carry loads for G-30 (3.78" barrel)?

General Firearms Terminal Ballistic Information
1

I am in the process of selecting a carry load for my G-30. I have on hand several boxes of 230 Ranger Ts (standard pressure RA45T). After doing research on this and other forums, I see this load has the propensity to fail to expand unless velocity approaches/exceeds 900 FPS, and performance in denim tests are questionable as well. I do not own a chronograph, but I suspect approaching reliable velocity range with the RA45T may be hopeful at best in my 3.78” barrel. I would prefer to stick with 230 grain loadings if possible, but not opposed to 200gr if performance /expansion is more consistent, or +p loads in either weight. I do notice that DocGKR’s recommended loads in the sticky above are dominated by 230 grain loadings. Does anyone have any suggestions on consistently good performing loads out of this barrel length i should try?

2

Only some lots of 230 gr RA45T have terminal performance issues. 230 gr HST initially had some problems, but seems to work perfectly now.

3

According to a conversation I had with Paul Nowak, Senior Technical Specialist at Olin-Winchester, the RA45TP had a modest terminal performance edge on the RA45T. That conversation is not recent, and the situation may have changed. However, the additional “jolt” of the +P load might compensate a bit for the shorter barrel length of the G30 and may give more reliable expansion, but I can’t say for sure as I have no data to back up the speculation.

4

+1 on Doc’s recommendation for the HSTs. Here’s a couple of good sources for them:

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=P45HST2

http://www.kylesgunshop.com/store.php?seller=KylesGunshop&navt1=51733

5

Thanks Doc, Joe & Khanrad…I appreciate the help! I will definitely give the HSTs a try as well.

Quick question on the HSTs, would the +P version HST be recommended in my barrel length, provided controllability/shoot-ability were equal between the two loadings?

thanks again!

6

Nope.

7

Doc do you mean that +p offers nothing over standard pressure in the g30’s short barrel. Or offers nothing at all in any barrel length?