Or I can load FTX 160 grain bullets and LeverRevolution for 2389 FPS, and have 2100 FPS for reliable bullet expansion at 225 yards. That load is very adequate for deer at 100 yards. I can spend a really pleasant afternoon at the range, ringing gongs and making holes in paper for just a few bucks. Figure a nickle for powder and 3+ cents for a primer, and I'm shooting for under two bits per round. Mostly, I shoot GC cast 175 grain bullets that cost me $.15 each, at 1900 FPS. With a little work, the trigger became crisp and easy. So what do you get for your coin? The rifle is light and handy. They were priced to provide an alternative for those who couldn't afford the $169.95 for a lever action. My basic question is, how much fun can I have for how little money? It's a different approach, and it leads to different paths of action.Īs I understand it, the Savage 340 and relatives were designed to sell for $99.95 at Western Auto and similar outlets. I completely understand, and have no quarrel with your viewpoint. I have a hard time warming up to cheap rifles of any vintage

For a fun, cheap day at the range, it's hard to beat. I have some cheaper 140 grainers that I want to try some day, maybe with Trail Boss. Fun to shoot, mild, but plenty for deer to 100 yards. You may have to grind more or less off to ensure that cartridges reliably fit.Ĭast lead? Heck yes!! I do 175 grain GC at 1900 FPS with 29.5 grains of Varget, and no visible leading. After that, partial FL sizing for the neck. Since the die body is tapered, grinding off the bottom creates a partial small base die. This produces a funny looking little stubby die, just barely long enough to hang out the bottom of your press. Grind about 1/8' off the bottom, and chamfer the edges. The answer to that problem is to buy just the body of a 30-30 die from Lee for just a few bucks. New brass fits fine, and commercial ammo fits fine, but range brass does not, even if FL sized. The chamber on mine is tighter than SAAMI specification. Or you could load 130 grain straight sided bullets, which would be great for the younger set. Put some LeveRevolution behind them for a surprisingly long effective range. I suppose you could whack 1/8' off the length of the neck and be OK, but a better solution is 160 grain FTX bullets.

It is true that with regular pointy bullets, the ogive is down in the neck of the case.

Disassembly 340 savage