and ability to completely use your full magazine length. I have not done the math however I would recommend you choose your Freebore carefully to ensure you have 90+ percent of your bearing surface in contact with the throat of your brass.
 

Maverick021485

New member

Being as the SAAMI reamer has .110" fb, would I gain anything at this point by throating the chamber another .090"?
Yes, case capacity to put more powder in the case…because you'll move your bullet out .090.

My 30 Nosler reamer has a .225 freebore. I run 83ish grains of h1000 w/ 215 hybrid and 22" barrel at 2900. There is another node at 85ish grains but it shoots and hits stuff so hard where it is, I didn't fool with tuning the next node up…figured my brass would just last longer.
 
If you are above or below the standard 26" barrel length, how are you going to stay/find this 3100fps node?
I have never designed, chose a barrel length because of a node.

You could get a throating reamer and advance the throat until you find something worthwhile, or you could just run it in giving you .200" freebore and work with that.
Personally, all my own reamers in 30 cal run .240" for 210/215/230's in a pinch. All will work somewhere in that length without worrying about a particular node, which I do not believe occurs across all barrel lengths anyway.

Cheers.
I'm not necessarily trying to stay or find that 3100fps node, that's just seems to be the goal for most everyone with a 30N and 215gr. Yes I want to keep my velocity at 3100 or above if at all possible. The ladder test from 77-82gr produced a sub .75moa. Might get worse or better, I'm aware of that. I wouldn't be able to take advantage of anything longer than .200"fb do to mag length unfortunately.

During the ladder test velocity peaked at 3163fps at 81.5gr. At 82gr velocity dropped to 3117fps and ejector mark was very prominent and a slight swipe (82gr. Still had plenty of room for powder in the case). The loss of velocity leads me to believe not all the powder is burning. Which leads to my question am I leaving velocity on the table by using the SAAMI reamer even though I started to loose velocity with more powder already?

I don't intend to throat the chamber out at this point unless I was to get another 200fps out it 😂😂. This is merely for my own knowledge and understanding.
 
I currently run a 30 Nosler and have since 2015. My current set up is:

82.1 Grains RTMBO - at 2990 fps with a 210 ablr - I can go faster and hit 3158 in ladder testing and just started to see pressure signs. I have a SAMMI minus chamber - very tight to ensure brass is held to minus tolerances - the most accurate node <.35 MOA is at 2990
Chmbr freebore .190
ADG Brass
26" 9.25 twist bbl
COAL to lands 2.922
COAL to OGV 2.909

Yes you would gain some case capacity and ability to completely use your full magazine length. I have not done the math however I would recommend you choose your Freebore carefully to ensure you have 90+ percent of your bearing surface in contact with the throat of your brass.
This video might help you determine your goal.

 
I'm not necessarily trying to stay or find that 3100fps node, that's just seems to be the goal for most everyone with a 30N and 215gr. Yes I want to keep my velocity at 3100 or above if at all possible. The ladder test from 77-82gr produced a sub .75moa. Might get worse or better, I'm aware of that. I wouldn't be able to take advantage of anything longer than .200"fb do to mag length unfortunately.

During the ladder test velocity peaked at 3163fps at 81.5gr. At 82gr velocity dropped to 3117fps and ejector mark was very prominent and a slight swipe (82gr. Still had plenty of room for powder in the case). The loss of velocity leads me to believe not all the powder is burning. Which leads to my question am I leaving velocity on the table by using the SAAMI reamer even though I started to loose velocity with more powder already?

I don't intend to throat the chamber out at this point unless I was to get another 200fps out it 😂😂. This is merely for my own knowledge and understanding.
The 30 Nosler is a complete handloaders round as you know. The factory specs leave folks a bit wanting due to freebore
This video might help you determine your goal.


Why did you think I was asking for a solution?

I have been running that load for 3 years now in the new bbl and I am good and not looking for coaching on this particular discussion
 
Yes, case capacity to put more powder in the case…because you'll move your bullet out .090.

My 30 Nosler reamer has a .225 freebore. I run 83ish grains of h1000 w/ 215 hybrid and 22" barrel at 2900. There is another node at 85ish grains but it shoots and hits stuff so hard where it is, I didn't fool with tuning the next node up…figured my brass would just last longer.
What other powders have you tried? No doubt a 215 will hammer at 2900 but wondering what is left on the table?

My next build is looking like it's going to be a 22" chambered in 30 nos. I would like a chamber that can send a 215 at 3000fps
 

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