Preparing for new RG

pepperpete · Post by **pepperpete** » 27 Jul 2015 17:22

I have finally ordered my Rio Grande in 30/30 Win in SS to match my '92. I would like to start to get a few things together like dies and bullet molds etc. But I was also wondering if I should be prepared for some of the more common "fix" items. Are there any "must do" fixes that will need to be done and will I need to replace the magazine follower or springs that seem part of the deal with getting my '92 up and running? If there are I can order them before the new rifle arrives.
Thanks for your ideas in advance.
Pete

akuser47 · Post by **akuser47** » 27 Jul 2015 21:25

Mainly flush her n lube her n shot her then report your findings. The break cleaner flush is what I always recommend first. Keep us posted.

pepperpete · Post by **pepperpete** » 31 Jul 2015 06:50

Preparation is half the fun. So, while I'm waiting for the RG to arrive I thought that I might start to build up my projectile stocks and start casting for the new RG 30-30. I am getting a 150gr Lee 309-150-F mold but was wondering if I should get the .308 or the .309 version of the sizer and gas check die. As many of you shoot your own cast bullets can you tell me what your experiences have been? Does the Rio Grande have a preference for one or the other. My experience with the .357 "92 was that a slightly over sized .359 bullet shot better than the .358. Is this the case for the 30-30 as well or will it be "shoot and see".
Thanks in advance.
Pete

Ohio3Wheels · Post by **Ohio3Wheels** » 31 Jul 2015 17:27

I can't speak to the 30/30 (one cartridge I don't have a gun for) but I've found that with cast bullets in just about all of the calibers I load them in and the rifle I shoot them in that a thousand or so over groove seem to shoot best. Some even fatter than that. My current project is to see how the Wizard 45-70 shoot bullets at .460 as cast. Want to see before I buy a sizer, may want to go to .459.

Make smoke,

Post by **Ranch Dog** » 01 Aug 2015 06:57

Ohio3Wheels wrote:My current project is to see how the Wizard 45-70 shoot bullets at .460 as cast. Want to see before I buy a sizer, may want to go to .459.

The cartridge OAL was significantly reduced when I tried a .460 bullet in both my RG and W. Even .459 affected the length more than I would have expected.

Ohio3Wheels · Post by **Ohio3Wheels** » 01 Aug 2015 14:42

Know what you mean. Right now I'm using the lee 457405 cast from 20-1 alloy. It drops out at .460. I lubed these with homemade SPG to try with black powder. That bullet seated to the crimping grove engaged the rifling so tight that I had to use a rod to push the dummy round out. The loads I've made up just barely engage the rifling and don't need force to load and eject with the Wizard's usual vigor. Hope to find some range time this week want to run these and some other loads over the screens so need dry. Prefer week days at the range when I use the chronograph as less busy.

Make smoke,

Post by **Centaur 1** » 02 Aug 2015 10:54

The Lee 150 grain bullet shoots horribly in my RG. I would recommend you wait before buying a sizing die. My barrel has a groove diameter that's over .310", I size my cast bullets to .3125". The bore isn't the smoothest in the world, the chatter marks lead up pretty fast if the bullets aren't sized properly.

pepperpete · Post by **pepperpete** » 05 Aug 2015 03:37

Centaur 1 wrote:The Lee 150 grain bullet shoots horribly in my RG. I would recommend you wait before buying a sizing die. My barrel has a groove diameter that's over .310", I size my cast bullets to .3125". The bore isn't the smoothest in the world, the chatter marks lead up pretty fast if the bullets aren't sized properly.

Shoots horribly... chatter marks... what? Happy to work on firearm to fix mechanical problems but rifling problems have me worried now. Will have to check new RG thoroughly before take delivery.

Doc_Floyd · Post by **Doc_Floyd** » 19 Oct 2015 07:11

I have a RG in 45-70 which did not easily go into battery. One gunsmith said "Send it back!" I disassembled it and polished all parts with a wire brush mounted on my work-bench - then lubed it thoroughly and racked it 1000 times. I repeated that process until I had racked the bolt 4000 times, regularly disassembling it down to the frame every 1000 cycles. Now is it as smooth as glass. I replaced the sights with Skinner sights and it is a very compact and powerful - as well as reliable - weapon (it is my bear gun I taken on trips).

Post by **Ranch Dog** » 19 Oct 2015 15:27

Doc_Floyd wrote:I have a RG in 45-70 which did not easily go into battery. One gunsmith said "Send it back!" I disassembled it and polished all parts with a wire brush mounted on my work-bench - then lubed it thoroughly and racked it 1000 times. I repeated that process until I had racked the bolt 4000 times, regularly disassembling it down to the frame every 1000 cycles. Now is it as smooth as glass. I replaced the sights with Skinner sights and it is a very compact and powerful - as well as reliable - weapon (it is my bear gun I taken on trips).

You stuck with it and did good! Have you settled on ammo yet?

Rossi Rifleman

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